I don’t know where I’d be without hot beverages. They’re such an integral part of how I care for and connect with myself and others. The humble cuppa is more than just a drink – it’s a grounding ritual and a gentle reminder to return to the moment.
Many of my favourite functional hot drinks support mood, energy, and sleep. The rhythms of my days are, in many ways, shaped by what’s in my cup. Here are a few of my go-to blends, along with some healthful additions and mindful tea practices for stress relief that can be adapted to suit your needs.
1) Sip with intention
It’s easy to take care making a beautiful, functional tea blend – only to gulp it down while doing a dozen other things. When I can, I try to slow down and truly enjoy it – even just once or twice a day. A quiet pause after work, before the kids get home from school, is ideal.
This quote from mindfulness master Thich Nhat Hahn reminds us to connect with the fruits of our own labour and beyond: ‘Drinking a cup of tea is a pleasure we can give ourselves every day. […] When you lift your cup, you may like to breathe in the aroma. Looking deeply into your tea, you see that you are drinking fragrant plants that are the gift of Mother Earth. You see the labour of the tea pickers; you see the luscious fields and plantations in Sri Lanka, China, and Vietnam. You know that you are drinking a cloud; you are drinking the rain. The tea contains the whole universe.’
I want my moments of replenishment to have nourished the earth and others, too, so I go for transparent, ethical brands like Organic India, BioBalance, and Superfeast, who support a wider circle of wellbeing.
2) Brews for balance
Certain blends really help to sustain me through the day. BioBalance Cacao and Matcha are two of my staples – powerhouse superfoods I’ll tailor depending on my energy needs.
A mid-morning favourite is BioBalance Cacao with Lion’s Mane and Maca powder – grounding yet uplifting. For the mid-afternoon lull, I’ll make a BioBalance Matcha latte with marine collagen and tremella mushroom powder – energising yet calming, and a lovely support for skin hydration and my immune system.
And sometimes, simplicity wins: a pure, fragrant Love Tea French Earl Grey, fair trade and wild-crafted, is hard to beat.
3) Cuppa & connection
Our youngest, Leo (9), has started making herbal tea whenever someone in the family feels out of sorts. He carefully selects the blend he thinks suits the moment, and a steaming mug soon appears – a simple act of care.
I love that he’s discovered this mindful ritual for himself. We always keep our tea shelf stocked for his thoughtful experiments – especially Organic India Tulsi teas, a family favourite. Tulsi is a powerful adaptogen, and with so many variations, there’s one for every mood. Lately, I’ve been loving Tulsi Peppermint and Tulsi Masala Chai – both invigorating blends for shared catchups with friends, too.
These best herbal teas for family wellness make connecting over a cuppa even more meaningful.
4) Evening ritual
Once the kids are tucked up, I make a comforting carob and reishi blend for my partner and me, often adding ashwagandha for calm and a little nutmeg, cardamom, or vanilla. Reishi is deeply nourishing for the nervous system, and the ritual itself helps us unwind – a restorative close to the day that supports rest, immune wellness, and vitality.
When I want something lighter, Organic India Tulsi Sweet Rose makes a beautiful after-dinner or bedtime tea for deep sleep – soothing and inviting stillness.
Whatever your hot beverage of choice, here’s to filling our cups in every sense, and to supporting the rhythms of our own bodies and days in simple, accessible ways.
|