Leaves and Flowers is a California-based tea company offering a unique selection of handcrafted botanical infusions and premium small batch teas. Founders Anna Morton and Emily Erb utilize locally grown botanicals to create their infusions, offering an experience that honors the beauty and lore of the plants.
In conjunction with the launch of Shiso Daydream, the tea blended exclusively for Shaina Mote by Leaves and Flowers, we caught up with co-founder Anna about the healing power of scent, the Balearic Islands, and the balancing effect of mung beans.
What shapes, textures, and palettes encompass the sensory details of your present self?
Spirals. Petals. Skin. Rocks that have absorbed the heat of the sun. The color Blue. The color Green.
What is something you have loved for a long time?
My piano
What is something you have recently rediscovered?
The healing power of scent, especially Rose
Please share the story behind a modern “talisman” you own — an object in your possession that you consider either a token of good luck or energy.
I recently endured a very deep loss, and in the process acquired a small bundle of lavender woven into a beautiful sachet that I wear on a string around my neck. The string is quite long, so the sachet hangs near my heart, and wafts the scent of Lavender all day long. Certain scents are deeply comforting to me, and energetically protective. It’s helpful to me to have them close at hand.
At what moments are you the truest version of yourself?
When I’m sleeping. After I swim in the ocean. When I’m with my sisters.
What landscapes or places in nature are most resonant? Where do you feel the deepest connection with the outdoors?
Lately I’ve been quite drawn to Spain and the Mediterranean. My grandfather is from Barcelona and I’m taking my first trip to the Balearic Islands quite soon. Apart from that, I am drawn to places near water. And the Southwest.
Can you share the story behind a meaningful garment you own — perhaps an heirloom, or something that feels weighted with a special significance?
My grandmother has given me some beautiful dresses over the years. One in particular that I love is a simple white linen summer dress that falls just below my knee. It came with a matching belt that you button in the back. When she gave it to me, she told me I had to wear the dress with the belt. Never without. But I like it better without. I always think of her when I wear the dress and feel timeless in its simple straight lines and modest cut.
Can you share more details on one act of “wellness” that brings you joy in its ritual — maybe a special tea, or a favorite walk, or another ritual that you use to come back to yourself?
I take lots of walks in the hills where I live or whatever place I am visiting. Whether it’s a new or known place, I like to collect the edible / medicinal herbs and flowers that I find as I’m walking. I bring them home and make a tea with them. It is something I started doing rather unconsciously, but it has become a practice that connects me to the nature around me in a personal way. In a way that I love.
Can you share a recipe or idea for a simple, healing meal that you make for yourself often?
I haven’t made this recently, but as the weather cools, I know I will be soon. It’s a simple meal of mung beans, spiced with ginger, turmeric, and shallot. I cook the mung beans with water and salt, then fry ginger, shallot, sometimes garlic, in a pan with ghee or coconut oil. If I have fresh turmeric, I fry that up too, or use turmeric powder. I add all to the beans with fresh coriander. A dollop of yogurt with lemon is nice on top. I always fall back on mung beans when I’m feeling out of balance.
What books are you reading right now (or have read recently)?
The Inner Heart of Reiki by Frans Stiene
The Space of Love by Vladimir Megré
What book(s) do you always recommend to friends?
The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
What music is in rotation for you this month?
Ezra Feinberg – Pentimento and Others
Tim Presley – I Have to Feed Larry’s Hawk
Ana Roxanne’s EP