Philosophy

Then & Now of Herbal Teas

It’s been called the plant of Heaven.

For 4,000 years it’s been valued as both a medicine and a drink for pleasure.

It is believed that teas have been used by mankind since prehistoric times for medicinal purposes, and that they have been a part of every civilization known to mankind. Historically, teas have been consumed primarily as medicine but also for enjoyment. They have been used to dye fabrics and yarn, flavour foods and soups, and for aromatic and healing baths. Documents have been discovered in Egypt describing the early uses of herbal tea by ancient Egyptians. Greeks and Romans, such as Plato and Pliny, studied and cultivated herbs creating healing brews and tinctures. Herbal tea was consumed in Europe before black tea was introduced. Some of the original herbal teas in Europe, such as Peppermint and Chamomile, are still favourites.
In colonial America, herbal teas were consumed after the Boston Tea Party, as a form of defiance and patriotism. In addition, we also know that herbal teas have been used by shamans, village doctors and herbalists all around the world – including Africa, Central and South America, North America, India, Russia, Japan, and China (and many other countries).

Herbal Teas have been handed down throughout generations in almost every society. Herbal teas have traditionally held a very important place in natural medicine, before science was able to diagnose and treat with antibiotics and other modern methods. Those who had the knowledge of herbs and how to make herbal teas were highly respected, as their teas had the ability to greatly aid those who suffered from various ailments.

Today, tea is the second most widely-consumed beverage in the world and is made by steeping or boiling chopped plant material-roots, leaves and flowers for a specified amount of time. While the most common are black tea, oolong tea, green tea and white tea, herbal tea is beginning to see more widespread popularity due to its health benefits and exquisite taste. Herbal teas are useful for people who want to limit their chemical intake and enjoy nature's methods of healing. Herbal Teas are the ideal way to get the healing power of herbs into your everyday diet that can provide effective defences against disease.

There are immunity-building teas to strengthen your body’s own natural defences, or to rebuild your strength after antibiotics, illness, or surgery. There are stress reducers, nervous- system soothers, and anti-anxiety teas. There are natural antacids for indigestion, natural anti-histamines to fight hay fever and allergies, and natural antidepressants. There are teas to tone specific body systems, “Chi” teas, to enhance vital energy, tonics for both sexes and teas for your golden age. A pharmacopoeia of herbal teas is at your disposal to enhance your general health and wellbeing. Drinking herbal tea is an excellent way to maintain your health, experience new tastes, and be part of a legacy that has stretched throughout human history.