Today is International Tea Day — a gentle reminder of the beauty found in life’s simple rituals. Tea is more than a warm drink — it’s a way to pause, to breathe, and to nourish ourselves from the inside out.

As the weather cools down, the best way to warm up is from within. A cup of ginger tea or spicy chai can ignite the digestive fire, improve circulation, and bring a comforting sense of vitality on chilly days. Warming herbs like ginger are especially helpful as we prepare for the colder months.

As we move from late autumn into winter, nature calls us to slow down and turn inward. This is a time for rest, reflection, and gentle self-care. Sitting quietly with a cup of tea is one way to honour this seasonal shift — to warm ourselves from the inside out and support the deeper rhythms of rest and restoration.

One of my favourite teas for this season is a traditional Chinese blend of red dates, goji berries, and longan fruit. This deeply nourishing trio is known in Chinese medicine for calming the spirit, supporting digestion, and building blood and energy:

  • Red dates (da zao): Strengthen the Spleen and Stomach, nourish the blood, and offer a natural sweetness that supports emotional balance.

  • Goji berries (gou qi zi): Tonify the Liver and Kidneys, support the eyes, and help build vitality.

  • Longan fruit (long yan rou): Calm the Heart, nourish blood, and gently soothe anxiety or restlessness.

To make: simply steep a few red dates (pitted), a small handful of goji berries, and a couple of dried longan fruits in hot water for 10–15 minutes. Sip slowly, allowing the warmth and sweetness to settle your system and soothe your spirit.

And here’s a bonus: you can eat all the ingredients once you’ve finished your tea. They’re soft, sweet, and delicious — a little nourishing treat at the end of your cup.

This is more than tea — it’s medicine, mindfulness, and seasonal alignment in a cup.

Happy International Tea Day. May your tea today bring warmth, stillness, and nourishment — inside and out.

Your feedback and questions are always welcome so please leave a comment below.

For further information on Chinese Medicine contact Tania Grasseschi (Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, Qigong and Wholefood counselling). Tania is an AHPRA registered practitioner of Chinese Medicine located in Katoomba, NSW and lectured at the Endeavour College of Natural Health Sydney campus for 6 years.

The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. Remember that you are responsible for your own health and safety at all times.