When I think about the month of Shevat, the first thing that comes to mind is water. Not only is the zodiac the water bearer (Aquarius), but also the Torah Portions that we read during this month have lots to say about water (splitting of water, begging for water, bitter water, Miriam and water, water coming out of a rock etc.). In the Jewish tradition, water is connected to Torah. Just as we cannot physically live without water, spiritually we cannot live without the Torah.

This month, we think about what gives us strength, courage and resilience. The mineral rich tea that my friend Lauren Samuels and I have created is meant to calm our anxiety and invigorate us. It has Nettles, Oatstraw, Horsetail, Fennel and Hawthorn Berry. 

Nettles

Nettles,rich in iron, silica and potassium,nourish our blood. Externally she is hot and dry, but internally she is cooling and moistening. Unfortunately, Nettles get a bad rap in Judaism. They are used to describe places that are chaotic and destructive. And you know what, if nettles are not treated correctly, she can do just that! This month, we celebrate all plant life (Tu B’Shevat- the. new year for trees). It is an opportunity for us to get to know plants that may appear one way on the surface but reveal an oasis of healing deep down.

Is there a place in your life that deserves more attention to uncover its beauty?

Oatstraw

Oatstraw feeds the Nervous System. She calms anxiety and brings back our life force when it gets depleted. She is used for depression, insomnia and stress and also helps us break additions. This month we read the Parshas that tell the story of our Exodus from Egypt, which was not easy. The Jewish people were addicted to living in a slave like mentality. Thank G!d for Oatstraw. She helps us to let go of our destructive patterns and rebuild our strength! 

What destructive patterns are holding you back from moving forward?

Horsetail 

An herb of Saturn, Horsetail builds up minerals to strengthen our bones! She nourishes our blood by adding silica and calcium to it, aiding movement and circulation. She also strengthens hair, skin and nails. She grows straight up and looks like a staff which connects nicely to this month. The word שבט, Sh'vaht, is related to the Hebrew word for tribe, שבט shay'vet, which also translates to scepter, a classic Jewish symbol of leadership.

What gives you a sense of confidence?

Fennel

A favorite of the Rambam, Fennel works wonders for our digestive system.  She is an antispasmodic, expels mucus and gas and increases lactation. She moistens our organ of the month, the esophagus, allowing for smooth and easy digestion. What better way to give our digestive tract some loving than by including a sprinkle of lady fennel into our tea blend!  The word for Egypt in Hebrew is Mitzrayim, which literally translates to a narrow place. The esophagus is that very narrow place that eventually leads to the stomach. Without moisture, our food struggles to reach our stomach. Similarly without feeling supported, loved, cared for etc, it can be hard to move from a narrow place into a wider one. Our psyches/minds/spirits need just as much moistening as our esophagus. And once it is nice and soft, we can go and go and go.

What are ways you can moisten your psyche so that you can move from a narrow place to a wider one?

Hawthorne Berry 

Hawthorn is a heart centered circulatory tonic that regulates blood pressure and cholesterol. The letter of this month is the Tzaddi, also known as the Tzaddik, which translates to a human being who emulates G!d’s righteousness. In Psalms (92:13) we read, "A righteous man will flourish like a date palm...in the courtyards of our G-d they will flourish." Here is the connection between our letter of the month and the holiday of the month, the New Year of Trees. Why do we see this connection between the tzaddik and the tree? Well, in actuality the tzaddik is more like an upside-down tree! As a tree has roots in the earth, they have roots in the heavens (psalm 92:13).

Name one time this month when you acted from a place of holiness. How did it feel?