So – a thing about herbs.
There is a groovy way to experience them, called ORGANOLEPTIC. (One of my favourite blow-it-out-the-window fancy words. Good for impressing the neighbours. Trust me on this.)
Essentially means – suck it and see. Experience for yourself.
Technically, “organoleptic” refers to the aspects of food, medications, or other substances that create an experience perceived by the senses—primarily taste, smell, sight, and touch. It describes the qualities of a substance that influence its flavour, colour, texture, and aroma, which contribute to the overall sensory experience and acceptability to consumers.
For example, an organoleptic analysis of a wine might assess its taste, aroma, and colour, all of which combine to influence the drinker’s perception and enjoyment of it.
This process uses your sense organs to take in information, rather than just your logic/data circuits.
Now this is v. cool, because there’s a huge amount of information available to your sense organs, which in modern day culture, we normally just don’t use. We don’t rate sense organs particularly highly.
But when it comes to herbs and all things herbal, organoleptic is the way to fly. You can become a DIY expert using this technique – and you already have all the knowledge you need.
If you think about it, this is the way that Cave People first learned things about herbs, before there were people in white coats, books or Auntie Google to ask.
Imagine the scene: Cave Person finds herb. Cave Person looks at herb. Picks, crushes between fingers. Sniffs. Inhales. What information can C.P. gather from visual and olfactory? Takes a tiny bite. Tastes. Waits a bit. How does this plant make C.P. feel? Does it cause illness? What is the impact, the experience created by this plant?
That’s all there was, back in the day. Just your sense organs, to gain information about the way a human being might be impacted by a plant.
And this still works.
It’s just that we don’t often utilise the vast and amazing amount of information brought to us by our own sense organs.
So, allow me to give you back trust in the power of your own intuition.
Take a herbal tea. (PLEASE NOTE – I AM ONLY SUGGESTING THAT YOU TRY THIS WITH SAFE, CULINARY OR TEA-TYPE HERBS. DON’T GET CRAZY OR WEIRD OR GO EATING THINGS THAT YOU’RE NOT SURE OF. PRETTY. PLEASE.)
Put the herbs into an infuser-type teapot, and pour recently-boiled water over them. (Not boiling water, as you will scorch the herbs. Let it cool for a minute or two first.) Ideally, use a clear glass teapot where you can see the water infusing into the herbs, because
- It’s meditative and relaxing to watch this happen, like a little mini spa-break and
- The visual aspect of the organoleptic process occurs as you watch the colour darken over time.
Take in as much information as you can during this process. Wait until the tea is dark enough.
How dark is dark enough? Well, I don’t know – what do you feel is the right moment to pour the tea and taste the result? You’re the expert here. Tap into that sense of certainty that is lingering down inside your subconscious.
Pour the tea. Inhale it. How would you describe the scent? Take a sip, making a slurping sound as you do so. This helps aerate the liquid and spread it across more taste receptors in the mouth. (Fancy tea tasters do it, so you can too! )
How does the tea make you feel? What are the immediate sensations? What thoughts occur inside your head? What associations? Memories? Do you feel more alert? More relaxed? Where do you feel the tea working in your body? (Tip – these sensations are subtle, so you’re going to have to pay close attention. This is why the process is mindful – it draws your attention into your own internal experience.)
Relax. Take a breath. Take another slurp.
You are having an organoleptic experience of this combination of herbs. It is your experience – and it is inarguable. No one can contradict you. Your own experience is a fact.
How does it feel, to be an expert?
What are you drinking today? Hit reply and let me know!
Hugs,
Shann.x
Shann Jones MBE
ps Curious about what our range of herbal teas can do for you? Fancy a cheeky discount? Go on then – treat yourself to the teapot as well!
