#MOTHERMUSE Emma Watson

Love Tea originated in Melbourne, Australia in 2006, born from the vision of Naturopathy students Emma Watson and Damien Amos. Emma's aspiration was to craft exquisite products that nurtured customers' health and fostered a sense of wellbeing. Meanwhile, Damien's fervor lay in organics, fostering partnerships with growing communities and championing environmental stewardship.

What attracted you to pursue a career in health and wellness?

I was raised by very health focussed parents. Mum studied naturopathy, so herbs, supplements, whole foods, and a vegetarian diet were all very normal to us. From a very young age I knew I wanted to work with natural medicine and help people on their journey to wellness. I felt quite at home within the world of herbal medicine and was fascinated by the therapeutic benefits nature could offer. 

Do you have any rituals or a favourite way to start your day?

Depending on the day, I try to wake up and just pause in that initial wakeful state, taking a moment to feel gratitude for the life that I live and the day ahead of me. 

I love my morning ritual which starts with a tea or three and a moment to mindfully enjoy that first cup, before I step into a busy hour and a half preparing three children for their day ahead. 

What about an evening wind down routine?

The evening routine varies depending on the day but once I have read to my children, I brew a Sleep tea and take it to bed with me, sipping it slowly while reading my book. I find this time so important to let go of the day that has passed and give back to my body while I can. I avoid going to bed late, strong lighting and using devices in the bedroom. I don’t watch T.V and I try to ensure my space is supportive of restful deep sleep, which may involve essential oils, a meditation, yoga or some soft music. 

When do you feel your highest self?

I feel most aligned with my highest self when I am grounded, well rested, at peace with life. I find this connection strongest through meditation, yoga, walking, ocean swims, and being immersed in nature. When life is so busy, it is important to carve out time for these slower activities to help me remain centred and balanced. 

What wellness hack has made the biggest improvement to your life in the last 5 years?

To me health is a state of homeostasis, or harmony, and balance of mind, body and spirit. As a naturopath, the latest health fad, trend or product won’t carry you as far on a journey towards greater wellness, as a holistic approach, an embracing of complete health and wellness. To me what feels best involves getting great rest, eating foods that nourish my mind and body, taking care of myself, and paying attention to the signs and symptoms that are signalling that something isn’t quite right, or could be better. I think listening to our health and responding with what it needs, we move closer to optimum health and wellbeing. 

If someone is wanting to cut caffeine to help calm their nervous system, can you recommend a caffeine free tea/herbal that can help naturally energise the body?

As a naturopath, it was important to me that many of our products were caffeine free. This gives the body a break from stimulants and allows the nervous system to calm and return to a place of balance. We developed a caffeine-free chai blend which is based on rooibos and honey bush teas, instead of black tea. This offers a great alternative to coffee. This could be a nice option for someone moving away from coffee, as you can add milk and sweetener if desired, or enjoy it black. Some of our other caffeine free, wellness blends include Skin glow, Digestive tea, Detox tea, Immunity tea, Calming tea and Sleep tea. There are many more teas that are caffeine free, but these ones tend to be most popular. 

What’s your favourite way to calm yourself when things go wrong? Is there also a tea/herb you can recommend to help relax the nervous system?

I look to nature to help ground me and guide me back to balance. I use essential oils, (lavender is always my go to,) a hot bath, a walk in nature, yoga, meditation, a herbal tea, (Spiritual tea and Liquorice Love are my current favourites,) and getting to bed early so my mind and body can rest. 

What is your approach to beauty? Do you choose natural beauty? If so, why?

I am a big believer in the power of nature to heal, repair and enhance beauty. I look firstly to nutrients I am consuming and perhaps lacking in. I bring more of the nourishing foods into my diet and try to avoid foods that don’t feel good to me. I only use natural skin care and cosmetics. I love Ere Perez and Inika cosmetics, and I try to keep it very light and natural. We are surrounded by so many chemicals and toxins in our environment and in the food we eat. I constantly look at ways we can reduce applying more chemicals to our bodies, so organic, wholesome products are really important to me. 

What are your non-negotiables for skin and body care?

It must be natural. I often tell my girls if you can’t eat it, don’t put it on your skin, (they just laugh at me,) but as they get older, I hope they consider this. I light up seeing ingredients in skin care such as  jojoba oil, avocado, and chamomile.

Vegan and certified organic are important to me. If it’s possible to make great products without testing on animals, I think it’s important to carefully consider our purchases in support of what’s best for the earth and its inhabitants. When we purchase from a place of care, not just for ourselves but for the world we want to leave behind, we create greater demand for more thoughtful products.

I have freckles and need to protect my skin from the sun, so I do apply a sunscreen on the days I will be spending more time outdoors. 

What’s your favourite tea/herbal for glowing skin?

We have a beautiful blend called Skin glow which is based on Calendula, echinacea, burdock and red clover. This blend was designed to support detoxification and support the clearance of toxins from the body and to support healthy skin. I also look to our Detox blend and Digestive tea as the connection between our digestive system and our skin is very closely linked. 

Favourite tea of yours from the Love Tea collection?

I really drink so many throughout the day. I always start with an English breakfast or two in the morning. This is a ritual I share with my husband, and we love starting the day like this. I then move onto a green tea (Jasmine green is a favourite,) then I move towards herbal blends in the afternoon. Cacao + Maca is my sweet treat (I have this with a little Honey and soy milk,) as an afternoon tea or after dinner.

I finish the day with a Sleep tea before bed. I really love our Liquorice love and Turmeric tea. I can drink these any time of day. I think tea is so wonderful as it allows you to really tune into your body and what you feel you need at that moment. It’s a healthy and enjoyable ritual and a great way to enjoy a pause in your day, or a moment with a friend.