Stilling the Mind: Lavender, Lemon Balm, and Passionflower Herbal Tea Recipe
Achieving a state where the mind is free from restless thoughts, emotions, memories, and perceptions leads to clarity and fosters a sense of inner peace, allowing for a deeper understanding of ourselves and our surroundings.
There are various practices that aim at stilling the mind.
Meditiation
Mindfulness and Self-Study
Physical Postures (Asanas in Yoga)
Ethical Living
Breath Control
And, luckily, there are herbs that can help, too!
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Benefits: Lavender is renowned for its calming and relaxing properties. It helps reduce anxiety, stress, and insomnia. The scent of lavender alone can have a calming effect on the nervous system.
Uses: Often used in aromatherapy, teas, and as an essential oil to promote mental calmness and reduce stress.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Benefits: Lemon balm has been used for centuries to reduce anxiety, promote sleep, and improve mood. It acts as a mild sedative and can help alleviate feelings of restlessness and nervousness.
Uses: Commonly used in teas and extracts to promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety.
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
Benefits: Passionflower is highly effective in treating anxiety and insomnia. It helps increase levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which reduces brain activity and promotes relaxation.
Uses: Often used in teas, tinctures, and supplements for its calming and anxiety-reducing effects.
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon dried lavender flowers
1 teaspoon dried lemon balm leaves
1 teaspoon dried passionflower
Instructions:
Combine Herbs: Mix the dried herbs together in a bowl.
Boil Water: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
Steep: Place the herbal mixture in a teapot or infuser and pour the boiling water over the herbs.
Cover and Steep: Cover and let steep for 10-15 minutes to ensure a potent infusion. Infuse Lavender separately as it can taste bitter after 10-15 minutes.
Strain: Strain the herbs and pour the infusion into a cup.
Enjoy: Drink the infusion warm. You can add honey or lemon for additional flavor if desired.
Notes:
Dosage: Drink 1-2 cups of this infusion as needed to help calm the mind and promote relaxation.
