Herbal Infusions
This week we address a common question: Which herbal teas do you carry? To begin, herbal infusions are not tea! Herbal infusions are made from other plants, such as mint, linden, and chamomile -- not from the plant that all teas come from, Camellia sinensis. These herbals are often mistakenly referred to as "herbal teas." Although the popularity of calling any hot beverage "tea" cannot be denied, we like to make a distinction. In Europe they are more correctly known as tisanes.
We encourage people to drink herbal infusions when they are looking to avoid caffeine. Other herbals and blends are Lemon Verbena, Elder Flower, Lavender and Hibiscus, to name a few. Many of these herbs have medicinal benefits associated with them. Herbalists work with combinations of herbs to heal a great range of sicknesses. Here is an introduction to the herbals we offer:
Crimson Chai
This is our Africa Chai, so named because the base is pure Rooibos. This is also an herb, not really "red tea" that you see in several marketing campaigns these days. Red tea is what the Chinese call black tea -- the "red" describes the color of the infusion, not the color of the dried leaves. We add a mix of spices to make it an interesting, caffeine-free alternative -- it's also delicious with milk or soy milk.
Peppermint
Grown on a Certified Organic farm in central Oregon, our Peppermint leaves are cut and sifted and has a cooler, more intense flavor than the Spearmint. Peppermint has a reputation for being a mental refresher, and has been used to ease stomach ailments.
Mt. Olympus
The national herbal drink of Greece! Peppery and delicious, an outstanding flower both beautiful to drink and behold.
One-Minute Tea Tip, 2003
