What I Drink in a Day for Gut and Nervous System Healing
Let’s be real: in my 20’s, “gut health” meant popping a probiotic and chugging coffee so I could poop before work. Cute, right? Except… not really. That routine left me bloated, anxious, and exhausted by 3PM.
Now in my 30’s, I finally get it: my body doesn’t need quick fixes, it needs rituals. And one of the simplest shifts I’ve made? Swapping out caffeine overload for daily tea rituals that actually support digestion, energy, and my nervous system from morning to night.
Here’s exactly what I drink, why it works, and the mistakes I learned the hard way (so you don’t have to).
Morning tea ritual for digestion and energy
I used to rely on coffee just to go to the bathroom. If I didn’t have it, I was… stuck (literally). That’s when I started experimenting with herbs that support digestion without wrecking my cortisol.
My morning blend:
Aged mandarin peel (chen pi): Helps with bloating, constipation, and that “ugh” crampy feeling.
Ginger: Warms up digestion and circulation. If you run cold, ginger is your bestie.
Goji berries: Add a little sweetness and antioxidant support.
Optional add-ons:
Fennel seeds if you’ve got cold hands, cold feet, or period cramps.
Swap fresh vs dried ginger depending on your cycle and whether you run hot.
I steep this for at least 15 minutes and drink it before breakfast. It’s not glamorous, but it works. And no — lemon water isn’t my thing (too sour first thing in the morning), but if that works for you, go for it.
Why I avoid ice-cold drinks (even in summer)
My mom always told me not to drink cold water. Did I listen? Of course not. Until my digestion tanked in my late 20’s and suddenly iced smoothies made me feel like I swallowed a brick.
Here’s the thing: your body has to warm up cold liquids to 37°C before digestion kicks in. If your digestion is already weak, this just adds more work. Ever since I ditched ice water and switched to warm or room-temp drinks, my bloating and bathroom struggles improved overnight.
Even in summer, I stick to warm teas or lukewarm water. Is it a little weird at first? Sure. But trust me — your gut will thank you.
Afternoon tea ritual to prevent the 3PM crash
Remember that 3PM slump where you’d stare blankly at your laptop and wonder if anyone would notice if you napped under your desk? Yeah, that was me in my 20’s.
Now my afternoons look different: I take a break, make tea, and (bonus) get some light movement in. That tiny ritual has done more for my energy than any oat milk latte ever did.
My afternoon blend:
Aged mandarin peel: Helps with digestion after lunch.
Burdock root: Cooling, acne-friendly, and perfect if you tend to run hot.
Goji berries: Gentle sweetness + eye support (because yes, we’re all staring at screens).
Rose petals: Calms stress and liver qi (aka your emotions).
Chrysanthemum: Great for heat, skin, and preventing those hormonal breakouts.
Honeysuckle (optional): If you run super hot or struggle with inflammation.
This tea feels floral, fragrant, and honestly kind of luxurious. The act of steeping it is just as grounding as drinking it. Bonus points if you step outside or stretch while it brews.
The tea mistake that wrecked my sleep
Let me roast myself for a second: I once saw a TikTok saying spearmint tea clears acne, so I drank it every night like it was holy water. My skin didn’t clear, but my digestion turned into an ice cube and I couldn’t sleep.
Here’s what I learned: herbs have energetics. Spearmint is cooling, which might be great if you run hot or it’s summer. But if your digestion is weak or you’re in luteal phase (when your body needs warmth), it can backfire.
Moral of the story? Just because something is trending doesn’t mean it’s good for your body all the time.
Evening tea ritual for rest and sleep
My evenings now are all about signaling to my body: “We’re done. Time to chill.” No blue light hacks or fancy gadgets — just a teapot and a few herbs.
My evening blend:
Aged mandarin peel: Still my MVP for digestion after dinner.
Burdock root: Cooling and supportive if I’m in ovulation phase.
Rose buds: Gentle, calming, and my favorite swap for chamomile.
If I’m running hot before bed, I’ll use chrysanthemum instead of mandarin peel. It’s about listening to what my body needs, not following one “perfect” formula.
Final thoughts
Tea isn’t just about the herbs — it’s about the ritual. Taking 10 minutes to steep, pour, and sip is my way of telling my nervous system, “You’re safe.”
If you’ve been riding the caffeine → crash → insomnia cycle, maybe it’s time to try something different. Not because tea is magic, but because your body deserves consistency and care.
Save this post if you want to try these blends, and share it with the friend who always complains about being tired at 3PM. And if you’re as obsessed with tea rituals as I am, you’ll love what I’m building next — a cycle-synced herbal tea brand designed for modern women. Stay tuned.