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
With this long dry spell we have had keeping hydrated is a big challenge but somehow tea always comes up to the mark, be it a rousing cup of Assam or a refreshing light cup of Darjeeling. I have been resting up on the deck of my narrow boat with many a cup of Darjeeling this last month in between packing the new teas like cazy of course!
As it comes arround to the summer holidays I know a number of you just can't go away without your own tea so make sure you get your order in before you set off for your well earned rest.
Have a great summer and take care!
Regards
Kay Healey
Your Personal Tea Merchant
14th July 2010
Wellesbourne
Warwickshire
CV35 9NQ
Telephone
01789 555023