'House of the Dragon': what is the tea that Alicent drinks in episode 2x04, what is it for and where had we seen it before

In The Red and the Gold Dragon, this week's episode of House of the Dragon, while soldiers and dragons die in battle and Daemon continues living his own The Shining in Harrenhal, Alicent is dealing with a different kind of problem in King's Landing. Spoilers ahead. 

After her conversation with Rhaenyra, and even though she was right when she told her that it was already too late to change the course of things, the queen mother is trying to negotiate her share of blame in all this the best way she can: seeking subterfuges that allow her to evade her own responsibility after misinterpreting Viserys' final words.

Amidst her attempt to evade consequences, she instructs the Grand Maester Orwylle to bring her a moon tea, which she says she will give with the corresponding instructions to someone in need. 

But as soon as the Grand Maester leaves her chambers, Alicent proceeds to drink the infusion in secret, knowing she will have to silently endure the terrible pain it produces as a side effect if she doesn't want it to be known why she decided to drink it.

What is moon tea?

It is a type of herbal infusion used in the Seven Kingdoms and beyond the Wall for contraceptive or abortive purposes. It is generally prepared by maesters, wise women, and forest witches.

Rhaenyra in her room at the end of 1x04

Have we seen it before?

Yes, on two occasions. The first time moon tea was used in The House of the Dragon, it was drunk by Rhaenyra, who was given it by Grand Maester Mellos on the orders of King Viserys after hearing she had been seen with Daemon Targaryen in the Flea Bottom. This happened at the end of the fourth episode of the first season.

When Alicent learned from Larys Strong that Rhaenyra had been given moon tea, she deduced that her friend had lied when she said she hadn't slept with Daemon Targaryen. A lie by omission, as she did need the "morning-after cup", but not because she had lost her virginity to her uncle, but to Criston Cole. That was the beginning of the end of their relationship.

Alicent's need to take moon tea exposes a new level of her hypocrisy towards Rhaenyra, something she is more than likely to think about every time she has sexual relations with Cole. An act that, to make matters worse, she performs in the former princess's bed because she now occupies her old room. 

Larys Strong, who is indeed the Master of Whispers, has also found out that she has drunk it this time. 

Dyana in episode 1x08

We saw the use of moon tea again a few years later, when Alicent herself gave Dyana, one of the maids, to drink when she said she had been raped by Aegon.

Why does Alicent drink it?

It is most likely just a precautionary measure on her part, as not much time has passed between seasons, but the pain she seems to be experiencing afterward suggests that an abortion has been induced.

As a former Queen and current Queen Mother, Alicent cannot have children out of wedlock. That the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard is the father increases the dishonor, as he has taken an oath of chastity.

*This article has been translated automatically using artificial intelligence