In March I ran two blending workshops as part of the “Thrive 55” programme led by Oliver Pratt at the National Centre for Integrative Medicine in Bristol (NCIM). These days were based at the beautiful Ham Green House where NCIM is located, and offers people from busy Bristol organisations the chance to pause, and also to explore what health means to them and their organisation.
The blending was its usual chaotic fun. It is always nice to connect people with herbs as it evokes memories and stories, particulaly people’s connection to lavender and chamomile I find. In the workshops, I bring along samples of around 30 herbs and spices – all organic. We talk about aspects of wellbeing like good digestion or good sleep, I guide people toward helpful herbs, and they create their own unique blends of tea.
(Photo courtesy of Oliver Pratt).
Blending creativity
What I really love is when people go off-piste and randomly mix up any herbs they like. There is no right or wrong with blending – if it tastes nice and you like it, then that’s great. Of course, too much sage or valerian and it can also taste horrible!!!
I love it when people blend up teas for loved ones, and in the workshops the attendees can fill blank teabags to take home.
Can’t wait for a workshop?
There’ll be more workshops around Bristol and my home town of Dursley this year. But if you would like to get blending, here is a short course that takes you through all of the basics. You might wish to give it a go. “How to blend herbal teas” with Viv.