Recipe: Sun In My Bones Tea
A decoction to build resilience and connection.
Hey relative! For the month of December, I am trying out a new publishing format. On Monday I will send out a new essay along with a note on what I am listening to, reading, and creating. There will be an additional Friday post for paid subscribers to include either an embodiment practice or a recipe. If you have questions or feedback, I’d love to hear from you. Thanks!
I recently listened to a podcast with Veda Austin, a water researcher and artist who creates remarkable crystallographic photographs detailing the life of water. Her primary focus in photographing water is during its process of creation: the threshold between liquid and ice form. There was so much about the episode that resonates with my own research in Chinese medicine, and Black Ecofeminism. Of course, as a photographer, I love that her work with water is so intimately coupled with imagery and storytelling. Reflecting on her body of work, Austin writes:
“Water is the rebel element, it won't conform to the laws of physics or gravity and it can't be killed. Without it, there is no life. It reincarnates for all to see and science tells us it came to Earth from outer space. Rebellious, nonconformist, eternal and alien.....just look at the power we are filled with.”
While we inch slowly towards the ‘return’ of the sun; more light, and more warmth, there is always space to honor the power of the Water Phase and the stillness of winter. This week’s recipe, a medicinal tea that utilizes a decoction method, does that just.
This remedy is one that always reminds me of the warm sun—the color alone has both depth and radiance. Water is the essential connector here, enabling the chief ingredients to meld with the assisting components. Through the process of decoction, the water absorbs the essence and memory of the herbs, and by drinking the tea we receive their gifts. There are four main players in this recipe: turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and bee pollen. Energetically, this combination can support immunity, promote circulation, relieve digestive upset, and warm the body.
To download a recording of this practice, and have access to additional resources in The Praxis Library, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Sun In My Bones Tea:
Ingredients:
2 cups of water
1 small knob of Turmeric (sliced)
1 small knob of Ginger (sliced)
1 cinnamon stick
2 tsp Bee pollen
1/2 tsp Black peppercorns
1-2 lemon wedges to taste
Honey to taste
Directions:
Decoct (boil) the turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and peppercorns on the stove for 15-20 minutes. Strain the decoction into a vessel and let it cool for 5 minutes.
While the tea is cooking, add the turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and black peppercorns to a container and store in the freezer for a future broth. Alternatively, you can add the aforementioned items to your compost bin.
Add the bee pollen to the decoction and stir to dissolve.
Taste test first, then add lemon and honey to your liking.
Store any remaining tea in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pour tea in a pan and let it simmer on low heat to your desired temperature.
Next week I am taking a break for the New Year and will be back to publishing the second week in January. I wish you and your many blessings!
Pairs well with: On Water as Source is the interview with Veda Austin, mentioned above. For the Wild podcast has such an extraordinary anthology of episodes, and this is one of my favorites.