The Prologue Our focus is thoughtfully placed on creating profiles both for enjoyment and purpose. When creating new blends, we approach each profile with intention, which we refer to as Blender’s or Herbalist ‘s Intention. Not only do we seek synergy in flavor, but we seek to honor the function of combined herbs. We believe a healthy life is a balanced life and although we are not medical professionals and do not make specific health claims, we recognize the wisdom of the traditional uses and remedies of herbs, teas and botanicals. Shopping List: Turmeric Root, Ginger Root, Whole Green Cardamom Pods Other items to have prepped: 48 oz of 200°F water; Double Dose Sachets of Lemon Turmeric; Ginger Geranium; Valerian Dream; 3 mugs or brewing vessels for 16 oz of water; Knife; Cutting board; Bowls for each loose ingredient The Exercise Begin by slicing the turmeric and ginger on a diagonal. Observe the color. Observe the aromas. Look at the dried cardamom pods. Observe the aromas. Crush the pod and observe the aroma. How does this aroma differ? Brew each sachet for 5 minutes using 16 oz of 200°F water. Taste each tea, considering the ingredients, color, and aromas. Take note of how color, type of ingredient, or name of blend might influence your perception of flavor. Lemon Turmeric This zesty, punchy blend utilizes organic whole dried lemons in addition to fermented black lemons produced by our partners in Guatemala and glorified in traditional Persian cooking. Organic turmeric and black pepper work synergistically to fight inflammation while organic cardamom and eucalyptus bring depth and complexity to this deeply refreshing and bright botanical blend. Organic lemons organic turmeric root organic cardamom organic black lemon organic black pepper organic eucalyptus Valerian Dream Valerian Dream’s wonderfully funky yet floral fragrance uses complementary nervine tonic herbs like cardamom and fennel that are known to aid in relaxation. Reset after a long day with this blend of botanicals designed to soothe the mind and body. Valerian is sweet with a perfumed, musky aroma and has been used for centuries in Europe as a bedtime tea. Organic valerian root organic cardamom organic fennel seed organic licorice root organic strawberries organic spearmint natural rose extract organic rose petals essential orange oil Ginger Geranium Spicy ginger roots complement powerfully adaptogenic ashwagandha root and vana tulsi in this warming blend. In herbal medicine, adaptogens are known to alleviate stress and help the body deal with physical and mental fatigue. Ginger hits the palate hot, then blossoms into an alluring aromatic finish with organic rose petals and essential oil of geranium lending distinctive floral top notes. Organic ginger root Organic tangerine peel organic vana tulsi organic yuzu peel organic rose petals organic ashwagandha root essential geranium, tangerine, and ginger oils The Lecture Selecting specific cuts of roots for tea blends is highly important. As in the prologue, when approaching blends, we focus on intention. There are so many varieties and cuts of turmeric and ginger and various qualities of cardamom. It’s a delicate balancing act to thoughtfully choose each ingredient for its function, as well as its ability to blend harmoniously into a tea. We seek to develop an evenly proportioned blend with high quality and representation of each ingredient. This is how we create consistency within each cup. Another important aspect to consider is the brew color. What is appealing? What entices the eyes before drinking? Turmeric is an obvious ingredient to add a pop of color to any brew, with its last golden hue. How other herbs interact with one another in both flavor and color is a weighted consideration. The strawberries in the valerian dream offer a pinkish tones to the other hues in the blend, which is soothing and reflects the intention of the blend. Ginger Geranium is a pleasant yellow, highlighted and balanced by the citrus peels and also reflective of the direction of this uplifting, mood-boosting blend. Though we cannot prescribe specific botanicals for ailments, we speak frequently about the history of use of fruits, herbs, and roots. There is much history and science embedded, but I will highlight a bit about a few specific ingredients in these blends that are quite interesting. Black lemons are lightly fermented and slowly dried until they take on the appearance of blackish-brown leather and become totally dried and preserved. Black lemons have a sweet and tangy flavor with some caramelized taste. They are also known as Omani lemons-limes or Persian limes which support colon cleanse and gut health. This fruit reduces toxins in the liver and intestinal tract. It is a simple yet very important digestive tonic. North African communities have used dried lime because they have limited occasion to access fresh fruits and vegetable and they have a very meat heavy diet. The fruit assists in purging the intestines of any unfriendly bacteria with high levels of Vitamin C and are a great compliment to meat and milk heavy diets. Black lemon also has calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, all of which aids in producing new cells. In addition to all of these minerals, black lemon also has high amounts of Vitamin D, which is necessary to strengthen bones and maintain flexibility. Cardamom is often referred to as “the queen of spices.” Its aromatic compounds are medicinal and uplifting with a unique signature aroma of wintergreen, multi-florals, Borneo camphor and other aromatic compounds that support vitality. It is understood that these aromatic compounds, very similar in structure to those from other mentholated herbs, offers cognitive clarity and thought to offer respiratory support in such applications. Green cardamom contains quite a few polyphenols, which have been studied in various applications concerning various diseases. The main polyphenols are flavonoids and isoflavones—quercetin, resveratrol, and kaempferol. These components may sound familiar, as quercetin is a plant pigment that is also found in green tea, berries, and other fruits and vegetables. Resveratrol is found in the skins of grapes and other berries and is commonly thought of a benefit of consuming red wine. Kaempferol is also found in a multitude of fruits and veg and also green tea. Ashwagandha is a root in nightshade family, Solanaceae, which also includes potatoes, tomatoes, paprika, eggplant, cayenne pepper, and tobacco. Ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda, which is defined as Indian principles of natural healing. Ashwagandha translates from Sanskrit as “smell of the horse,” a reference to its scent and the ability to increase strength. This plant is a small shrub with yellow flowers native to India and North Africa. Extracts or powder from the plant’s root or leaves are used in medicinal practices. The medicinal uses cover a variety of ailments and function but overall, it’s purposed to reduce stress and anxiety and fatigue and pain. It’s also purported to reduce blood sugar and cortisol levels, improve brain function and reduce symptoms of depression. Alkaloids and saponins seem to be the main functioning components of this herb. Alkaloids are compounds composed mainly of nitrogen atoms that have diverse and notable physiological effects on humans. Saponins are a group of compounds that are thought to boost the immune system and aid in preventing certain cancers. Only a few contraindications of this herb are widely reported. People with autoimmune diseases should also avoid ashwagandha unless supervised and recommended by a doctor. Also, people taking allopathic medication for thyroid disease should only use ashwagandha as directed by their doctor, as it may increase thyroid hormone levels. As with any new additional of herbs to your routine, always consult with your health practitioner. Overall, the great takeaway from learning about botanicals and how they pair together is how to harness intention, as well as the history behind each ingredient. Botanicals are a great way to develop your palate, as they carry over from various beverages to food. Some great resources for beginning or furthering your botanical journey include: The Herbal Medicine Maker’s Handbook by James Green Making Plant Medicine by Richo Cech The Practice of Traditional Western Herbalism: Basic Doctrine, Energetics, and Classification by Matthew Wood The Flavor Bible by Andrew Dornenburg and Karen A. Page Taste Buds and Molecules- the Art and Science of Food, Wine and Flavor by Francois Chartier Notable Adaptogenic Tea The adaptogenic properties of Omija have been cited for centuries in Asian tradition for helping beautify and protect the skin from environmental stress. It is also said that Omija’s concentrated B-vitamin complex and antioxidant activity help support healthy liver function and hormonal balance. In East Asian herbal medicine traditions, reishi mushroom and astragalus root are known as powerful adaptogen that alleviate stress and promote vitality for the whole body. Burdock and dandelion roots add nutty accents and are known in traditional herbology to have a cleansing and recharging energy. This adaptogenic blend has an intriguing aromatic depth and refreshing raspberry mint finish. More About Tea and Health
