Auntie LaWanna’s Cup of Ease: A Gentle Herbal Tea to use during Weaning
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Auntie LaWanna, my first herbal teacher, lived in a beautiful lodge tucked away in the woods of Strasburg, Ohio, a beautiful place where the scent of herbs, essential oils and wisdom lingered in the air. She was a healer, an herbalist, and an aromatherapist who believed that nature always knows what we need if we take the time to listen. She taught me that healing isn’t just about remedies; it’s about honoring the rhythms of our bodies and trusting them to guide us through life’s transitions. She passed away several years ago at the youthful age of 96, looking for all the world as young as she did when I first met her so many years ago. She is still to this very day, the most loving, knowledgeable and wisest teacher I’ve ever had.
This tea recipe, Auntie LaWanna’s Cup of Ease, is her recipe, and it’s thoroughly inspired by her nurturing wisdom. It’s a blend meant to support your body as it gently slows milk production, while offering warmth, comfort, and balance as you move through this sacred shift.
Weaning is a release, a time of letting go but it’s also a celebration of the bond you’ve created and the new chapter waiting to unfold. These are the recipes I used as I was weaning my son. I hope that you’ll let this tea be your companion through that journey too.
Auntie LaWanna’s Cup of Ease Herbal Tea Blend
Ingredients:
2 tsp sage leaves (Salvia officinalis): A powerful ally for reducing milk production and balancing hormones. Sage gently dries excess milk while calming hormonal fluctuations.
1 tsp peppermint leaves (Mentha piperita): Cooling and soothing, peppermint gently signals the body to slow milk production and provides relief from engorgement.
1 tsp dried parsley (Petroselinum crispum): Traditionally used to dry up breast milk due to its diuretic and astringent properties, parsley supports your body’s natural transition.
1/2 tsp rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Warm and grounding, rosemary promotes circulation and gently supports milk suppression while uplifting the spirit.
1 small cinnamon stick (optional): Cinnamon adds warmth and comfort, making each sip a soothing ritual.
Instructions:
1. Boil 2 cups of water and pour it over the herbs.
2. Cover and let steep for 10-15 minutes to allow the herbs to fully infuse.
3. Strain and sip slowly, 1-2 cups per day, or as needed. Make this time sacred. Light a candle, sit somewhere peaceful, and let the warmth of the tea embrace you.
A Note of Guidance:
Sage and peppermint are powerful milk suppressors, so this tea is ideal when you’re ready to fully wean or if you’re experiencing discomfort from engorgement. Listen to your body, it knows when the time is right.
Additional Herbal Support:
Cabbage Leaves: An age-old remedy with powerful wisdom of its own. Place chilled cabbage leaves directly on your breasts to help reduce engorgement and naturally slow milk production. Change them when they become warm.
Peppermint Oil Massage: Combine 1 drop of peppermint essential oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil (such as olive or coconut oil). Gently massage your breasts to relieve discomfort and aid in slowing milk production. The peppermint cools and soothes, helping your body release what it no longer needs.
Epsom Salt Baths: Sink into a warm bath with Epsom salts to relieve tension, soothe your body, and help release excess fluid. The water carries more than just warmth, it helps the body just let go.
A Moment for Reflection:
Weaning is a time of transformation, and like all transformations, it comes with both grief and grace. The bond you created through nursing doesn’t disappear, it simply changes form, becoming part of the deep, loving connection you will carry with your child forever.
Take some quiet moments to honor yourself. Pour a cup of chamomile tea in the evening to quiet your heart, or simply sit in stillness and acknowledge the beauty of what you’ve created. You are entering a new chapter, and just like your body knows how to adjust, so does your heart.
Auntie LaWanna always said that healing is a dance between the body and soul. Trust the wisdom within you, and trust that nature is walking beside you, gently guiding you through.
With gratitude for natures gifts,
Beth
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and herbal purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.
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