How To Make Tea

Taking time for tea is an important daily ritual at the Apothecary.  Learning to make loose leaf tea is a magickal process requiring us to slow down and invite time in as a friend to share a cuppa.

Bring fresh, cold water to a boil in your kettle on the stove, over a fire or with the sheer force of your fiery will.  Once the water has boiled pour some in your teapot and swirl it about to warm the pot up before you put your loose tea in it.  This will help keep your tea warmer for a longer period.  (It also makes me feel very grown-up and responsible - who knew it was so easy?)

For most loose leaf teas the measurement is one teaspoon to one cup of water.  In later posts we’ll discuss medicinal dosages, but for daily teas a teaspoon per cup should do.  Let the tea steep in the pot for at least 15 to 20 minutes if it is an herbal tea. For most black, green, and white teas you only want to steep them for 3-5 minutes, otherwise they will get bitter.

Enjoy your tea with company, alone or somewhere between.  The joy of tea comes not only from its taste and the ways it supports our beautiful bodies, spirits, and minds, but also from its scent, color, and warmth.  Learn to experience tea just as you would a good book, conversation, compelling dream or vision – it honors the spirit of the tea you are drinking and enlivens your spirit, too.