I know there quite a few fellow tea enthusiasts here in the forum, so I thought I might share two new tea blends I got from a spice trader (Auntie Arwen’s) at the ren faire. One is a herbal healing blend and the other is a fruity brew.
I tried a cup of the anxiety blend and found it tasty and relaxing. Haven’t tried the peach passion yet, but maybe I’ll brew a cup for an equinox tea time later today
I’ve been looking into cinnamon lately (just another rabbit hole in the endless warren in my mind) and came across the debate about cassia vs. ceylon. I’ve heard they’re different and some believe they have different properties, but what most caught my attention is that they have different health benefits. Or rather, one type of cinnamon is apparently more dangerous to consume (in certain amounts) than another.
Cassia contains approximately 250 times more coumarin than Ceylon, a compound that can damage the liver in high amounts, making Ceylon the safer choice for regular consumption or supplementation. From Healthline: Ceylon vs Cassia Cinnamon
The spice trader had both varieties, so I splurged and got the more expensive (and supposedly healthier) type: ceylon cinnamon.
Excited to put it to use! It smells and tastes a little different, but it sounds like it can otherwise be used as a 1-to-1 substitute for cassia cinnamon.
If anyone uses ceylon cinnamon and has any special tips or notes about using it in spells or cooking, I’d love to hear them
Looking forward to what you find there! I think one of the big differences is the fact that cassia is less expensive. So that dollar one you got from Wally World? Probably Cassia.
I know the feeling! I went down another rabbit hole and found this a few minutes ago! The only things I don’t have are the tulsi leaves and the butterfly pea flowers. Thanks to Amazon I will have them tomorrow. I’m going to make this for the group ritual on Thursday (after my doctor’s appointment). I printed it out and taped to the inside of my cupboard.
You are absolutely right; an adult shouldn’t consume more than half a teaspoon to a full teaspoon of Cassia cinnamon per day. Since that’s actually quite a lot—and I only ever sprinkle a tiny amount on my porridge—I do still use it. But switching to Ceylon cinnamon is certainly healthier. You can always use the cheaper Cassia cinnamon for spells where the cinnamon isn’t ingested.
Since both types of cinnamon were extremely rare and very expensive in the Middle Ages, they are associated with money, prosperity, and success. Much like the precious resins frankincense and myrrh, cinnamon was traditionally used only at Christmas to enhance baked goods.
In magical practice, I would use both types of cinnamon for the same purposes: attracting good fortune and prosperity, and—due to its fiery elemental nature—accelerating spells and imbuing them with greater power.
Please also exercise caution if you use nutmeg or keep whole nutmegs at home. It is toxic in large quantities and can cause nausea, a rapid heartbeat, and even hallucinations. Especially if there are small children or pets in the home, please always keep it securely sealed and out of reach. Swallowing just half a nutmeg can already be problematic.
From what I’ve been researching, it sounds like this is the case! I guess some places (like the EU) have put labeling rules in place so it’s clear what type of cinnamon one is buying. But other places (like the US) allow both cassia and ceylon to be labeled as just “cinnamon”. So when one is much cheaper than the other, well, we all know what’s going to happen
It’s a big shame since there are health concerns involved. Lately I’ve been on such a campaign about the importance of labeling things. Guess I’ll be adding the cinnamon secrecy issue to my soap box sermons
They’re both pretty tasty, thank you!
I don’t know a good substitute for taste/properties for Tulsi off the top of my head, but butterfly pea flowers are (usually) just there for the color! They don’t have much taste on their own. I’d say you can safely leave that one out if you don’t have it
Happy brewing, Ostara!
I’m a big supporter of shopping local when you can - I’m sure your local natural tea supplier will have some lovely blends to try! Good luck (and feel free to let us know if you discover any neat brews!)
You’re right, that doesn’t seem like a lot on paper. But when I think about all the autumn goodies I devour this time of year (cinnamon buns, pumpkin pies, coffeecakes, apple turnovers, etc) I think it can quickly become a teaspoon of cinnamon before we know it - and if it’s cassia (which it probably is), that’s not good for the liver!
Thank you for this note, Katharina! It’s helpful to hear that both can be used for the same magickal purposes. Definitely makes it easier, rather than having to remember two sets of cinnamon correspondences!
I know quite a few autumn recipes that use a blend of cinnamon and nutmeg (and allspices, cloves, etc). This is also good and important to be aware of. Thank you for adding this in!
Interesting teas. Glad you enjoyed the first one hoping the second is good to.
I think a good rule is everything in moderation. I love anything that is citrus from eating grapefruit (if you are on certain medications you cannot eat them), oranges, blood oranges, freshly squeezed orange juice with bits, homemade lemonade, orange and lemon ice lollies, lemon drizzle cake, tomatoes etc, As they are an acid they can cause acid reflux which I do get occasionally and have been on medication for it temporarily. I still each them but every other day to balance the acid. I am medication free.
My Husband told me that when he has visited the US he found that a lot of things had a large dusting of cinnamon much more than here so I can imagine it could build up the amount recommended and from the start of Autumn with Coffee Shops and grocery stores stocking more items you can buy or can be baked in the oven to bring a feeling of nostalgia and comfort then the levels of cinnamon, nutmeg and spices consumed can easily be exceeded.
I am the same I brought some crystals of a lady not fare from me from market place her and her mother were selling them as they went out of business that I don’t mind helping them and of course small businesses, and of course will let you know of any new brews from Australia.
Good luck - I hope you’re able to find some for your spice shelf!
I agree, and I think this is a smart idea to apply to both foods and to most things in life. A little bit of most things is okay, but too much of anything is, well, too much!
Yes. The US has a stereotype of overindulgence and, when I compare foods here to what I saw and ate in Europe and Asia, I’ve definitely found that to be the case too. We went out for ice creams the other day and ordered smalls - the scoop was bigger than my head! Not a single adult could finish the “small” serving. I think this practice of overindulgence is both wasteful and harmful to health. Especially when some of the ingredients carry additional health risks on their own (such as the cassia cinnamon).
It is one reason I try to make my own food and eat at home whenever I can. It gives me more control over what (and how much) I put in my body. And knowing more about each ingredient helps make healthier choices
That’s nice that you helped them and got some new crystals - sounds like a win-win to me!
I guess some places (like the EU) have put labeling rules in place so it’s clear what type of cinnamon one is buying. But other places (like the US) allow both cassia and ceylon to be labeled as just “cinnamon”. So when one is much cheaper than the other, well, we all know what’s going to happen 
