All About Tea
Herbal Teas
Herbal teas have been used as part of Eastern medicine for thousands of year. Before the advent of medical science as we know it today apothecaries would prescribe various brews and tinctures to treat the various common ailments of the time. Over the last 10-15 years the use of holistic treatments and herbal remedies has grown and old remedies are being revived together with the introduction of Eastern remedies that we have not seen in the west before. The availability of herbal teas has grown as a result of this growing interest in hot beverages that may well do us good.
Many people are now aware of some of the more common herbal teas like Chamomile Flowers and Peppermint tea used for their calming and digestive properties respectively but others are still a complete mystery.
It should be remembered that although herbal tea work gently in small doses you should consult your GP or consultant if you are on medication, pregnant or seeking to ease a specific ailment by taking herbal tea.
If you are starting out with herbal teas it is a good idea to play with the individual scents and tastes before you get into blending. Some tea herbs are quite tasty in their own right but others can need a bit of help!
To help understand some of the alleged properties of the ingredients used in our herbal teas we have compiled some notes from various sources which you will find listed here.
| Herb or spice | Alleged properties | Taste or aroma |
|---|---|---|
| Basil | Aids digestion | Savoury notes |
| Cardamon | Aids digestion | Pungent notes |
| Chamomile | Mildly sedative | Summer flowers |
| Cinnamon | Warm spice | |
| Cloves | Strong aromatic | |
| Coriander | digestion | |
| Cornflower blossoms | Colour | |
| Dandelion | Rich in vitamins A, B complex, C and D and high level of minerals.Good for general health and digestive system | |
| Dill | Indigestion, stomach cramps | |
| Elderflower | Diaphoretic (increases perspiration) and gentle stimulant | |
| Fennel | Digestive remedy | Warm ;similar to basil and anise |
| Ginger | Stomach upsets and indigestion, improves circulation | Zingy,tangy |
| Hibiscus | Rich in vitamin C and high in antioxidants | Tart flavour. Often used for red colour. |
| Laural | Digestive aid | |
| Lemon grass | Digestive properties, may reduce cholesterol | |
| Lemon peel | Citrus flavour | |
| Lemon Verbena | Digestive aid , relieves cramps and bloating | Sweet lemon aroma |
| Linden Flowers | Induces perspiration , decongestion for colds | |
| Liquorice | Anti-inflamatory properties, stomach upsets, menstrual aid | 50 times sweeter than sugar! |
| Mate | Vitamins: A, C, E, B1, B2, Niacin (B3), B5, B Complex Minerals: Calcium, Manganese, Iron, Selenium, Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorus Additional Compounds: Fatty Acids, Chlorophyll, Flavonols, Polyphenols, Trace Minerals, Antioxidants, Pantothenic Acid and 15 Amino Acids. | |
| Nettle | High in vitamins A and C. Improves liver and kidney functions. | |
| Orange peel | Orange flavour | |
| Peppermint | Digestive properties | Cool and sweet |
| Raspberry Leaves | High in vitamins and minerals and as menstrual aid. | |
| Rosehip | High vitamin C | Sour. Often used for red colour. |
| Sunflower blossoms | Colour |
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Dear Customers
For a change some Good News! The Shops are OPEN and I am back in the office. My sister has had a wonderful baby boy called Oliver James and they are both doing well. Oliver was born on 21st Feb and is keeping his mum Joanne and Dad Ian very busy!
The new Indian tea is now available so those of you who love the First Flush Assam can refill your cupboards!
I am hopeful that all the recent problems with the virus attack have been sorted out but if anybody has a problem with the site please let me know on the office number or by email as soon as you can. Many thanks to all of you who have helped out so far with this nasty issue. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your continued loyalty.
Kay Healey
Your Personal Tea Merchant (and double aunty now!)
9th March 2010
Wellesbourne
Warwickshire
CV35 9NQ
Telephone
01789 555023