From the Convergence Apothecary & Wellness Kitchen
Bring Convergence Home
Simple teas, herbal preparations, and DIY wellness supports for calm, comfort, and nervous-system care — plus books and wellness products from our founders.
Educational wellness ideas for Veterans, families, and everyday recovery routines.
A Piece of the Wellness Center, Wherever You Are
Not every Veteran, family member, or supporter will be able to make the trip to Bocas del Toro — the distance, the timing, or life itself can get in the way. We don't want that to mean no piece of Convergence ever reaches you.
So we're bringing a piece of the wellness center home: simple teas, herbal preparations, and DIY wellness practices you can use in daily life. Below, you'll find the recipe library — and further down, books and wellness products from our founders, with proceeds going straight back into keeping Convergence running and sponsoring a Veteran's stay.
These recipes are meant for support and comfort, not as a substitute for medical or mental health care — see the safety note below before trying something new.
The Recipe Library
Simple wellness recipes and home practices designed to support calm, comfort, grounding, and everyday restoration — practical, approachable tools for daily life that reflect the restorative spirit of the Convergence retreat and wellness center.
Tension
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Rosemary Relief Tea for Muscle, Joint & Back Comfort TeaTension A warm rosemary infusion to sip as part of a calming routine — comforting after a long or physically demanding day.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, or 1 small fresh sprig
- 1 cup hot water
- Lemon or honey, to taste (optional)
Steps
- Add the rosemary to a cup and pour hot water over it.
- Steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain and drink warm.
- Simple Herbal Compress for Tension Herbal CompressTension
A warm herbal compress to ease tension in the neck, shoulders, or back.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons dried lavender or rosemary
- A clean cloth or small cotton bag
- Hot (not boiling) water
Steps
- Tie the herbs into the cloth or bag.
- Dip briefly in hot water, then wring out the excess.
- Let cool until warm, not hot, to the touch.
- Apply to the tense area for 10 to 15 minutes, re-warming as needed.
Test the temperature on your wrist first to avoid burns.
Evening Calm
- Evening Calm Herbal Tea TeaEvening CalmSleep Support
A gentle blend for winding down, easing tension, and preparing the body for rest.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon dried chamomile
- 1 teaspoon dried lemon balm (or lavender)
- 1 cup water
- Honey to taste (optional)
Steps
- Boil water, then remove from heat.
- Add the herbs, cover, and steep 5 to 7 minutes.
- Strain, sweeten if desired, and sip in a quiet space as part of your evening routine.
Chamomile may not suit those with ragweed allergies.
Grounding After Stress
- Grounding Citrus-Mint Water Food-Based RecipeGrounding After Stress
A refreshing infused water that engages the senses and offers a simple grounding ritual any time of day.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cold water
- 1/2 orange, sliced
- 1/2 lemon, sliced
- A handful of fresh mint leaves, gently crushed
Steps
- Combine the water, citrus, and mint in a pitcher.
- Press the mint gently to release its aroma.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Before drinking, take a slow breath in and notice the scent — a small grounding pause.
General Wellness Support
- Ginger Tea for Warmth and Digestive Comfort TeaGeneral Wellness Support
A warming, comforting tea to ease digestive discomfort and bring a sense of ease after a long day.
Ingredients
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger root, thinly sliced (or 1 teaspoon dried ginger)
- 2 cups water
- Honey or lemon to taste (optional)
Steps
- Bring the water to a gentle boil.
- Add the ginger, reduce to a simmer, and steep 8 to 10 minutes.
- Strain into a mug, adding honey or lemon if you like.
- Sip slowly.
Ginger has mild blood-thinning properties — check with a doctor if you're on blood thinners.
Coming Soon
Herbal Remedies & Essential Oils
Grown in our own medicinal and culinary gardens in Bocas del Toro, then prepared into oils, balms, and teas you can bring into your everyday routine — with proceeds supporting Convergence's operations and sponsoring a Veteran's stay.
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Lemongrass & Tulsi Calming Tea
A loose-leaf blend from our culinary garden — the same lemongrass and tulsi guests sip at the retreat.
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Turmeric-Ginger Wellness Balm
A topical balm crafted from fresh turmeric and ginger grown on the property.
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Citrus & Rosemary Essential Oil
Steam-distilled from citrus and rosemary grown in our gardens, for diffusing or topical use.
More remedies and oils are in development as the gardens mature. Sign up below to hear when they're ready.
Coming Soon
Books & Wellness Products
Beyond this page, we're building a small library of things you can hold in your hands — with proceeds going straight back into keeping Convergence running and sponsoring a Veteran's stay.
A Forthcoming Book by Mark Ford
Co-Founder Mark Ford — a Veteran, 27-year tactical medic, and certified peer counselor — is writing a book drawing on his years helping fellow Veterans identify, understand, and respond to trauma. Title and release date coming soon.
More books from Mark and Rose Ford, and other wellness products from the retreat, are also in the works. Sign up below to be the first to know when they're ready.
A Note on Safety
This page is for educational wellness purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or mental health care. If you're pregnant or nursing, managing PTSD, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease, or taking medication, check with a licensed clinician before trying a new herb, tea, or supplement.