Tag Archives: Teas

My Little Piece of Serenity: Why I Created Our Signature Chai Tea

House of SZO | April Blog Series | Cozy Up with Chai: A Seren & Tea Favorite

There’s something about a good chai tea latte that just hits different.

Warm, spicy, bold, and comforting—it’s a hug in a cup. And if you know me, you know I love a good ritual. For a long time, mine came in the form of a $9 venti chai tea latte from Starbucks—7 pumps, coconut milk, no foam. Honey… it got to the point the baristas knew my order as soon as I walked through the door.

And I didn’t even care—because that cup brought me peace.

But at $9 a pop? I had to start being real with myself. I knew I could recreate the vibe at home—and honestly, do it even better, using real herbs, full flavor, and intention.

So I started blending. At first, it was just for me—something to sip on while Serenity had her tea time, for those days I wanted something different. I craved something bold and full-bodied. I researched a bunch of chai recipes and tried several combinations. I was on a mission to make a chai that was strong, full-flavored, and deeply satisfying.

I started with a black tea base but eventually switched to Darjeeling—it had more depth and character. Then came the spice:

Cloves and cinnamon bark to bring the warmth Ginger for that fiery kick Cardamom pods and allspice berries to round it out Star anise just because the smell alone made me feel cozy

But it was still missing something. I added red peppercorns for a little edge, fennel seeds for sweetness, and finished it with a sprinkle of freshly ground nutmeg. That was the moment it came together. Balanced. Spicy. Aromatic. Full of soul.

I crushed a lot of the spices with a mortar and pestle to unlock their oils and release the flavor. Then I’d steep them gently, mix in coconut milk and a splash of water, sweeten it with raw sugar (this was before I made the switch to agave), and froth it up using a little handheld frother I found at Burlington.

And let me tell you—that moment, sipping my chai before the house woke up, was everything.

I’d sit in silence. Sometimes on the front steps, letting the sun rise and the breeze kiss my face. That cup became my stillness, my pause, my little piece of Serenity.

What’s in Our Chai Blend?

This is not your average chai. Our Seren & Tea Chai Blend is handcrafted with intention and made with 10 healing herbs and spices:

Darjeeling Tea – high in antioxidants, supports heart and digestive health

Cinnamon Bark – helps regulate blood sugar, improves circulation

Red Peppercorns – stimulates digestion, clears sinuses, boosts warmth

Fennel Seeds – eases bloating, supports hormone balance

Nutmeg – calming, supports sleep and brain function

Star Anise – antimicrobial, helps with cough and digestion

Allspice Berries – anti-inflammatory, warming, and immune-supportive

Cloves – great for immunity, relieves gas and oral discomfort

Ginger Root – powerful digestive and anti-nausea herb

Cardamom Pods – mood-balancing, detoxifying, supports gut health

Together, they create a cup that nourishes your body while comforting your spirit.

From Cup to Apothecary

Every ingredient in this blend is more than a flavor—it’s a medicine.

You can start collecting these herbs yourself and build a simple kitchen apothecary. And I’ll say it again and again: an apothecary in today’s time is vital… pivotal… crucial. These herbs aren’t just pretty names on a label—they are time-tested healers, sitting right in your spice cabinet.

The more you use them, the more you’ll start to feel the difference. And that’s when it clicks. You begin to embrace the alternative. And maybe even fall in love with it.

However You Brew It… Make It Yours

Chai isn’t just for fall. It’s a year-round favorite.

Some like it iced, some like it hot.

Add a little vanilla, some pumpkin spice, or your favorite milk.

Create your own ritual—or keep it simple.

Just brew a cup. Sip slowly.

Let the spices hold you. Let the stillness find you. Let it be your peace.

Because this blend wasn’t made in a factory. It was born out of love, ritual, and a mama’s need for just one quiet moment.

Crafted with care. Made for your moment.

With intentional harmony and peace,

Daria

Founder of House of SZO

Connect With Us:
🛒Shop With Us: House of SZO Hub
📧Email: houseofszoinfo@gmail.com
Instagram: @houseofszo

Introducing Our Serenity Tea: The Blend That Started It All

House of SZO | April Blog Series | Tea Week Begins

Last week, we introduced ourselves, shared our brands, stood firm in the legacy we’re building, and opened up about the real realities of being a mother—and a single mother at that. We honored Autism Awareness Month, created space for mamas to feel seen, and planted the seeds of what House of SZO is all about.

This week, I want to introduce you to our teas.

We are launching with six intentionally crafted blends and our signature mushroom coffee. Each one was picked with a purpose—and with both mamas and babies in mind. Some are for the tea lover looking for daily comfort, others for mamas needing support with things like digestion, stress, or inflammation. A few are gentle enough for little ones when they’re under the weather or just need to wind down.

And then there’s Serenity Tea—the one that started it all.

How Serenity Tea Came to Be

This was the very first blend I ever made. It was created out of pure intention, love, and a deep desire to support my daughter, Serenity, in a natural way.

Serenity would sometimes stim—tracing the air, humming to herself—and while it wasn’t distressing to her, as her mama I could just tell when things were getting a little too loud, too busy, too much. She didn’t need discipline or redirection. She just needed a moment to slow down. And sometimes… mama needed to get things done. So I turned to what I knew best—herbs.

I had already been studying herbs since I was 16 years old, long before motherhood. What I call “kitchen herbs” became my go-to: the simple, safe, everyday herbs that are powerful and gentle at the same time. I wanted something I could give her daily if needed. I wanted to support her nervous system without anything too strong or bitter.

I started with lemon balm—the first herb I ever gave her, and one of the first I fell in love with. Then came chamomile, which I knew helped with sleep, fevers, and upset tummies. I added a touch of lavender for its calming and antibacterial properties, and finally, I rounded it out with peppermint to bring a little clarity and balance to the taste.

The result? A smooth, comforting tea that helped Serenity wind down on the days she needed extra support. Over time, I noticed it also helped with little colds, congestion, and fevers—without worrying about safety, because each herb was carefully chosen with toddlers in mind.

And the truth is… it helped me, too.

This blend became a ritual for both of us. A warm cup on chilly mornings, a midday reset, or an evening wind-down when the day felt heavy. It’s calming without making you drowsy, gentle enough for toddlers, and supportive enough for moms. That’s the beauty of herbs—they meet you where you are.

What’s Inside: Benefits of the Serenity Blend

Calms anxiety and nerves, supports focus and cognitive function, gently reduces cortisol, and has antiviral and antibacterial properties. A true friend to the nervous system.

Soothes fevers, helps with chest colds, nausea, vomiting, sore throats, inflammation, and pain. A perfect go-to for immune support and calm.

Helps reduce stress, tension, and headaches.Supports sleep, eases anxiety and depression, and is antibacterial. Also helps with respiratory concerns and is known to repel bugs.

Eases digestion, headaches, and nausea. Helps with mental clarity and opens up the sinuses—making it great for congestion or fatigue.

A Loving Reminder

I study embrace and believe in the powerful benefits of herbs however, I’m not a doctor. This information is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Please always consult with a medical professional before adding herbal remedies to your routine—especially for your little ones.

A Cup of Peace, from Our Home to Yours

If Serenity Tea feels like the blend for you, we invite you to explore it. Brew a cup, add a little honey if you like, and enjoy a warm, loving calm in a cup.

We created this tea with families in mind—and with your peace in our hearts. So whether you’re a tired mama, a tea lover, or someone looking for a little more balance in your day, we hope you’ll find your fancy in one of our blends.

Shop. Brew. Enjoy—with peace of mind.

With love,

Daria

Founder, House of SZO

Connect With Us:
🛒Shop With Us: House of SZO Hub
📧Email: houseofszoinfo@gmail.com
Instagram: @houseofszo