Reiki + Herbs for CreativiTEA

password: tealeaves

On a rainy Spring night in my studio I created this video to share a few more tools for cultivating a holistic and abundant life.

I demonstrated a basic Reiki attunement with you all to warm up more creative flow and ease into your being. I find that the once I have turned on the practice of Reiki, it’s something I have since always carried with me and can turn to whenever I need to.

The Five Reiki Principles: 

I - Just for today, I will not be angry.

II - Just for today, I will not worry.

III - Just for today, I will be grateful.

IV - Just for today, I will do my work honestly.

V- Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing.

Another suggestion for practicing Reiki is to speak these principles as you begin and bring your hands together in prayer position. If you feel especially connected to these principles you can also print them out or even hand letter them with the Aqua Brush.

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“After tea it's back to painting - a large poplar at dusk with a gathering storm.” 
- Gustav Klimt

CreativiTEA Blend that I share in the Video:

Gingko Biloba: is one of the oldest living trees in the world. The leaves of the tree are particularly known for its help with memory and help circulate blood flow to the brain.

Gotu Kola: is an herb that originates from the East and has been used for many centuries. Gotu kola is another brain herb, increasing mental abilities and concentration as well as easing anxiety.

Schisandra: a star herb in the world of Chinese medicine. Helps keep the mind and memory sharp, replenish kidney energy, cleanse the liver, and revitalize skin.

Hawthorn Berry: is used for treatment of the heart and circulation. Native American folklore suggests that it helps to open and strengthen the heart.

Nettle: is a rich source of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, including calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium.  It helps to sustain energy levels, along with providing support for health bones, teeth, skin, and hair. Nettle is also known for its alleviating effects on allergies or hay fever.

Holy Basil: known as Tulsi in India, it is a favorite adaptogenic herb that is revered in Ayurvedic medicine. Adaptogens help our bodies cope and deal with stress. It is also said to help with blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Some other favorites:

Lemon Balm: also known as Melissa, has been used since the Middle Ages to help relax and ease stress or anxiety. Fresh lemon balm can also be a refreshing supplement to a cool drink during warmer months.

Oat Straw: is a nutrient-rich herb that increases energy and provides nourishment for the organs. Oat straw is specifically known to help with teeth, bones, skin and hair.

Mugwort: is an herb that is known to enhance the dream world, allowing dreams to become more colorful. It has often been used in various spiritual rituals, such as to ward off evil spirits or energies. Mugwort is also said to also enhance one’s intuitive abilities.

Green tea: is rich in antioxidants, which help to ward off free radicals. I absolutely love to drink a cup of green tea pearls with jasmine right before I paint. It gives me a clean energetic feeling and focus with just enough caffeine to help stimulate my creative sensibilities.

Skullcap: has been used for hundreds of years and is known to promote a sense of calm and may help with anxiety or nervous tension. It also has antispasmodic qualities and may relieve muscle cramps.

To make a cup of tea:

Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herb per boiling cup of water. Let the herbs steep 5 – 10 minutes, and sweeten with honey if desired. You can use a tea ball or strainer as shown in the video to step the herbs. You can also add the herbs directly to a pot of boiling water, just immediately turn off the heat and add the herbs and strain from there. In that method you can make a lot of tea at once and sip through out the daily for nutritional sustenance. It’s a sweet experience to touch and handle the plant material, such as noticing the smell, color, and texture of each. I find it creates a more personal connection to making tea.

Buying online:

One of my favorite places to buy herbs online is Mountain Rose Herbs.

They also have essential oils and other goodies on there too. My favorite brand of essential oils however is Floracopeia. They make the most divinely smelling oils I have found but are not cheap. You can find some more affordable brands in your local area too, such as at a metaphysical bookstore or health food store. 

So try making a cup of tea next time before painting, then you can sip it as you work and keep the creative juices flowing.

Here's to creative abundance, naturally, with a little help from the Plant Queendom.