Summer season brings to mind frolicking in the sun, days at the beach, vacations, staycations, and…stress…? This year is bringing about more stress than usual if you are remotely paying attention to world events, and I for one am not finding my usual summertime easy cadence. I was just starting to acknowledge this fact to myself and consider if I needed to add some adaptogens or nervines to my daily herbal routine, when I happened to get an email from Traditional Medicinals asking if I would be interested in trying one of their teas, including one for stress. I happily agreed to the stress related one because that tea features skullcap, an herb that is somewhat hard to find in teas and supplements. Skullcap is one of those herbs that other plants can be mistaken for, so it tends to be avoided in formulations, but it has a somewhat unique traditional use as an herb that can calm repeating thoughts. It is a nervine that is generally used for calming purposes, and it can provide added support for those who tend to lie down at night and suddenly get hit with circular thoughts, or those who have OCD related patterns of thinking. (It’s obviously not a cure for anything and if circular or repeating thoughts is a problem for you, please talk to a medical professional about it.)
The tea with skullcap is Stress Ease Tension Relief and has other supportive herbs in it that combine in a pleasant, lightly minty taste. If you drink from a big mug like I tend to do, two tea bags at a time gives a stronger taste and more of a calming feel.
They sent me two other teas in their Stress Ease line which I wasn’t expecting but already I’m taking one of them, Stress Ease Focus, with me to work everyday. It’s a flavor profile I would not have normally bought for myself because I don’t like fruity teas and this one includes apple, but it does not taste fruity at all. It tastes lightly minty and pleasant and I really appreciate the ginseng in this formula for focus and non-caffeinated energy support. It’s actually the adaptogen I was considering adding to my routine before I received these teas so it seems the universe agreed that it’s just what I needed! I like two teabags of this Focus tea as well because my travel mug is large and a stronger taste suits me.
I have to say that I am really impressed with these teas. If you know their legendary herbal tea, Smooth Move, then you know how long this company has been around. When I worked at a natural foods store over 25 years ago, Smooth Move was our best selling tea by far, and I asked Traditional Medicinals if it is still a best selling tea and they confirmed that it is. I see that they now even have capsules of it as well as a couple of different blends, so if you have issues with occasional constipation, you probably already buy this tea, but if not, you might want to have it on hand. One nice thing about tea packets is you can slip a few into your luggage when traveling or stash them in your desk at work and they don’t take up too much room.
Another thing I like about these teas is that all the ingredients, at least in the teas that they sent me, are all certified organic. That is truly rare and is a testament to not only their values but also shows they are a reputable company that has been around a long time. When it comes to herbs, that really is something to keep in mind when making buying choices.
I’ll be leaning on these teas and other stress reduction techniques for the remainder of the summer and beyond. Honestly, in today’s world, it takes a lot to achieve a balanced sense of well-being so do what you can to prioritize finding yours. The world needs you.
Stay well and let me know if you try any Traditional Medicinals Teas.☀️🌿✨
Thank you for the information. I have used smooth move before, and had forgotten about it, so I’m glad to have that reminder! This stress teas sound very helpful and delightful so I’m glad to explore that option in the near future. I’m a big herbal tea fan so I’m always looking for additional teas to add to my arsenal!
I’m so glad you have had good experiences with their teas too! You should indeed check out their teas. They have a huge selection and I already see one, Tulsi and Ginger, that I am going to try next :).
I think this company was originally Rosemary Gladstar’s but she sold it. I could be wrong but I think so.
I made really great tincture with skullcap last month. I made it into a medicinal beer. That’s what I’m calling it. I already finished it off. It’s great: I combined with some hops and passionflower and it made for a very lovely, relaxing beverage in the late hot evenings 🤍
Be well, dear Kristen, the energies and the times are full of immense change. 🤗
Oh thank you for the history on the brand! I was not aware of that and just looked it up and it looks like that she indeed was a co-founder. That’s so cool!
Your medicinal beer sounds amazing! Great combination~ I bet that went down smooth and was quite relaxing💜✨. Isn’t creating with herbs just the best?! I’m so glad you have that particular joy in your life, especially during these times of chaotic energy and fact paced changes.🌿