Teas: Among the First Medicines

Before tea time became as pastime, they were first celebrated as Medicines from Mother Earth. In fact, the spices that endured as staples in the kitchen are some of the most powerful earth medicines.  Microgreens are consentrated form of the food value of many edible plants.

Lemon Balm is my most recent discovery as a medicine that restores calm and peace of mind. I didn’t have the energy to plant a garden this year, though I may see my biggest harvest yet from a garden of herbs I planted one at a time in pots near my entrance. My no-garden garden is flourishing with basil, mint, dill, chives, green onions, and lemon balm, one tomato plant, and some flowers too – zinnias, petunias and marigolds. It’s been easy to tend in the few hours before the heat of the day.

 

At the New Moon and Full Moon the water table is raised in Earth. Maybe you’ve notice a few pounds of extra water weight. When the tides turn, water carries away what doesn’t serve and replenishes our Human supply of Living Water.

Thoughtful times are perfect occasions for a quiet cup of tea. When we consume tea for the Intention of Healing, the body is conscious of the blessing. My favorites this summer…

PARSLEY is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It can act as a natural diuretic, supporting kidney health and reducing fluid retention. It may also help with digestion, boost the immune system, and potentially offer anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.  Parsley retains its nutrition in its dried state, so even dried parsley can make a potent tea. Instead of just a garnish, I’m loading up salads and sandwiches with fresh parsley, like a proper vegetable.

CHAMOMILE doesn’t sound very exciting. It’s been around forever but I never realized any effect until I learned more about it. When we know what an herb can do, our mind shares the Intention for the body to know. Now when I drink Chamomile tea, the effects are noticeable. Chamomile tea offers several potential health benefits, including improved sleep, reduced anxiety, and digestive support. It contains compounds that may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, potentially contributing to these benefits.

MINT tea, particularly peppermint tea, offers several health benefits, including aiding digestion, relieving headaches and congestion, and potentially boosting energy and focus. It’s also known for its calming properties and potential to improve sleep quality. There’s a good reason we adopted the after-dinner mint. I’m loading up my ice tea with fresh peppermint and using it to wash down bites of fresh ginger root. The garden is some evidence of its positive effects on my energy.

BASIL offers various health benefits due to its rich content of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and essential oils. It can help with digestion, reduce inflammation, support heart health, and potentially protect against chronic diseases. Basil also exhibits antimicrobial properties and may aid in stress reduction and mental clarity. I’m not using it for tea, but with a fresh supply on hand I’m making Panzanella and Caprese salads several times a week. My favorite splurge is Bruschetta with fresh roasted tomatoes, basil, Italian spices, Parmesan and olive oil. Basil needs a big pot to take off so one plant will last all summer.

DILL is packed with flavonoids, which have been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Dill can reduce LDL cholesterol levels. Additionally, it is a good source of vitamins A and C, magnesium, calcium, and iron. Some studies suggest that dill is beneficial for reducing inflammation, countering stomach upset, preventing ulcers, reducing free radicals, and providing pain relief. Fresh dill is awesome in potato salad and mashed potatoes. It’s used with mint in tzatziki. I’m using it an easier way with yogurt and chopped cucumber with lemon and olive oil dressing mixed in as a cool side dish with spicy Indian foods.

LEMON BALM and CHAMOMILE – My medicine for today
The power of the two as one is bound to increase the effects of healing emotional stress. My first harvest of Lemon Balm will be added to some Chamomile tea I have on hand. Lemon balm offers a variety of potential health benefits, including stress and anxiety relief, improved sleep quality, and enhanced cognitive function. It can also aid in digestion, soothe skin irritations, and potentially help with cold sores.

ONE MORE AS A BONUS: Oat Water
Starting the day with Oat Water calms and prepares the digestive tract for optimum processing all day. Some are calling it “Oat-zempic” for its effect of reducing the appetite. This is the 3rd day I’m trying it, and it seems to bring peace to my insides and helps to make healthier choices. My big problem is sugar. When I’m tempted, I’m turning to hot tea to get me through it.

And lets not forget WATER! MULUC is a day to bless water everywhere. 

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: I’m not a doctor. The only warnings I saw were for those who take blood thinners or water reduction medicines. Dill was one to eat in moderation. Parsley is another, but it may be less of a risk since it’s used with such frequency. ASK YOUR DOCTOR. 

ANOTHER GIFT OF LOVE FROM MOTHER EARTH

This guy followed the mail-woman to my door. I was outside re-potting the Lemon Balm and he planted himself in the middle of it on my feet. He muscled himself into the front door 3 times when I went inside to get a dish for some water, then for a small offering of food. He’s small but heavy  – and beautiful. He was friendly when he came face to face with the cat. Someone has been feeding him well. I left a message at the shelter for anyone who has reported him missing. Since he’s still hanging around and hour later, I led him into the fenced backyard for potential recovery. He’s not wild, he follows quietly at my heels. A new mystery to figure out. Love is worth an investment of time. My cat is a full-time project, so I hope he makes it back home.

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THE TRECENA OF SUN/AHAU: APPLYING THE LIGHT TO LIFE
MAYAN CALENDAR DAYKEEPER’S JOURNAL
10 Offering/MULUC, Cherokee, The River/YUN’WI GUNNAHI’TA, Destiny Kin 49, Position 9
June 25, 2025, 06/25/2025

THE TRECENA OF SUN/AHAU: GUIDED BY THE BRIGHTEST LIGHT ABOVE

The Highlights, Peak Energies, and Times of Synchronicity for this trecena are included on the  13-Day Trecena Guide.

The “Tzolk’in Field Guide” is my gift to download that includes the Count of Days with the aspects for each Destiny Kin and highlights for a personal practice with each trecena. It’s designed as a companion for daily practice.

Visit the 13-Day Trecena Guide. to download a free copy. Volume 1 covers the first two seasons of the Tzolk’in, and Volume 2 covers the 3rd and 4th to the end of the Tzolk’in round.

1 Sun/AHAU is the 4th trecena of the first season of the Tzolk’in round, found in Volume 1. There’s something more to see when you discern the Truth for yourself.

Also see Daykeeper Resources for calculators and calendar links, and the Spiritual Tools page for ways to add to cause for a higher effect.

10 Offering/MULUC (Cherokee, The River/YUN’WI GUNNAHI’TA) – Day 10 of 13 of the 1 Sun/AHAU trecena

Descriptions by Ian Xel Lungold (12 Sun/AHAU), wisdom and Tzolk’in FREE CALCULATOR preserved on MayanMajix.com.

Galactic Tone 10: Manifestation. What were once intentions or ideas, hopes or fears become physically present with the energy of Ten. What is focused upon with attention and intention becomes real with Ten. Ten is a powerful energy that carries a great responsibility.

Offering/MULUC: Also known as the sign of water. Ceremonially, Maya use water as an offering in baptisms and purification. These ceremonies are done to bring about a collective strength, adaptability and harmony. In sincere appreciation, Offering people gladly give more than they ask for themselves. Offering persons are dynamic communicators with great intelligence making them excellent employers. Like a shaken vessel of water, Offering people regain equilibrium quickly. Also like a body of water, there may be deep undercurrents of emotion and hidden dangers. Others perceive these as hidden agendas in offering people and so extend them little trust and may even slap blame on them.

A GOOD DAY TO: Offer appreciation for all of creation.

Cherokee, The River/YUN’WI GUNNAHI’TA:  The River is symbolized by The Milky Way, the Gihli’Utsun’stanun’yi “Where the Dog Ran” to gather the souls for Heaven.  The River is the minion for Grandfather Moon.  Long Man is the personification of the River stretching from the mountains to the lowlands, speaking to those who can understand.  People of this sign find “sermons in the stones” and good in everything.  These souls march to a different drummer, driven by inner volcanic forces.  The River is the “Fountain of Life” and represents the fluid of the cosmos to fluids in the body, with the energy to clear all karmic debts, personally and on a mass level with fluidity and grace.  The Moon controls our fluid cycle, to clear and understand emotional issues.  When you take this step to clear the emotional body, then you are ready for transformational energies at the next level.  As humans, our actions are ruled by our emotions, the key is to understand the connection and honor the emotions.

[Text in italics was the primary source of inspiration for my journal. These are the sources that started my journey and they are the reference for interpretation each day. By providing the original text, I hope to offer a way to see what inspired my thoughts and by including all the aspects – allow for something more to inspire you. Mayan descriptions are those written by Ian Lungold. Cherokee descriptions came from multiple sources. Links to sources and other resources of study are offered on the Daykeeper Resources Page. ~Debra]