I’m sure you already know how to make tea. But in Hairadise, it’s not just about enjoying a hot beverage. Rather the ceremony surrounding it that can promote hair energy healing.
So when the Hair Huna revealed to me the purpose behind using tea as a part of my hair rituals, I knew that was her way of telling me it’s time to slow down.
In today’s letter from the island, I’ll show you how the simple act of making tea can offer a moment of nervous system regulation before touching your hair. Plus, reaping the benefits of both internal and external nourishment.
History of Tea as a Ceremony
Tea was discovered around 2700 B.C. as a part of the ancient Chinese civilization according to the National Library of Medicine.
Legend has it that Shen Nung, the second emperor of China, accidentally discovered it when a few leaves from a neighboring tree fell into his cup of boiling water while he was relaxing in his yard. Without realizing it, he took a sip, and thus the drinking tea habit took form.
From there, cultivation began and the first seeds were introduced to Japan around 800 A.D. The cultural practice of Chanoyu emerged from Zen ceremonies guided by four main principles: harmony (wa), respect (kei), purity (sei), tranquility (jaku).
Want to see how rituals like this made an impact around the globe? Check out Conde Nast’s article here.
Tea as Nervous System Support
Did you know that tea is one of three major nonalcoholic beverages consumed globally?
It has a number of health and nutritional compounds like tea polyphenols, theanine, caffeine, and catechins. Not only does it stimulate and calm the human brain and nervous system. But it is known to regulate mood, enhance cognitive function, and reduce oxidative stress.
It’s been said that there are beneficial effects on mental health as well, reducing inflammatory processes, regulating intracellular signaling pathways, and modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis according to the National Institute of Health.
And in Hairadise, the Hair Huna taught us to honor that deeply.
How To Make Tea (The Hair Huna Way)
1. Choose Your Herbs With Intention
Whether you are picking fresh herbal tea leaves from your own beauty garden or your newest find in your tea box. Choose whatever your energy draws you too. These are our top five.
2. Heat Your Water
Depending on the type you choose, bring your water to a boil. During this time you can invite mindfulness, do some light stretches, and listen.
3. Steep Slowly
Let’s say 4-5 minutes. Of course this depends on the herb. Cover to maintain the essence.
4. Strain & Serve
Pour gently over a strainer into your mug (you can skip this step if you use a steeper or bag).
5. Reflect Before the First Sip
Take a moment to ground yourself and connect.
The Benefits of Tea Rinses
Tea rinses for hair are full of antioxidants to support hair and scalp health. Not only are these easy ‘at-home’ treatments for any DIY lover, but they offer healing properties both inside and out. Depending on which type you prefer (green, black, or herbal) here’s some of the benefits you might expect to reap according to Byrdie’s article:
Rejuvenate dry hair with green tea. It’s a major source of vitamin b 5, a moisturizing agent, to keep strands hydrated.
Enhance hair color & shine naturally with black tea for darker strands, calendula for highlights, or even hibiscus for reds.
Heal scalp issues like dandruff or irritation. Use green tea for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Reduce shedding by stimulating follicles and promoting hair growth.
Make It A Hair Ritual
1. Steep Longer, Brew Stronger
2. Cool Completely
3. Apply After Cleansing
4. Let Sit, Then Rinse
Our Healing Hair Energy Ceremony
The Hair Huna knows that our hair is a living energy. And it responds to our environment and intention. Our ceremony isn’t just about drinking tea, or doing a hair rinse. It’s a ritual that signals communication. And creating safety within the body.
In Hairadise, we gather at the Tree House, in the garden- gathering tea leaves, immersing ourselves in nature while our elixir steeps in stillness.
As this letter comes to a close, I invite you to create your own tea ritual. It doesn’t have to be something overly complicated, it just has to be your own and intentional.
Until Next Time…