More Than Tea: Herbal Tea Workshops as Transformative Experiences

Las Mujeres de la Tierra

Written by Osmaira Hernandez

May, 2026 

Medicinal plants are part of an extraordinary body of knowledge that, for generations, has been safeguarded primarily by women around the world. Through observation, attentive listening, and a deep connection with their environment, many women learned to understand and share the language of healing that lives within nature.

For decades, humanity’s close relationship with nature allowed this knowledge to flourish organically. In the past, “ir al monte” - an expression commonly used to describe entering natural areas- was not considered extraordinary; it was simply part of everyday life. People would go in search of firewood, water, food, or work, and within those daily journeys emerged opportunities to observe, experiment, and learn from plants.

Perhaps it was curiosity. Perhaps necessity. Or maybe both together that led many women to explore different herbs, recognize their effects, and pass that wisdom down through generations. Interestingly, even today, many people still refer to these practices as “remedies” rather than medicine, as though what comes directly from the earth holds less legitimacy than a pill. Yet behind every infusion, ointment, or herbal blend lies a long history of observation, experience, and, above all, collective care.

The Experience

The medicinal herbal tea workshop was created as an invitation to reconnect not only with ancestral knowledge, but also with ourselves. Beyond learning about herbs or preparing teas, the experience encourages participants to pause, clear their minds from the constant stimulation of daily life, and listen to their bodies, senses, and emotions.

Everything begins with something simple: looking. Observing the ingredients, their colors, their shapes, and whatever naturally draws our attention. Then comes smell, allowing us to identify aromas that awaken memories, sensations, or curiosity. Finally, tasting. Giving the body enough time to recognize whether something resonates with us or not.

It is an experience that requires openness, patience, and intention.

Mujeres de la Tierra

This space also represents much more for the Mujeres de la Tierra who facilitate these workshops. Each session becomes an opportunity to strengthen skills, discover new capacities, and create economic opportunities. From organizing and designing the space, to speaking in front of a group, explaining processes, and becoming recognized as knowledge holders, the women develop tools that strengthen their autonomy and confidence.

In addition, these experiences allow them to explore commercial and negotiation skills: understanding the value of their time, recognizing the work involved in preparing each workshop, and building fair pricing for what they offer. Behind every workshop are hours of preparation, coordination, care, and presence.

A Shared Exchange

The medicinal herbal tea workshop is one of the experiences we enjoy most because it clearly represents what a true win-win exchange can look like. It is not merely an economic transaction, but a space where participants can connect with a different worldview, engaging with nature from a sensitive, intimate, and even mystical place.

At the same time, for the Mujeres de la Tierra, these workshops are spaces where their knowledge is recognized, shared, and valued.

Watch a reel about a recent workshop here.

Looking Ahead

Since the very first time we proposed this experience, we have facilitated more than eight workshops in different formats and versions. Each one has been unique, but all of them have left something meaningful in those who participated.

Today, we are excited to imagine the next stage of this project. For the upcoming season, we aim to establish the workshop as a recurring experience and adapt it to commemorative dates, such as the special edition recently held in celebration of Earth Day.

We are also working on designing a catalog of new community-based experiences that will allow different groups of people to engage with these forms of knowledge while continuing to strengthen the local economy and generate income for the Mujeres de la Tierra and other key community collaborators.

Because in the end, sharing this knowledge is also a way of regenerating our watershed,  not only through the land and the plants, but also through the stories, relationships, and women who keep these living traditions alive.

If you would like to support Las Mujeres de la Tierra with their important work creating a safe space for women in the community, retaining ancestral knowledge, and equipping them to become future community leaders, you can make a donation by following this link.