Celestial Brewing: Lunar & Solar Infusions
- Jillian Randel
- Jan 1
- 5 min read
Discover the Magic of Sun and Moon Teas
Brewing lunar and solar teas is a simple way to infuse a plant's energy into water and, eventually, into your being. Rather than the potency of strong herbal teas, they offer a gentle energy, a subtle vibration to help guide you back to balance.
Why brew solar and lunar teas?
Lunar and Solar teas are, above all else, a way to connect with nature. I generally make these during the warmer months, when I can step outside to pick flowers and herbs that are in bloom or ready to be harvested in the moment-though I have often used dried herbs to make these soul-enriching teas. The act slows me down, encouraging me to look around, observe nature, and be fully present. Approaching a plant, asking permission to harvest, and stopping to inhale its aroma—all these micro-acts ground me in the present moment.
Whether you live out in the country or in the middle of a city, you can enjoy the ritual of brewing sun and moon teas. You might find ingredients in a field by your house, or at a local farmer’s market or flower stand. Famed Herbalist Robin Rose Bennett lived in New York City for almost 30 years, leading plant walks and gathering plants from Central Park (harvesting from the middle to avoid pollution from cars).
Whether you have a beautiful spot in your yard or a windowsill in a fourth-floor apartment, you can still access the benefits of plant medicine. All you truly need is spring water, a glass jar, and some plant matter.
Foraging with Intention & Safety
If you are harvesting in the wild:
Follow the rules: Use 3 different field guides to identify any wild harvested plants. If you are not 100% sure what it is, don't pick it. Be sure you are not harvesting endangered or at-risk plants. United Plant Savers is a great resource for endangered native plant, fungi, and habitat information.
Location matters: Avoid harvesting within 50 feet of roadways to avoid exhaust pollution.
Ask permission: Take a moment to ask the plant before you harvest. Sit with it, listen, give thanks. The School of Forest Medicine has a great article on asking plant permission, as does the Matthew Wood Institute of Herbalism.
How to Brew Celestial Teas
While these are technically "infusions," they differ from your standard hot cup of tea. Because they lack the shock of boiling water, the extraction is slower and deeper. The result is a beverage that feels gentler and more energetically inspired.
What you need:
A glass jar (Mason jars work perfectly)
Natural spring water
Fresh or dried plant matter (Use the same proportions you would for a regular hot tea infusion). Click here for my blog on brewing teas, infusions, and decoctions.
1. Lunar Infusions (Moon Tea)
The Energy: Feminine, Water, Reflection.
The Method: Use an open-faced vessel, like a glass mixing bowl or a wide-mouth jar. Cover it with cheesecloth or a light muslin to keep insects out while allowing the moonlight to touch the water.
The Ritual: Leave your vessel in the direct path of moonlight to infuse overnight. Be sure to retrieve it and strain it in the morning before the sun gets too high in the sky.
2. Solar Infusions (Sun Tea)
The Energy: Masculine, Fire, Action.
The Method: Fill a glass jar with your herbs and spring water. Place a lid on top.
The Ritual: Place the jar in direct sunlight for the morning or afternoon. Let the heat of the sun slowly draw the properties out of the plants.
Fun Fact: This is the most environmentally friendly brew possible—zero electricity required. I’ve jokingly thought of calling this "Solar-Panel Tea," but "Sun Tea" sounds much more romantic!
Important: Storage & Safety
Once your tea is done infusing, you will want to refrigerate it if you aren't drinking it right away. Because the water never boils, microbes can multiply quickly in the water (they can multiply quickly even if the water has been boiled).
Drink within 48 hours.
Tip: Infuse moon tea the night before a full moon, strain it in the morning and turn it into an iced tea to enjoy throughout the day, or save it for an evening ritual that night.
Understanding the Energy
I am not a rule-follower by nature, but I find it fascinating to learn which herbs are traditionally viewed as Masculine or Feminine. It connects us to our herstory and our ancestors. You can choose your brew based on what energy you need to balance in your life right now.
Lunar (Moon) | Solar (Sun) |
Yin / Feminine | Yang / Masculine |
Cool / Dark | Warm / Light |
Calm / Earth | Energized / Heaven |
Listening / Receiving | Talking / Producing |
Feeling / Creativity | Thinking / Action |
Choosing Your Herbs
My favorite way to select herbs is to let them choose me! I go outside, find whatever looks especially beautiful, ask permission, and place it in my jar. I trust the earth to provide what I need energetically in each moment.
I also love the idea of knowing which herbs have been used to manifest solar and lunar energies throughout herstory-it connects us to our past, elder wisdom, and a sense of community. Below is a brief list of teas that correspond with each of the two energies.
Traditional Lunar Herbs (Cooling & Calming)
Lemon Balm, Chickweed, Passionflower, Peach, Blue Vervain, Jasmine, Mallow, Mugwort, Poppy, Lavender, Clary Sage.
Traditional Solar Herbs (Warming & Bright)
Chamomile, Juniper, Citrus (Lime, Orange, Tangerine), Pineapple, Rosemary, Sunflower, Camellia Sinensis, AKA the Tea plant (Black, Green, White, Oolong).
My Personal Favorites (Fresh from the Garden)
Anise Hyssop & Lemon Balm: A sweet, calming blend.
Holy Basil (Tulsi): Delightful either fresh or dried.
Rose & Mint: A classic heart-opening combination.
Thyme + Lemon Verbena: Earthy yet bright.
Whether you follow the rules or your intuition, the most important part of this process is connecting with nature. Consider discarding your leftover plant matter back into the earth or a compost pile. Think of it as a final offering—a quiet 'thank you' to the land that provided this medicine for you.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These recipes, methods, and resulting products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and are for educational purposes only.. The Undercover Witch LLC recommends that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
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