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✦ Learn About Hearbs and Spices ✦
HISTORY (and MIStery) OF TEA
Old Chinese legend states that the very first cup of tea was drunk in 2737BC by the Chinese emperor Shennong, believed to be the creator of Chinese and herbal medicine. Shennong was resting under the shade of a Camellia sinensis tree, boiling water to drink when dried leaves from the tree floated into the water pot, changing the water’s color. Shennong tried the infusion and was pleased by its flavour and restorative properties.
HERBAL TEA PREPARATION
Tea preparation is different based on the tea. Usually, boiling water is required. But some herbal teas lose their gentle flavours when steeped in boiling water of 212F. Some basic principles: loose blends made of flowers do better at 185-195F; fruit and seeds require boiling water and roorts release their best compounts after boiling for 5-10 minutes. Green and Black teas do best with boiling water.
TURMERIC'S UNIQUE DETOX PROPERTIES
Turmeric, an orange root from Asia, has established itself as tea, or cooking spice for its healing, anti-inflamatory properties. It contains curcumin, which has been the subject of tounsands of peer-reviewed studies and may work as an anticancer, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging agent as suggested by several in vitro, in vivo studies and clinical trials.
STAR ANISE - A WONDER SPICE
Everyone knows that star anise is a key spice in Chinese cousine. Its pronounced flavor brings an unmistakable flavor in apple cider. Its beautiful star shape is revered as a decoration around Christmas. But few people appreciate that star anise contains a compound called shikimic acid, which is used in the production of antiviral medication for the flu. The fruit containts essential oils characterized by biological activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects and flavonoids, such as kaempferol and quercetin and their glycosides.
WHY IS ChAMoMiLE GOOD FOR YOU?
Ahh... who has not heard their grandma say: "If you have trouble falling asleep, dear, drink a cup of chamomile tea".
But, besides its calming (some would say, sedative, properties), chamomile has shown moderate antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, and significant antiplatelet activity in in vitro studies. Animal model studies indicate potent anti-inflammatory action, some anti-mutagenic and cholesterol-lowering activities, as well as anti-spasmotic and anxiolytic effects. Despite the lack of difinitive clinical studies, many drink chamomile tea to releve cold symtomps and help with relaxation.
HOW MANY CUPS OF TEA SHOULD I DRINK DAILY?
It depends... on the type of tea...
If you prefer black tea, 4-5 cups, but if you enjoy herbal tea, you can go for up to 10 cups. Other teas as follows: green or white - 4 cups; oolong - 10 cups and rooibos - 6 cups.
GINGER - NOT JUST FOR MORNING SICKNESS
Ginger root is ancient spice containing bioactive compounds, such as [6]-gingerol known to be good for your body. Doctors suggest ginger tea to help with nausea and digestion. Some research suggest that ginger may have antiemetic effects against different emetogenic stimuli. Ginger may also have some anti-inflamatory properties as published in peer-review literature.
*Health statements here have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Product sold here are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent diseases.