Ingredients (Makes 2 servings)
2 cinnamon sticks (broken in half)
4 dried bay leaves (use culinary bay—Laurus nobilis)
2 tablespoons dried chamomile flowers (or 4 chamomile tea bags)
½ liter (2 cups) filtered water
1–2 tsp raw honey (optional, added after steeping)
Instructions
Simmer, don’t boil:
In a small saucepan, combine cinnamon, bay leaves, chamomile, and water.
Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat (small bubbles, not rolling boil).
Steep with intention:
Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes. This extracts oils and compounds without burning delicate herbs.
Strain & sweeten:
Pour through a fine-mesh strainer into mugs. Stir in honey only if desired (skip if managing blood sugar).
Sip mindfully:
Drink 30–45 minutes before bed, while practicing deep breathing or journaling.
💡 Tip: Double the batch and store cooled tea in a glass jar in the fridge for up to 2 days. Gently reheat—never microwave.
⚠️ Gentle Cautions (Because Self-Care Means Safety)
While natural, this infusion isn’t for everyone. Please:
✅ Use only culinary bay leaves (Laurus nobilis)—other varieties can be toxic.
🚫 Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding (bay leaf may stimulate uterine activity).
💊 Consult your doctor if you take blood thinners, diabetes meds, or sedatives (herbs can interact).
🌼 Patch-test first: Try a small sip to check for allergies (rare, but possible).
🍯 Limit to one cup nightly—more isn’t better.
🌙 Amplify the Calm: Pair with These Rituals
This infusion works best as part of a wind-down ecosystem:
Dim the lights 1 hour before bed (blue light disrupts melatonin)
Take a warm bath with Epsom salts (magnesium = muscle relaxation)
Practice 4-7-8 breathing: Inhale 4 sec, hold 7, exhale 8
Write down worries in a “brain dump” journal—then close the book
🌿 Ritual transforms remedy into renewal.
