herbal tea + wellness
When I began experimenting with mixing fresh herbs and spices together for cooking, it was not only a health-conscious decision, but it also made a world of difference in how my recipes taste. Even though I had been working with herbs, I had no desire to dig into Herbal Tea. To be honest, it was because I didn't know much about it. I had always associated the word "Tea" with the overly sweet iced tea I had as a kid, which I absolutely couldn't stand, so I'd sworn off anything called "tea."
Little did I know that there's a clear distinction between "Traditional Tea" and "Herbal Tea."
plants + herbal tea + wellness
To develop a genuine affection for Herbal Tea, I had to start by exploring the diverse uses of plants/herbs. (When you have some time, you can learn more about that journey here.)
Herbs are simply defined as any plant with leaves, seeds, flowers or roots valued and used for flavoring food, medicine, and aromatic qualities.
Plants carry an abundance of health properties that support healing the body and maintaining balance. In fact, many plant extracts are used in formulating traditional medicine. Everyday medicines that you use such as Aspirin, to relieve pain and reduce fever, are derived from extracting properties from the bark of the willow tree. A discovery made over 3500 years ago.
Herbalism, a global, cultural system of diverse study or practices, of the medicinal and therapeutic use of plants, was not only a way of life for my ancestors but also a way of life for countless individuals today, including myself.
The use of herbs can improve our mental, physical, and emotional health. When adding herbs to our daily lives, they can increase nutrition, support the body in fighting infections, improve organ function, calm the nerves, and increase resiliency to stress.
Through formal education, studies, and experience in Herbalism, I’ve acquired a love for plants and in-depth knowledge of a vast number of herbs and techniques for extracting a plant’s healing properties to support healing and wellness within the body.
herbal tisanes vs. traditional tea + wellness
Herbal tisanes, often referred to as herbal tea, are not truly tea at all. Unlike traditional teas such as black, green, oolong, and white tea that come from the Camellia sinensis plant, herbal tisanes are crafted from a diverse range of plant parts such as flowers, leaves, stems, or roots.
Traditional tea boasts a higher caffeine content. Green tea for instance is famous for its metabolism-boosting properties and its potential to enhance mental alertness without the jitters. Since I am caffeine sensitive, I don’t use tea leaves of any kind in my blends.
As an Herbalist, I’ve learned a great deal about specific herbal actions, energetics, and properties and how they interact with the body. As well as techniques on utilizing using water and other solvents to extract a plant’s healing properties. Blending herbs and using water as a solvent to create Herbal Tea, has so far become my favorite way to consume plant properties to support health and wellness within the body.
the art of blending tea
Blending Herbs & Spices is as much creative and artistic expression as it is a science. It's a deeply personal journey, as everyone approaches it in their unique way. Crafting herbal combinations that results in a rainbow of flavors, aromas and and wellness advantages, is a genuine art form driven by passion. And something that brings me immense joy and satisfaction.
Currently I have 3 standard herbal tea blends and I build upon tem depending upon my desired outcome. Of the three blends, they offer tailored benefits for different times of the day and cater to various needs. From providing energy and enhancing mental alertness to promoting relaxation and ensuring adequate hydration. Additionally, these blends play a crucial role in regulating my immune system, supporting the optimal function of my organs, maintaining a balanced mood, and stimulating my cognitive faculties.
daily herbal tea consumption
Consuming herbal tea on a daily basis, alongside maintaining a generally healthy lifestyle, has been a traditional practice, among various cultures, for thousands of years. Particularly in Blue Zone regions—geographic areas across the world, where individuals consistently achieve a remarkable quality of life, while reaching an impressive age of 100 and beyond.
At present, my daily routine involves drinking herbal tea three times throughout the day: in the morning, mid-day, and before bedtime in the evening. These herbal tea blends have been crafted to align with specific times of the day, capitalizing on the unique benefits derived from the properties of the herbs within.
sharing my passion of herbal tea
Until recently, my culinary and herbal tea blends were reserved for my personal enjoyment, shared among family, close friends, and co-workers. However, following thorough research, extensive use, and valuable feedback, I've crafted three unique blends that I'm excited to offer to a wider audience.
As my journey in the study of Herbalism unfolds and my expertise expands, I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to share this experience with you. This will manifest through both educational content and artistically crafted products aimed at enhancing holistic well-being.
In the meantime, you can explore and enjoy my My Morning, Mid-Day, and Evening Herbal Blends, which are readily available in my Holistic Wellness Shop.
