Have you ever noticed how good you feel after a walk in the park or a mountain camping trip? There is something about a summer fishing adventure that makes us relax and feel content. A day at the beach seems to renew the spirit. While enjoying a restful vacation at the lake I read an interesting article in an issue of Utne Reader. The article said that scientists have discovered that spending time in nature makes us feel good. It’s healthy to gaze at lovely blue summer sky, to experience the scent of a pine forest, and to listen to the sound of a waterfall or summer breeze rustling through the trees.
At a recent professional seminar that I attended on fibromyalgia, similar research was cited. It has been found that many simple, pleasant experiences can help to elevate our serotonin levels. (Serotonin is the brain chemical that makes us feel calm, happy, and balanced.) Things like sunshine, exercise, pleasant sensory stimuli and friendship can create favorable brain chemistry in the brain. Yes, it has been found that positive interactions with friends have a healthful effect on us. Intuitively, we have known this to be true all along. We are inclined to seek out the pleasant visions, lovely scents and relaxing sounds of nature. We like to make friends and engage in lively conversation and group activities. As we relish in an afternoon picnic, set out to cast the fishing line or plan an enchanted evening with our significant others we are doing a good thing for the body, mind and spirit.
So, a hike around the nature center or local park may be just the remedy for sadness or depression. Do it with a friend or two and the double the health benefits. The sunlight, the beautiful sights and sounds in nature and interaction with positive people can be just the remedy for melancholy, anxiety and stress. Why not plan a hiking or biking afternoon at a local trail? Watch the squirrels doing funny things that put a smile on your face. Share some laughter. (Laughter relaxes the muscles, balances the blood pressure, boosts the immune system and soothes away stress.) These activities will help you to combat the effects of the stress in your life. To spend some quality time with enlightened people is a wonderful way to spend a glorious late summer afternoon or evening. You may want to try the recipe for “Friendship Tea” below. This lively and refreshing blend is a wonderful beverage to share after jogging, roller-blading or kayaking. The ingredients for friendship tea are available at your local herb or health food store.
Dried lemon peel (organic please!) makes a wonderful tea ingredient. The natural abundance of vitamin C present in the lemon peel helps to nourish the body, while the lively citrus taste uplifts the emotions. In symbolic herbalism, the lemon stands for friendship. In fact, an old medieval custom was to place a slice of fresh lemon under a friend’s chair to guarantee longevity for the relationship.
Passionflower is a popular relaxation tea ingredient. When taken as tea, passionflower calms the emotions and brings about peace. It too is symbolic of friendship. Have you ever tried lavender flower in tea? Although you may not think of lavender for food or beverage, a tiny amount in an herbal blend lends a gentle, lovely flavor. And lavender induces peace, tranquility, and happiness. Use sparingly. A little bit of lavender goes a long way.
Refreshing peppermint is said to raise our level of vibration and has the ability to cleanse and purify. Peppermint tea is aromatherapy in a cup, its scent invigorating. For hot summer afternoon or evening refreshment, caffeine-free peppermint can help us to perk up and cool down. Spearmint is very lovely in teas as well. It’s a little sweeter and milder than it’s cousin, peppermint. Combined, these two mints create an invigorating scent and a delightful flavor.
Brew a pot of friendship tea to share around your campfire or at your back yard barbeque gathering. Take the time to enjoy what nature has to offer in late summer. Its sights, scents and sounds will make you feel good. Take pleasure in the company of people close to your heart. You can even create your own tea ceremony and include special intentions or perhaps a moment of meditation. It’s good for your health.
Friendship tea
A healthful herbal blend to brew and share
Combine in a glass jar or canister:
1/4 cup dried peppermint leaf
1 cup dried spearmint leaf
1 quarter cup dried organic
lemon peel
1/4 cup dried rose hips
1/4 cup dried passion
flower herb
Two level tablespoons dried lavender flower
Combine ingredients well prior to brewing. Use two teaspoons to 1 tablespoon of tea blend per cup of hot water. Steep for five to 10 minutes to suit personal taste. Serve hot or iced.
by Karen Stokes, RN