TEA & HEALTH
At Rishi Tea & Botanicals we believe that a healthy life is a balanced life and although we are not doctors and do not make specific health claims, we recognize the wisdom of traditional uses and remedies of herbs, teas and botanicals. When you include tea and botanicals in your diet it can increase a sense of wellness that creates positive self-care habits and rituals that will promote a healthy and balanced life.
For many centuries and through countless cultures, tea has been recognized as a healthful beverage for the mind, body, and soul. In today’s society, artificial beverages have become pervasive, and we believe tea offers the perfect alternative because of its numerous health benefits. The composition of the Chinese character for tea (“cha”) reveals how we can explore a natural and healthy existence through this timeless drink. The character depicts three elements: ‘grass’ on the top, ‘human’ in the center, and ‘tree’ on the bottom. This character reveals the essence of tea and its connection to nature. Japanese culture also recognizes this connection in Teasim. This was first explored by Okakura Kakuzo in his 1906 essay entitled, “The Book of Tea.” 茶 cha=tea grass + human + tree.
In the traditional tea cultures of East Asia, it is common knowledge that different varieties of Camellia sinensis (tea) offer unique energies and effects on the mind and body. With these traditions and their roots in “food as medicine” in mind, we will explore some of the health benefits of tea.
FUNCTIONAL ROOTS FRUITS AND HERBS – TANGERINE GINGER
A well-balanced and vibrant vitality tonic with many beneficial ingredients that have been used for thousands of years, across numerous medicinal traditions. Tangerine Ginger combines roots, fruits, and herbs.
ARTEMISIA – A TRADITIONAL REMEDY FOR FEVER AND FLU
As early as 340 CE Artemisia was used as a traditional medicine to prevent malaria and treat influenza. To add credence to this this traditional use, Chinese scientists identified the active component as artemisinin, also called qinghaosu in the 1970’s. Today this compound is used in anti-malarial medicine worldwide.
WHAT IS ELDERBERRY AND WHAT ARE ITS BENEFITS?
Elderberry is highly valued as a medicinal herb and food in many cultures. The plant grows as a small tree or shrub and produces flowers, followed by berries. The anthocyanidins in elderberries are thought to have immunomodulating effects and possibly anti-viral and anti-inflammatory effects.
TEA & HEALTH – ANTIOXIDANTS
Camellia Sinensis (the tea plant) contains antioxidants in the form of tea polyphenols and catechins. Some polyphenols and catechins are known to lower inflammation, reduce blood sugar and cholesterol as well as support arterial wall health. There have been some studies that suggest that some polyphenols slow the loss of bone density as well.
TEA & HEALTH – ADAPTOGENS
An adaptogen is an herb or plant which aids in the body’s resistance to stressors. Adaptogens are typically used to aid in relieving stress-induced fatigue, mental illness, and behavioral disorders.
TEA & HEALTH – NOOTROPICS
Colloquially, many accept that the term nootropic refers to a substance used to enhance memory or other cognitive functions, including facilitating learning in a healthy brain.
BENEFITS OF TURMERIC AND GINGER
Turmeric and Ginger are both used traditional anti-inflammatory tonics. The flavors blend well together and both contain compounds known to be anti-inflammatory.
TULSI – THE QUEEN OF HERBS
Tulsi is one of the cornerstones in Ayurvedic tradition. Ayurveda, translating from Sanskrit as “the Science of Life,” is a healing science originating in India over 5,000 years ago.