New Tisane - Swine Away

Okay, a disclaimer first: nothing I'm about to say has been evaluated by the FDA, I don't intend to diagnose or treat illness with what I'm saying here, and my words are not meant to substitute for competent medical advice, but - in India, a combination of herbs and spices including holy basil is being recommended to boost immunity and prevent flu.  I didn't say it - they did. 

Anyway, I blended up a batch of the recommended combination of holy basil, ginger and pepper. It's spicy and delicious and I'm calling it Swine Away for now because I like that name, but I might give it a name change later on. It tastes great even if it doesn't do anything good for you.  But I bet it does. I've become really convinced about holy basil (aka tulsi) of late.  It's considered an adaptogen, which is an herb that helps the body combat stress and maintain balance, and there's some western scientific support for its benefits and a tremendous amount of tradition and folklore behind it. You can read a little about it here.

So Swine Away is in the shop, and you can find it here in the webstore too.

Update:  Swine Away is now called Flu-Less (because I found that name more amusing).

The Meaning of Tea

We are now carrying the inspirational documentary film The Meaning of Tea. 

From the back cover: Travel on a journey through India, Japan, Taiwan, Morocco, England, France, Ireland and even Tea, South Dakota. The Meaning of Tea unveils tea's mysterious appeal and considers the question of whether any inherent "meaning" is to be found in tea, particularly in this amped-up, high-tech era, increasingly dominated by mass-marketing and fast food. By visiting places where tea is still revered and investigating its role in these societies, the file reveals the profoundly positive role tea may play in the renewal of our world. 

This movie is absolutely captivating. Not only is it a beautiful film to watch; the soundtrack is fantastic, and the film-maker offers us charming and thought-provoking glimpses into everyday tea culture across the world. 

Tea Sale at Delmar Farmer's Market

We are finishing the season at the Delmar Farmer's Market by offering a closeout sale on our full sized clear top tins.  The tes is perfect, the tins are perfect.  The clear top tins are attractive and make great gifts.  All clear top tins will be on sale for just $5 regardless of previous price.  Prices ranged from $5 to $23 and most were in the $7-$10 range.  We're doing this because we just made the change to new packaging.

Mulling Spice

Yesterday I really started to feel like it was fall with all the wind and the blowing leaves, so I blended up a batch of Mulling Spice.  It's a classic autumn spice blend and I'll be preparing it in small batches all season long. You can use it for your mulled cider or wine, or to make your own spice tea blend.  It's not up on the website yet, but it's available in the shop. If you want to order some for delivery, feel free to call or email me.

New Cinnamon Roll Black Tea

Inspired by the Cinnamon Bun cookies we've been carrying courtesy of Park 19 cookies of Saratoga, I blended up a Cinnamon Roll tea. All I can say is that it's very good. 

Tomorrow Farmers Market Yay, Lark St Nay

Tomorrow, October 3rd, we will be at the Delmar Farmer's Market (yes, in the rain), but the Lark Street shop will be closed.  Have a great weekend!

More About Mate

Today the American Botanical Council published a review of a recent study finding that Yerba Mate consumption may help to reduce cholesterol levels.

http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbclip/385/review090391-385.html