PMS Relief: Mood Lifting Rose Tea

When I went back to China for the Chinese New Year, my sister-in-law bought me a tea set with a candle that burns underneath the teapot to keep it warm. Perhaps because of my Chinese heritage, I have a life long love affair with my teas, and I like to take my time drinking it while writing a post or reading a book.

In the past, the tea often got cold before I could finish it. So this little tea set is a perfect companion for me. It keeps the tea warm and my heart smiling. I absolutely love it, and it’s inspired me to get creative with my daily tea rituals.

Today my energy and mood are sort of sleepy and mellow. After a busy week and a calming yoga class, I’m in the mood for some rose tea to elevate my mood, just a notch.

According to the Chinese, rose tea helps to stimulate the circulation of one’s life energy, known as Qi, and blood, as well as lift unhappy moods. It is especially beneficial for ladies who feel depressed or a little down, whether due to premenstrual syndromes or not.

Here’s how you can make it yourself. It’s incredibly simple.

You’ll need 6-9 rose buds. I got some really beautiful ones from Beijing Tong Ren Tang (a well-known brand for Chinese herbs) while in China. But I am sure you can find good quality rose buds at a local health food, specialty tea or herb store.

You’ll also need some honey. I bought my Busy Bee Organic Honey from Costco. Rose buds and Busy Bee, how can you go wrong with this perfect combination?

I put the rose buds into my teapot and simply pour in some freshly boiled water.

Then I add a generous tablespoonful of honey. It is beautiful to watch the golden honey dripping into the pot like a soothing waterfall.

Slowly stir the water in the pot until the honey blends in evenly with the rose water. To best maintain the nutritional integrity of honey, you may want to give it a few minutes for the water to cool down a little before pouring. You know the drill.

And walla! In a few minutes, I am ready to enjoy this fragrant, smooth and delightful rose tea. I pour it into my little espresso teacup, and take a small sip…

Mmm… the color, the smell, and the taste bring back the happy memory of a beautiful and relaxing spring day…

And I realize now, that that’s just what it is.

Life is good. It’s full of beauty and simple pleasures. And if we slow down, take a little time, and pay a little attention, it is right here, right now, accessible to us all. I feel very blessed…