Autumn in your teacup.
Here in South Africa, the sun is much slower to peep through my window. The mornings are darker and decidedly nippier than a month ago! It gets a little harder to rise in time for that early morning aqua session with every new dawn that breaks. Some trees have yellowing leaves; others turn to ruby red, rusty orange, and deep auburn. The view from my bedroom allows me to feast my eyes on a majestic Oak tree sporting all those Autumn colours in technicolour! The roses are desperately hanging on to their last blooms for the season, and most other plants are preparing to go into resting mode. Humans start to turn inwards, too, hauling out those woolly socks and fluffy winter gowns.
Autumn is preparation time for the cold winter days, which will surely follow. Life is about seasons, and each season has its reason…don’t roll your eyes at me…it’s true and not all bad! But let me not get too philosophical on you. The fact is to get that summer – ‘jump in my step’ in the mornings takes quite a bit more effort, so I have devised a plan to help me get there – lean in and rely more on our SENSES!
Let me explain:
Our brain is this mighty organ that keeps us going throughout our lives. In fact, our brain, after all, sets us apart from all other living things on earth. But our brain is nothing without our SENSES, feeding it with information constantly, from inside and outside (the environment) of our bodies. The brain cleverly processes that information into commands for our bodies to react to.
So, when things dull down during those cold and dark wintery days, we need to call up those SENSES of ours and really go ‘all-out’ to stimulate them more and send stronger messages to our brains to get that summer – ‘jump in our step’ and seize the day!
For example:
When you wake up in the morning, still dark out there, don those thick socks and wrap yourself up tightly in your favourite woolly gown. Having attended to the TOUCH sense, waking up all those feel-good buttons under your skin, you are now ready to go to the kitchen and switch on that kettle.
On your way to the kitchen, drop those earphones in your ears (HEAR), go to Spotify and, play your favourite song,…and dance your way there! My favourite tune is usually something upbeat like “itsy bitsy, teeny weeny, yellow polka-dot bikini.” Did you know that moving in rhythm (SENSE OF MOVEMENT) is the quickest way of lifting the mood?
The kettle is boiling, and now it is time to wake up that nose (SMELL) by taking out your Burst Botanicals – the pomegranate kernels, hibiscus edible flowers and cranberry rounds – and pair them with your choice of tea, into a BB tossit teabag. SMELL the beautiful aroma of your “pick-me-up-tea” – and go to that favourite memory it sparks in your brain.
See (EYES) the beautiful autumn colours of the hibiscus flowers and pomegranate kernels – the deep velvety reds, dusty pinks, auburns, and oranges- and feel the joy they bring. It warms the heart, without a doubt! And already you feel lighter!
Now, pour the hot water into your pretty teacup, dip your teabag in and let it draw. Feast your eyes, smell the aroma and now – for the ‘piece de resistance’ – sip that surprise (TASTE) and feel the warmth running up and down your body. This is how you get that summer- ‘jump in your step’ on a cold, dark, wintery day!
Voilà! You have attended to all six senses before breakfast, and the typical autumn or winter day poses no threat! A bonus is all the vitamins you get to boost your immune system.
Burst Botanicals has many options to make a surprisingly healthy, beautiful, and heartwarming cup of tea every morning – especially when you need that extra ‘oomph’ to grab the day.
DID YOU KNOW?
Hibiscus flowers
- Hibiscus flowers are rich in Vitamins A, C and E and minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium. These are crucial in boosting the immune system and fighting off infections.
- They contain a powerful source of antioxidants that help protect against cell damage and can reduce inflammation.
- Regular consumption of hibiscus tea has been shown to help lower blood pressure in people with mild hypertension.
- Hibiscus flowers have been used to treat digestive issues like constipation, diarrhoea, and irritable bowel syndrome.
- The antioxidants and flavonoids in hibiscus flowers may help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with conditions like arthritis.
- Some studies suggest that hibiscus may help reduce LDL (harmful) cholesterol levels and improve overall cardiovascular health.
- Hibiscus flowers have been shown to exhibit antiviral and antibacterial properties, making them useful in treating wounds and infections.
- They have been used to treat menstrual cramps, heavy bleeding, and other symptoms associated with PMS.
- It may even help protect against certain types of cancers thanks to the antioxidants and flavonoids contained in hibiscus flowers.
Pomegranates
- They are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, too.
- Pomegranate kernels support digestive health and reduce inflammation.
- It supports heart health and exercise performance.
- Pomegranate oil or extracts in skincare products promote skin elasticity and protect against sun damage.
- Nourish your hair with pomegranate oil or masks to enhance shine, strength, and colour.
- Add BB pomegranate kernels to your salads, sauces, and marinades to enhance your cooking and add flavour and good nutrition.
So here are multiple reasons for you to add Burst Botanicals dehydrated Hibiscus edible flowers and Pomegranate kernels, together with Cranberry – for example – to your tea, salads, desserts, sauces, marinades, cold beverages, and so much more.
Disclaimer: Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any new supplements or herbal remedies, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
Author – Elma Vertue
#sipthesurprise #vegan #plantbased #cleanlabel #forthewholefamily