We all have our own unique way of being in the world: Are you cool or fiery? Breezy or dreamy? In the traditions of Western Herbalism, all living things have a unique expression of self, called an Energetic Balance. We all fall somewhere along a spectrum of hot to cold and damp to dry. Plants and people alike fall somewhere on this grid of four basic energetic types. The four types – hot/damp, hot/dry, cold/damp, cold/dry – correspond to the four seasons; Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, and to the four elements: Air, Fire, Water, Earth respectively. We use herbal energetics to talk about the actions of a herb in the body. Knowing your own energetic expression can help you align your energetics to those of the herbs you use, leading to a more synergistic experience.
The four energetic types are archetypes, meaning we all fall somewhere along each spectrum, and can be affected by many factors including environment, season, age, diet, and lifestyle, which could all lead to imbalance. If you are living in a different country than your home country or your ancestry, try to answer the questions as if you are in your country of origin, as this could influence your baseline energetics.
The apothecary at From Roots to Petals has created four energetically balanced tea blends to work alchemically with each of the energetic types, Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. This quiz will help you to identify your own energetic balance and guide you to the herbal blend ideal for you. Try to answer as truthfully as possible!
This quiz acts as a guide to help you understand your own energetics better, so take what resonates for you. There are many nuances to individual balance, so if you don’t feel connected to your result, have a look at the other energetically balanced herbal blends, as flavour preferences can also indicate your personal balance. Each blend can be used to restore balance or enjoyed synergistically in its own season, regardless of your type.
Take the Quiz!
Choose the answer that is true most often, keeping track of how many of each letter you’ve selected:
- How much energy do you usually have?
a. My energy is easily impacted by external influences
b. Loads, almost bursting at the seams
c. I prefer to take it easy
d. It can be hard for me to get going - How do you react in negative interactions?
a. I try to be chill at first but can sometimes become flustered
b. I react quickly to things and can be hot tempered
c. I take my time to process my reaction, sometimes appearing unaffected
d. I sometimes panic, freeze or shut down - How does your skin feel?
a. I often get flushed, hot and clammy (pits, palms, soles of feet)
b. My skin is usually warm and dry and can get itchy and red.
c. My skin feels neutral or cool to the touch and sometimes damp or dewy
d. I often feel cold and my skin is dry to the touch - How do your thoughts feel?
a. Like the first day of spring: full of new ideas
b. Like a fast-revving engine: burning with energy
c. Languid and dreamy
d. I slowly dwell on ideas and let them grow in their own time - What is your ideal vacation activity?
a. Visiting a beautiful nature park
b. A hiking or skiing trip in the Alps
c. Antiquing and sightseeing in Europe
d. Lounging in the Mediterranean sun - My ideal savoury snack is:
a. Salty and crunchy, like crisps
b. Fresh, crisp and cool, like fresh veggies
c. Warm and dry, like toast
d. Warming and comforting, like a bowl of soup - My preferred sweet snack is:
a. Fresh fruit or a smoothie
b. Ice cream
c. Cookies or biscuits
d. Warm fruit crumble - The flavours I usually gravitate towards are:
a. Fruity or floral
b. Zesty or minty
c. Earthy and fragrant
d. Vibrant spices - I prefer when the weather is:
a. Sunny but not too hot with a gentle, crisp breeze
b. Cool and misty
c. Warm, still, and dry
d. Tropical
Quiz Answers
Mostly A’s: Spring
If you chose mostly A’s, you are a Spring, which is aligned with the element of Air. You are likely social and energetic with a tendency to overexert. The Spring herbal blend is made with refreshing fruity and floral herbs that will help you relax and find balance.
Mostly B’s: Summer
If you chose mostly B’s, you are a Summer, which is aligned with the element of Fire. You are likely highly ambitious and charismatic with a fiery streak. The Summer herbal blend is made with cooling, refreshing herbs to balance your fire and find your chill.
Mostly C’s: Autumn
If you chose mostly C’s, you are an Autumn, which is aligned with the element of Water. You are likely dreamy, thoughtful and dependable. The Autumn herbal blend is made with vibrant warming herbs that will uplift your spirit and kindle your creativity.
Mostly D’s: Winter
If you chose mostly D’s, you are a Winter, which is aligned with the element of Earth. You are likely gentle and highly creative with a stubborn streak. The Winter herbal blend is made with warming and restorative herbs to help ignite your internal fire and nurture a sense of balance.
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