Monday, May 31, 2010

Tea, darling?


My fabulous coffee girl, Mini -- now my TEA lady! -- (at Thirsty Dog, Karangahape Road)... has recently purchased a few to-die-for tea's from Tea Culture -- www.teaculture.co.nz -- so now I am a massive coffee addict turned to absolute tea obsessee! You must go there and try the fabulous Chocolate or Vanilla Tea, or if you love all sweet things, try the Stawberry Champagne Green Tea! Wow!

The virtues of Tea are well known: tea heals, quenches and sustains. But it's secret powers reside in it's almost human qualities.Tea tells stories, punctuates journeys and has intrigued poets since time immemorial.

Tea brings cultures together and is a sign of hospitality and conviviality. Over the centuries no other earthly product has called forth such subtle and intricate rituals. Tea brings people together in times of trauma.

The journey through the enchanting and complex world of tea covers the whole globe. From the vast gardens of Assam under the dazzling Sri Lankan sun to the volcanic slopes of Mt Cameroon East Asia, Aotearoa and beyond.

Tea is exacting. Each infusion has its own character, nature and secrets. Poor preparation can ruin leaves even from the best garden. Success is a question of attention to codes and of a certain degree of experience.

Regardless of cultural differences tea gathers people. The most secret of secrets may be shared over a cup of tea. Tea reaches across the generations. The history of tea is inextricably intertwined with the history of humanity.

Tea benefits:

  • Achieve a more calm, relaxed state of mind
  • Support heart health
  • Aid with stomach and digestive problems
  • Provide cleansing properties for the body
  • Promote energy and wellness
Following are some of the herbs and botanicals found in tisanes.

Allspice is said to help soothe the common cold and relieve upset stomachs

Chamomile is known for its calming attributes said to have a host of anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties that help relieve and ward off a variety of maladies.

Chrysantemum provides a sweet tasting briew and is supposed to help reduce body heat resulting from fever. It also is known to help protect against liver damage and neutralize toxins in the body.

Cinnamon has a calming effect and is thought to support healthy circulation and digestion.

Fennel has been used for centuries as a digestive aid and to soothe upper respiratory problems.

Ginger is a centuries old herbal remedy used to treat a wide range of health concerns from nausea and colds to indigestion and migraine headaches.

Ginseng is believed to stimulate vitality and help the body stay healthy.

Hawthorne has been used to strengthen the heart and increase blood flow.

Hibiscus has shown to help reduce high blood pressure and soothe menstrual cramps.

Lemongrass is used frequently in teas for its calming properties.

Parsley has a diuretic effect and is purported to help with kidney function.

Peppermint is thought to have greater stress-relieving attributes than chamomile tea and help with stomach and digestive issues. It also helps freshen breath.

Raspberry Leaf helps with colds, sore throats, canker sores and diarrhea. It may also keep nails, bones, teeth and skin healthy.

Sarsaparilla is said to promote energy and healthy skin.

Slippery Elm has properties that help relieve stomach cramps and other gastrointestinal problems. There are a plethora of herbal tea choices available from tea houses and retailers.

Yum!!

Hearts full of joy and unicorns ;-)

mk x