Brewing Serenity: Welcoming Autumn with a Cup of Comfort

There's a definite shift in the air, isn't there? The mornings have a new crispness, the golden hour seems to glow just a little bit deeper, and the days are slowly, gently drawing inwards. Summer, with its boundless energy and long, sun-drenched evenings, is making way for the cosy introspection of autumn. For me, this transition is a beautiful invitation to slow down, turn inward, and prioritise self-care. And one of my favourite ways to do that? The simple, soul-soothing ritual of brewing a cup of herbal tea.

As the pace of life naturally decelerates with the season, the act of making tea becomes a form of mindfulness. For me it’s more than just a hot drink; it's a pause. It's the gentle rumble of the kettle, the fragrant steam that unfurls as the hot water hits the loose leaves, and the comforting warmth of a favourite mug cupped in my hands. It’s a small, quiet moment of peace in an often-hectic world. This time of year, my teapot is filled with a rotating cast of herbal heroes, each offering its own unique comfort.

Embracing Change: My Acceptance Candle Ritual

This autumn, I've also introduced another candle into my ritual: my 'Acceptance' candle. Its warm glow has become a quiet companion, a gentle reminder to embrace the natural shifts occurring around and within me.

Whether it’s accepting the shortening days and the changing colours of the leaves outside, or acknowledging the natural evolutions happening within my own body as I move through life's seasons, this candle symbolises a deep breath and a peaceful nod to what is. It's about finding grace in transitions, understanding that change is an inherent part of life's beautiful tapestry, and allowing myself to simply be in the present moment. Sometimes, I’ll light it alongside my evening tea, sitting in quiet contemplation.

Camomile: The Ultimate Soother

My absolute go-to for autumn evenings is classic camomile (Matricaria recutita). With its delicate, apple-like sweetness, it feels like a hug in a mug. It’s the perfect brew for unwinding after a long day, signalling to both mind and body that it’s time to rest.

My love for camomile doesn't stop at the teacup. One of my most cherished self-care practices is a camomile-infused bath. I’ll pop a couple of tea bags into the hot running water, light my favourite Rest candle, and just soak. The gentle, floral scent fills the air, creating a tranquil sanctuary that melts away tension and prepares me for a peaceful night's sleep. It is pure bliss.

My Other Loose-Leaf Loves

While camomile is my evening staple, my daytime teas are a little more varied. I adore using loose-leaf teas, watching the beautiful botanicals dance and expand in the infuser.

Hibiscus Tea: On a grey, overcast day, the vibrant, deep fuchsia of hibiscus tea is a welcome splash of colour. Its flavour is wonderfully tart and zesty, almost like cranberry. It’s a fantastic pick-me-up that feels both refreshing and warming.

Red Clover Tea: This is a much more subtle, gentle brew. The delicate pink blossoms of red clover create a mildly sweet and earthy tea. I drink this when I’m craving something nourishing and grounding, something that feels connected to the meadows and fields as they prepare for their winter slumber.

Dandelion Tea: made from the leaves or roots of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a wonderfully robust and earthy choice. It has a slightly bitter, toasty flavour that I find incredibly comforting. It feels cleansing and restorative, a perfect way to support my body as we head into the colder months.

For me, these herbal infusions are more than just beverages; they are small, tangible acts of kindness towards myself. They are a way to honour the changing season and to find warmth, comfort, and a moment of quiet reflection.

As we all settle into the beauty of autumn, I invite you to find your own simple rituals of comfort. Perhaps it's a cup of one of these teas, a walk amongst the falling leaves, or simply taking five minutes to enjoy the quiet. What are your favourite autumn self-care rituals or teas?