As Sanni wandered thru the cold forests she could feel the penetrating weight of winter slowly seeping into her tonttu bones. When suddenly she caught the warmly fragrant scent of roses.. Roses in Winter?! She followed the rosey scent down thru the winding roots until… low & behold! A noita! (noita = finnish witch) Noita was stirring her brew and said “Tervetuloa..” (Welcome)… She offered Sanni a mug of her Rosey North Tea. “These plant allies keep us bright & strong during the cold dark times.” Roseroot is the rose flavored great tonic herb of the north. But she is dry so licorice root is added to moisten her up. And she is cool so fennel seed is added to bring warmth. St Joans Wort is added to bring summers uplifting golden sunshine energy and Milky Oats are added to nourish our frazzled cold nerves. Nettles are also added for nutrition. As Sanni held the warm mug to her face, the scent of roses & licorice made her smile. Sip by sip, she felt her spirit lifting, her elf body becoming warm & nourished. She looked up to Noita and said “Kiitos” (Thank you) to which Noita replied with a wink of her eye…
