Potions and mixtures can be a large part of a person's’ magic craft. However, potions can be also complicated and take a lot of energy to do. There are other ways to perform potions without having to find countless ingredients or follow complex rules. My favourite way to incorporate potions into my magic practise is to make tea! I’m British so I have grown up drinking tea regularly since I was about two. Tea and herbal infusions can be made from any combination of plants, spices and herbs. Please remember to be careful if you are collecting your own plants and herbs, as it is very easy to pick non-edible plants by mistake. To avoid this, you can use tea infusions from shops, or use fresh herbs bought from shops.
Whilst tea has wonderful metaphysical properties and associations, there is also scientific evidence to suggest that tea can be very beneficial to our physical health. As I am not a nutritionist, I won’t talk about these physical benefits here, but it is something to bear in mind when choosing which teas will suit you. Similarly, herbal infusions also contain the physical beneficial properties of the respective herbs, fruits or spices that they contain.
Please be careful about consuming certain teas if you have health problems. Black and green tea both contain fairly high amounts of caffeine which can raise your heart rate and blood pressure. Substitute for decaf or white tea. They also contain tanins which affect the absorption of iron and other vitamins and minerals. So leave time between taking your supplements and drinking tea. Some herbal teas are made with herbs which can interact with medications, such as valerian which interacts with sedatives. If you are concerned about any of these things, speak to your health care professional.
…and their magical connotations
Black tea: Black tea is made from the oxidised leaves of the tea plant, giving it a black colour and rich flavour. Black tea includes tea types such as assam and darjeeling. It is associated with the earth element and winter, and so can be used to represent both of these things in spells and potions. From these two associations, black tea can also represent strength, stability and banishment. It is a good addition to dark and new moon magic.
Green tea: Green tea is made from the unoxidised leaves of the tea plant. Green tea is a popular way to drink tea, and often comes mixed with other plants and herbs. Green tea is associated with the fire element and summer. As such, its other associations include passion, healing, sexuality,love, productivity and cleansing.
Oolong tea: Oolong tea is a type of black tea, made from oxidised tea leaves which have been semi-fermented. It is a traditional Chinese tea. It is associated with the water element and the autumn season. It’s secondary associations include reflection, meditation, intellect and serenity.
White tea: White tea is made from the white blossoms of the tea plant and as such it has a delicate and fragrant taste. It is associated with the air element and spring. It also represents happiness, the moon, purification, protection, clarity and new beginnings.
Herbal teas: herbal teas have the physical benefits and magical associations of the herbs, plants, fruits and/or spices that they have been made with. I will include a few below, but check out other associations too!
Chamomile tea: soothing, relaxing, a mood booster (good for period pain)
Mint tea: cleansing, purifying, refreshing (good for digestion)
Lemon tea: energising, motivating, optimism
Ginger tea: warming, protecting, contentment, soothing (good for sore throats)
Cinnamon tea: warming, boosts confidence, increases power and strength
Rose tea: love, friendship, family, self-love, relaxing
Lavender tea: relaxing, soothing, calming
Valerian tea: a mild sedative, and relaxant, good for bedtime (don’t use if taking sedatives or anti-depressants)
Using teas in a magical way can also be extended to other types of drinks. For instance, warm drinks such as coffee and hot chocolate, or cool drinks such as smoothies, or infused waters.
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