Have you ever thought that a simple cup of tea could be much more than just a beverage? In many cultures, the act of preparing and savoring tea is a ritual of connection with oneself, a necessary pause for both body and mind. And more than that: teas can open pathways — physical, emotional, and spiritual.
In this article, we’ll explore how different types of tea and herbal infusions can help you care for your health, reduce stress, boost energy, and awaken emotional memories. Grab your favorite cup and come discover the power that exists in every sip!
Tea or Infusion: Do You Know the Difference?
First things first, let’s clarify: true tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, which gives rise to varieties like green tea, black tea, white tea, yellow tea, and oolong. Each type differs by the degree of oxidation of the leaves, which influences flavor, aroma, and properties.
Herbal infusions — also called tisanes — are prepared with a variety of herbs, flowers, seeds, fruits, or roots. They don’t contain Camellia sinensis, but they have incredible benefits for body and mind.
Benefits of Teas and Infusions
- Calm anxiety: chamomile, lemon balm, and lavender
- Improve digestion: peppermint, fennel, lemon verbena
- Boost focus and energy: green tea, mate, ginger
- Strengthen immunity: turmeric, ginger, hibiscus
Each plant carries a liquid energy capable of balancing different aspects of our being. The secret is choosing the right herb for what you need in that moment.
The Tea Ritual: An Active Meditation
Preparing tea can be a true self-care ritual. Choosing the herbs, caring for the water temperature, waiting for the infusion time… all of this invites us to slow down.
Eloína Telho, a specialist in the art of teas, calls this moment active meditation. By focusing on the present, we leave the outside world on pause for a few moments. It’s an invitation to listen to our own body and embrace emotions with gentleness.
Teas That Awaken Memories and Emotions
More than a physical benefit, teas also awaken memories and emotions. Who doesn’t have an emotional memory connected to a tea prepared by a grandmother or mother?
Tea blender Dafne Jazmin, from Chá Azul, keeps alive the tradition of her family that has cultivated plants like Clitoria, Lemon Verbena, and Lemon Balm for generations. Beyond their relaxing and digestive effects, these plants carry an emotional legacy that connects us to the roots of our history.
Just like writer Marcel Proust, who by savoring tea with madeleines relived his childhood memories, each sip can be a portal to feelings stored in time.
Teas Around the World and the Value of Slow Tea
In different cultures, tea symbolizes gatherings, sharing, and introspection. In China, it’s part of an ancestral ritual. In England, the famous afternoon tea is an important social moment. In Brazil, yerba mate is a symbol of unity and energy.
Inspired by this cultural value, the Slow Tea Brasil movement proposes a more conscious relationship with tea, valuing sustainable production and ancestral knowledge, especially from indigenous peoples. The Brasil Mate project, for example, encourages organic and environmentally respectful yerba mate cultivation.
Tips for Conscious Consumption
- Prefer fresh and organic ingredients
- Avoid products with artificial flavorings or preservatives
- Choose biodegradable sachets or loose-leaf teas
- Grow herbs at home: a small pot of mint or lemon balm can be a great start!
Medicinal Teas: Natural Balance for Everyday Life
Teas are also great allies for taking care of health naturally. Agricultural engineer Carlos Alves Soares, author of the book “A Cura que Vem dos Chás” (The Healing That Comes from Teas), suggests a consumption routine aligned with the body’s rhythm:
- Morning: energizing teas like green tea, ginger, and mate
- After lunch: digestive infusions like peppermint or rosemary
- Afternoon: mildly stimulating teas like hibiscus or black tea
- Evening: calming options like chamomile or lemon balm
Important Consumption Notes
Even though they’re natural, teas should be consumed in moderation. Some plants have contraindications, especially for pregnant women, people with high blood pressure, or those taking medications. For specific therapeutic uses, consult a herbalist or specialist in Ayurveda or Traditional Chinese Medicine.
How to Create Your Tea Moment
How about transforming tea preparation into a self-care ritual? Here’s how to create this special habit:
- Choose a quiet and comfortable environment
- Select the herb or tea that meets your current need
- Heat water to the ideal temperature for the chosen plant
- Use a quality infuser or strainer to preserve flavor
- Enjoy slowly, feeling the aroma, temperature, and taste
This simple moment can be the pause you need to recharge your energy, care for yourself, and reflect on your day.
Conclusion
Now that you know the power of teas to open internal and external pathways, how about trying this experience in your routine? Choose a tea that resonates with what you need today: calm, energy, focus, or a warm hug for your heart.
If you enjoyed this content, share it with someone who also loves a good cup of tea. And to receive more wellness tips and healthy habits, keep following our blog. Your balance journey can start with a simple cup! 🍵🌿
