elc team
By Sofia Triantou
Whether it’s a cup of lavender at night, a cool lemon balm in the afternoon, chamomile for calm, or linden before bedtime, these simple choices bring balance to our daily rhythm.
The return from summer holidays is, for many, a moment of mixed emotions. On the one hand, we carry with us the beautiful images of the sea or the mountains, the feeling of freedom, the joy of carefree companionship that feels almost childlike. On the other hand, we are faced once again with early mornings, piled-up tasks, and a pace that seems more demanding than it actually is. It’s not uncommon to feel a touch of melancholy, as we resist letting go of summer. It is, I would say, a special transitional phase that needs its own time until we find our balance again.
In these days, small things can help us settle back into the flow of everyday life. A walk, a good book, and a cup of herbal tea that fosters calm. Herbs are not just infusions, they are a simple aid that has accompanied us since long ago and still holds a place in modern life.
Lavender is one of the Mediterranean’s most beloved plants. Its fragrance fills a space with serenity and is often used to accompany sleep. We can enjoy lavender as a warm drink in the evening, but also place it in small sachets inside drawers or under the pillow. After the holidays, when body and mind need to find their rhythm again, lavender helps the day come to a more peaceful close.
Lemon balm, also known as melissochorto, has been known for centuries. In tradition it was called the “herb of joy”-and not without reason. A cup of lemon balm, warm or cool, can become a small moment of relaxation, ideal for the afternoon or the end of a working day. Its gentle lemony scent brings a feeling of freshness and can help us let go of worry or the tension of the day. Without weighing down the body, lemon balm becomes a simple choice for those who wish to care for themselves in a natural way.
Chamomile is perhaps the most familiar herb for Greeks. We grew up with its warm aroma, offered to us by wise grandmothers and mothers in moments of tiredness or weakness. Chamomile accompanies bedtime, soothes the stomach, and conveys a sense of sweet care. After the holidays, a cup of chamomile can warm our feelings and remind us of the value of simple things.
Linden, or tilio, is also deeply connected with Greek and European tradition. In villages it was brewed after journeys or after days full of work and mental fatigue. Its fragrance is mild and sweet, making it ideal for evening hours. A cup of linden tea before sleep can become a small habit that calms and helps the body prepare for rest.
Beyond the properties we recognize in each herb, there is another element that makes them special: the process of preparing them. Boiling water, choosing the plant, waiting a few minutes for it to release its aroma. This simple act, in itself, helps us pause and offer ourselves the natural, relaxing fragrances of herbs. It is a personal moment of care and calm that we often forget in the rush of the day.
Post-holiday melancholy is natural but temporary. However surprising it feels, it passes. What remains in our hands is to find ways to ease the transition. Herbs, with their simplicity and their long-standing presence in our lives, can become small breaths within everyday life. A cup of lavender at the end of the day, a refreshing lemon balm in the afternoon, a chamomile for relaxation, or some linden before sleep are simple choices that make a difference in our daily rhythm.
Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. Often, it is hidden in these small, everyday steps. And so, the return to reality becomes smoother and sweeter.
