Voyage Nocturne N°08

"There are suspended moments, in the twilight, where the day fades to make way for the promise of the night..."

It is in this fragile interval, this tipping point where the body craves rest and the mind seeks peace, that we imagined our signature creation: Citrus Dream - Night Journey No. 08.

Much more than a simple herbal tea, this creation is an invitation to slow down. At Comptoir de Toamasina, we do not conceive our infusions as simple "grandma's remedies," but as complex gustatory experiences, worthy of the greatest tea vintages. With Night Journey, Arnaud Sion, creator and spice seeker, wanted to take on a major challenge: reconciling the sedative power of medicinal plants with the vibrant indulgence of sun-drenched fruits.

Forget sleeping teas with earthy or bitter tastes. Here, sleep becomes a delight, and relaxation becomes a sensory journey to the heart of a Mediterranean orchard under the moonlight.

A Botanical Synergy: The Apothecary meets the Perfumer

The composition of the Citrus Dream blend is not the result of chance. It is the result of meticulous research into the balance between two often opposing worlds: traditional herbalism and high culinary perfumery. To create this "Golden Liquor" promised on our sachet, we assembled six exceptional ingredients that dialogue in perfect harmony.

1. The Soothing Heart: Valerian and Hops

At the foundation of this infusion lie two giants of the sleep pharmacopoeia.

• Valerian (Valeriana officinalis): Nicknamed "cat's herb" or "vegetable valium," it has been used since Antiquity for its powerful relaxing virtues. It acts directly on nervousness and anxiety, promoting rapid sleep onset. Our expertise lies in the art of integrating it to benefit from its effects without its earthy note dominating.
• Hops: A cousin of hemp, the hop cone is recognized for its sedative properties. It brings a slight, structuring bitterness that gives body to the infusion and works in synergy with valerian to fight sleep disorders.

2. The Aromatic Link: Lemon Balm and Verbena

To link the earth (valerian) to the sky (citrus), "bridge" plants were needed.

• Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis): A melliferous plant par excellence, lemon balm naturally possesses very soft lemony notes. Known to soothe stress-related stomach aches, it brings a vegetal roundness that envelops the palate.
• Lemon Verbena: The queen of French herbal teas. We selected whole-leaf verbena, rich in essential oils, which unfurls a lively and crystalline lemon freshness. It brightens the blend and gives it that feeling of cleanliness.

3. The Top Note Radiance: Orange and Mandarin

This is the signature of this "Citrus Dream." It is what transforms the remedy into a treat.

• Sweet Orange: We use peels rich in essences. Orange brings warmth, natural sugar, and a comforting note that recalls childhood memories and Christmases by the fireside.
• Mandarin: More subtle, more floral than orange, mandarin offers a sparkling top note. In aromatherapy, mandarin essence is one of the most used to calm anxieties. Its scent immediately invites a smile.

The Sensory Profile: A Soothing Caress

Tasting Night Journey No. 08 means agreeing to take your time. It is a ritual that begins as soon as the protective sachet is opened.

On the Nose: Upon opening, you are not assaulted by the classic medicinal smell. It is a solar explosion that welcomes you. Zesty notes dominate, carried by the green freshness of verbena. In the background, a warmer note adds mysterious depth to the whole.

To the Eye: Once the water is poured, the plants dance. The liquor tints progressively. It is not a dark infusion, but liquid gold, bright and limpid.

On the Palate: The attack is surprisingly soft. Orange and lemon balm create a velvety texture. The mid-palate reveals the complexity of hops without any aggression: their bitterness has been polished by the citrus. The finish is long, fresh, dominated by verbena.

Why choose Night Journey for your evenings?

Preparation Tips: Sublime your Infusion

To extract the quintessence of these noble plants, the preparation requires a little attention. It is the difference between drinking hot water and tasting a grand cru.

• The Water: Preferably use filtered or spring water, low in limescale.
• The Temperature: 90°C (194°F). This is precise. Boiling water (100°C) would risk "cooking" the fragile essential oils of the citrus. At 90°C, you extract the power without destroying the finesse.
• The Time: 8 to 15 minutes.
  - At 8 minutes: Light infusion, focused on the fruit.
  - At 15 minutes: The valerian root fully releases its relaxing principles. Cover your cup to keep the aromatic vapors.
• The Dosage: 17g per liter, or a nice heaping teaspoon for a mug.

Let yourself be lulled by the fruity glow of orange and the quiet strength of plants.
Close your eyes. Your journey has only just begun.