Many people these days enjoy Peppermint. You can find it’s unique and refreshing characteristics in gum, toothpaste, chocolate, cookies, lip gloss, candy canes, and in a multitude of beverages.

But did you know that this herb has been cherished for centuries?

Fresh Cut Peppermint

(Well, to be more precise mint has been around for centuries – but peppermint which is a hybrid of water mint and spearmint is relatively new, jumping on the scene in England between 1696 to 1750)

Dating as far back as 1000 BC The Ancient Egyptians would bury their dead with herbs and essential oils – including mint – thought to be burned as incense. The Romans also used mint frequently to aid in digestion, brewing the leaves to create a tea that helped with gastric and nerve related issues.

We have a few great teas that include this wonderful herb:

• Peppermint Dream (peppermint and lavender)
• Premium Peppermint (yep you guessed it – nothing but high quality peppermint)
• Blueberry Pom-Bomb Antioxidant Tea
• Chocolate Mint (A perfect dessert tea that is wonderful with shortbread cookies – YUM)

Just today I read an article by Reuters about a Russian woman who hurled a steaming cup of Breakfast Tea at Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the Louvre. 

What was she thinking? What enraged her so much about the Mona Lisa that she had to take a perfectly good cup of tea and toss it at this mysterious woman? Maybe it was that ominous Mona Lisa smile, or maybe….just maybe, it was a really really bad cup of tea. 

A woman is being held after attacking the Mona Lisa

So that got me to thinking: This can’t be the first time that tea has popped up in the news as being the weapon of choice for some.  And that lead me to the following list of stories related to tea oddities. 

• 1773: The Boston Tea Party.  An unpopular tea tax became the source of rage for merchants as they dressed themselves as savages and began throwing crates of tea into the harbor.
• 1950’s: Secret Nuclear Weapon.  The British Government has acknowledged that they planned on using a special tea as their secret weapon for nuclear war victims in the event of a nuclear bomb attack.
• May 3rd, 2000: Jail Assault.  A provincial court ruled that throwing a cup of hot tea does constitute a weapon. Ken Horan, 34, of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., faced charges of assault with a weapon for throwing a plastic cup of tea at a corrections officer in a district jail.
• Jul 12, 2003: St. Petersburg Times - Tea made me do it.  Charges were dropped against a man who claimed that drinking Jasmine Tea made him go temporarily insane, break into his neighbors house, and chase her with a dagger.  (Should have tried our Calming Chamomile Lemon Grass instead) 

If you have heard of any other stories please drop us a line and we’ll include it in the above!

*She stands up and waves her hands dramatically in the air

pretending to conduct a large orchestra*

“I’m a little tea pot, short and stout…”

*She puts her left hand on her hip

mimicking the handle of a tea pot*

“Here is my handle, here is my spout…”

*She puts her right hand in an arch

mimicking the spout of a teapot*

“When I get all steamed up, then I shout,
Just tip me over, pour me out!”

*She leans over to the right side as far as she can go*

Well – THAT was liberating…

Maybe not…

I think I may have thrown out my back…

Getting old you know!

 No matter what your age, I’m sure you’ve heard this song at one time or another. But where did it come from? Most of us think it is a nursery rhyme that was made for children as a source of entertainment for them and the onlookers of the funny teapot actions that accompany it, but it actually has a history more noteworthy than that…

The song was written in 1939 by George Sanders and Clarence Kelly in Tin Pan Alley – The Core of the Music publishing District at that time. Kelley at that time, ran a dance school that specialized in teaching tap dance maneuvers. The school was open to even the youngest children, who were still what I like to think of as bobble-head little kidlets… You know the ones: Heads that still look just a little bit too big for their bodies, the ones that have a handle on the basic walk and are now mastering the run… tiny little tots… As one could imagine – teaching youngsters like this dance steps would not be an easy task. Attention spans alone ( never-mind physical coordination issues) involved in a dance routine for the paying parents would be quite an undertaking. Sanders, who usually played the piano accompaniment to the school’s dance recitals worked with Kelley to create song that the children could sing to remember their dance moves, hence creating the “Teapot Tip”.

For more information on this song’s origins look for the book by Ronald Sanders (the son of George Sanders) entitled “Reflections on a Teapot: The Personal History of Time”. It was published in 1972 by Harper and Row.

If I were a crayon, I would want to be a green one. Green is my favourite colour… There is just something about it…

There are so many things that are green and great!

Mike Wazowski  from Monsters Inc, for example… He is pretty awesome, with his one big eyeball and little stick arms and legs… What’s not to love?

Of course, you also have green M&M’s and apparently there is something ‘a little bit different’ about them.

One of my favourite green pals that I have loved since my childhood is Kermit the Frog… Also, the best colour in the world – green! As he would say, “It aint easy bein’ green…”

I agree with him, it probably isn’t easy being green…unless of course, you are Green Tea.

Green Tea – Also Green. Also Great. But what makes green tea green? And what makes green tea stand out from the rest?

All teas – come from the same plant, the key difference is in the processing of the tea leaves. Green tea is made by drying the tea leaves, but not allowing them to oxidize, as is the case with black tea. This is what makes green tea, green. This processing, or lack thereof, gives green tea a lighter flavour and colour to be sure, but it also gives it something else that is vitally important… our little friends called polyphenols. The less processed the tea is, the more beneficial it is to your health, because the polyphenols remain in-tact. Polyphenols are the antioxidant compounds found in tea. The high amount of these polyphenols in green tea, is what makes green tea so great! Green tea has been consumed for years. It is an ancient “cup o’ healing”… and now that it is being put to the test in modern times, we can see why it was, and remains, such a popular beverage for one’s health.

The polyphenols in green tea have been proven to:

• Help lower cholesterol levels

• Help lower blood pressure

• Help fight certain types of cancers

• Help with certain skin conditions

• Help prevent food allergies

• Help reduce weight

• Help prevent the aging process…

The list goes on… and I will share more benefits (with evidence) in later blog entries.

There are many different types of green tea, and each has a unique flavour.

The strongest tasting green tea that I have tried is Gunpowder Green Tea. The tea leaves are usually rolled up into tight tiny balls that originally served the purpose of keeping the tea fresh when it was being exported to Europe from China.

Bancha Green Tea is your everyday green tea. It has a slightly astringent taste, being made up of mature tea leaves.

Genmaicha Green Tea has a unique nutty flavour to it because it is usually made by combining bancha

and brown rice and roasting it.

The most sweet tasting green tea that I have tried is Sencha Green Tea. It is a more delicate leafed green tea and a favourite for many people. The best example of this that we offer, is Sencha Kyoto Cherry Rose. A very yummy blend. 

Green Tea… Just one more thing that is great about the colour green.

I will be honest… I have avoided writing this particular blog entry for a number of reasons – mainly because I am not a doctor and I don’t want anything I write taken as medical advice… With the number of emails I have received over the past few months about tea and fertility and tea and pregnancy however, I thought I should probably ‘bite the bullet’ and write this. I think it’s important to let people know what I know.

THAT being said… First and foremost, I am not a medical professional. I am your Plain Jane who has done her research on a lot of things including herbs and herbal remedies. Anything you read anywhere in my blog, is my opinion only, and should not be used as medical advice in any way shape or form.

One more time – just for good measure before you continue: Everything written by me is strictly my unprofessional opinion only.

Okay – I feel better with getting that disclaimer out there, and now I’m ready to go…

We are all our own judges. We judge the standards of what we put into our mouths and onto our bodies everyday. This means food, beverages, medication, makeup, cream… you name it. I think in order to make sound judgments we need to educate ourselves about what we use and put into our bodies. That means doing our own research and learning from other people’s. Of course we don’t have time to research every little thing we put on our skin or into our mouths, and I’m not suggesting that you should… What I am trying to get across is that everything on this planet has a purpose. It was put here, and has certain properties that can help you and of course hinder you. What we put into our bodies is fuel and as such, it affects the way we function.

The main question I have been emailed about is the consumption of herbal tea during pregnancy, or when trying to conceive. Specifically I have been asked about lavender tea. There are definitely certain do’s and dont’s with consumption of herbs while pregnant, and I am hoping that I can help you sort this out and give you some advice.

Let’s start with lavender. Lavender has been used for centuries as a sedative, antispasmodic, digestive aid and diuretic. (Water Pill) You will notice that it is added to many products today that involve sleep aid and relaxation. Lavender is generally a safe herb for consumption , however, like most other herbs it has medicinal properties, and therefore, technically, you can overdose on it and give yourself narcotic like reactions. Now, don’t go panicking yet! This should not put you off of consuming it as a tea, or using products that contain lavender. Keep Reading before you scour your cupboards emptying them of lavender related items. Depending on the species, lavender flowers contain from 0.5 to 1.5 percent of a highly aromatic oil which is where most of the therapeutic qualities can be found. Realistically – to ovedoes, ou would need to consume A LOT of lavender. So, in my unprofessional opinion, if you are using 1-2 teaspoons of lavender per cup of tea, you are ine to consume 2 or 3 cups a day. Like everything else, the key is moderation.

So my answer to the question ‘is lavender safe for me to consume while pregnant?’ – Yes. My suggestion? Try mixing it with Peppermint. I created a special blend of the two that we sell at Herbal Infusions called Peppermint Dream. Peppermint and lavender tea has both relaxing and energizing qualities and it is a great mix when you have been walking around carrying an extra person with you on feet that you may or may not be able to see anymore. There are definitely worse things to be drinking while pregnant, and your choice of herbal tea is a good one. While pregnant, large amounts of caffeine should be avoided. Large amounts of highly caffeinated tea like Yerba Mate, coffee, soda and diet soda should be avoided.

In fact… Here is a side note about diet soda… I would strongly advise against drinking it – ever. Most people don’t know that diet sodas containing aspartame may be even more harmful to your body than regular sodas. Aspartame has a chemical in it that basically turns to formaldehyde once you consume it. Formaldehyde. That’s right…the stuff that people use to preserve dead bodies. Do you want that in your body? Another little known fact is that it took the FDA more than 6 attempts before aspartame was approved, and it was only approved for certain types of diet foods because of the problems it can cause… Well – Now it is everywhere… and in my opinion should be avoided by everyone, pregnant or not.

Back to the herbs…

There are certain herbs that should NOT be consumed while trying to conceive or while pregnant. Some should not be consumed at all, and others merely should not be consumed in high or medicinal quantities. Some of these items on the list below are sure to surprise you.

1. Parsley

Most people think I’m crazy when I tell them this. After all – It is a garnish for Italian dishes, right? How bad can it be? Culinary amounts are fine… however, when pregnant or trying to conceive, large medicinal doses should be avoided as they can in fact be harmful. Parsley has been used as a cure all for a number of ailments: bad breath, digestive problems, kidney problems, bruises and insect bites, lice and parasites, promoting hair growth, and most importantly in this case to stimulate menstrual flow and increase breast milk production. Parsley contains myristicin and apide both of which stimulate the muscles in the uterus, and this can cause serious complications including miscarriage. In fact, at one time parsley was used alone and with other herbs to induce miscarriage.

2. Ginger

Ginger can suppress menstruation and has been used for menstrual irregularities. While ginger is great for you normally, it should be avoided in large amounts when pregnant. Research has shown that ginger is a powerful thromboxane synthetase inhibitor. (English translation: It can potentially effect testosterone binding in the fetus). Once again, a culinary amount is fine, just don’t go crazy and take it in medicinal amounts.

3. Sage

If you are using this herb in a culinary amount, you are okay – but there are a few little known, or perhaps long forgotten facts about sage that you might want to make yourself aware of. Sage oil has a high concentration of a chemical called thujone, which in certain doses, is toxic. Purified sage oil is highly toxic and should NEVER BE TAKEN INTERNALLY. It will cause convulsions in both animals and humans, and has resulted in comatose, mental deterioration and death. Our friend Vincent Van Gogh – Yes – The artist who went crazy and cut his own ear off – was good friends with an old time drink called absinthe. You have probably heard of absinthe, but did you know that the famous ingredient in absinthe is thujone? Well – There you have it. Many say that thujone is what made Van Gogh go mad. Even a prolonged use of sage tea has been deemed by some health officials to be hazardous to anyone, pregnant or not. Sage also has a mild estrogen like effect and can bring about a delayed menstruation period… as such, it should be avoided in large amounts during pregnancy.

4. Rosemary

While most places you look will tell you that this herb has never been shown to induce abortion, health authorities also advise pregnant women not to take it in large amounts.

5. Celery Seed

That’s right – Another common kitchen herb that can make things go wrong during pregnancy. Who knew? Celery comes from the same family as parsley, so it is not surprising that it would have some of the same properties and effects. It too has been used to cure delayed menstruation and has been used in large doses to end pregnancy. Avoid it in large or medicinal amounts.

6. Pineapple

In know, I know, you probably think I’ve gone off the deep end.  Am I going to list every item in your kitchen?!? No – I promise I’m not…but I wanted to include these common items because that is what you will be most likely to have and therefore consume. The leaves of the unripened fruit have been used as a diruetic for centuries and also have been used as a tonic to stimulate menstruation. The unripe fruit is actually considered posionous as it can induce vomiting. Large doses of the ripe fruit juice can actually cause uterine contractions. Unless you are ready to give birth, you don’t want that.  As with everything else – Pineapple, and Pineapple juice – consume in moderation.

7. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

In large doses this can stimulate estrogen levels in the body and interfere with progesterone. (Progesterone is essential in pregnancy). Vitamin C has been used to prevent implantation of he oveum as well as weaken it’s grip if already fertilized and implanted. So – cut out popping vitamin C pills and add vitamin C rich foods to your diet instead.

8. Pomegranate

This is one of my favourite fruits. It is known as a fruit of the gods, and it has been depicted in paintings and carvings for centuries… but why? Did the ancients know something about it that we don’t? Probably. Pomegranate has contraceptive effects. (This doesn’t mean to stop your birth control and start eating pomegranates instead ladies!) It has been proven however, that pomegranate seeds can reduce fertility rates. Maybe those folks from before our time knew something after all, huh? I mean, why on earth would people keep pomegranate, celery seed, and parsley next to their bedsides? Hmmm… something tells me it may have been more than a breath freshener.

Now on to the less known herbs that you probably don’t keep hanging around in your kitchen pantry.

9. Asafetida

Well – it is used to give worchestershire sauce it’s tang, but there is more to the herb than that. It is a member of the giant fennel family and along with silphium (a plant that was harvested out of existence because of it’s demand) it was used to prevent pregnancy and to end unwanted pregnancy. The resin of the plant was commonly used to induce abortion. No – this does not mean that you shouldn’t consume worchestershire sauce. It means that you should not consume asafetida in large amounts.

10. Cohosh – Black and Blue

Both black and blue cohosh were used in minute amounts for menstruation problems and childbirth, and in large doses, to abort. Blue cohosh especially – was commonly used to induce labour. There is a definite health hazard in consuming blue cohosh, even in recommended amounts. This is because it not only stimulates the uterus but also the heart. It is very unpredictable and should be avoided through all three trimesters.

11. Black Haw

Most people have never heard of it – but I thought I should include it anyway. This plants has been used as a pain reliever and contains salicin. Salicin is a close relative of aspirin. Chemically speaking, let’s just say that salicin and aspirin are cousins. There is also a substance called scopoletin in the root of black haw which has anti spasmodic properties. So, what does this mean if you are pregnant or trying to conceive? Simply put: Avoid it. Just as aspirin should not be taken during pregnancy due to the possibility of birth defects, black haw should also be avoided. In addition to this, it has the potential to relax the uterus.

12. Lady’s Mantle

Lady’s Mantel has long been used to cure menstrual irregularities. Because of this, it should be avoided, although to my knowledge it has not caused miscarriage.

13. Tansy

Some of you might have this growing in your garden – bright yellow flowers, dark green feathery leaves – okay to look at, but not to consume. In my unprofessional opinion, tansy should NEVER be consumed by anyone at anytime. Although there has been some research indicating that it is beneficial for a certain number of things, the risks FAR outweigh the benefits. This plant (like sage) also contains thujone. Along with allergic reactions, most other reactions to the herb are toxic. It causes miscarriage and it was used to abort unwanted pregnancies. In most cases however, the pregnant mother became very ill and/or died. I have also heard of people dying from drinking tansy tea, although I couldn’t tell you where I have heard it.

14. Feverfew

Like tansy, this plant also comes from the daisy family. It promotes menstrual flow and should be avoided during pregnancy and while trying to conceive.

15. Angelica

Despite it’s charming name, this herb is anything but. It induces miscarriage and was used for that purpose. It is also quite hazardous to your health, although it was formerly used in small amounts to a cure to a number of different ailments. In some animal studies it has been linked to causing cancer – What that means for humans I don’t know – But knowing that much – I wouldn’t ingest it, or advise anyone else to.

16. Mugwort

This is another herb used to induce menstruation. Anything like this should be avoided as it can cause miscarriage. Mugwort was used for a number of things, very few of which have proved to be useful, except for inducing menstruation. Definitely to be avoided while pregnant.

17. Juniper Berry

This can cause uterine contractions and miscarriage and should therefore be avoided when pregnant. For non pregnant people – many people have used Juniper as a diuretic, but what they are not aware of is how this particular herb works. It actually irritates your kidneys which is quite dangerous and as far as I’m concerned should not be used for this purpose.

18. Cramp Bark

There is very little research on this, however experts seem to say the same thing: This herb effects the uterus and the heart and should not be consumed by pregnant women.

19. Yarrow

Another herb containing thujone. This chemical causes miscarriage and should not be consumed, even in trace amounts during pregnancy.

20. Pennyroyal

This is another big no-no. This herb can cause miscarriage and it was used as an abortive aid. It should never, ever – in my unprofessional opinion – be used medicinally. It contains a highly toxic substance called pulegone and along with causing nausea, increased blood pressure and heart rate, sweating, clotting, liver damage and fever – it can kill you. Although pennyroyal tea probably contains very little pulegone (it was used before to ease indigestion and help eradicate colds and flus) I would absolutely avoid it, pregnant or not. Canadian health authorities by the way have banned the sale of pennyroyal in medicinal doses.

A month has passed in the blink of an eye… and we are fast approaching that day… the day that girls want flowers, and boys want gadgets or games… The day where some little naked crazy cherub flys around flinging arrows at people… you got it… Valentine’s Day. Most of us know that it is a day for heart shaped boxes and sugary treats, but how many of you know the day’s history?

Valentine’s day traditions began where many of our traditions stem from… The Roman Empire.  The 14th of February was a day to honour Juno, the Queen of the Roman Goddesses and Gods.  The day after was the feast of Lupercalia – a festival intended to ensure fertility in the coming year.  One of the custom’s of the festival was name drawing.

 ”On the eve of the festival of Lupercalia the names of Roman girls were written on slips of paper and placed into jars. Each young man would draw a girl’s name from the jar and would then be partners for the duration of the festival with the girl whom he chose. Sometimes the pairing lasted an entire year, and often, they would fall in love and would later marry.”

(Side Note: Later on, when Christianty became common, the names of maidens were switched to names of saints and the papers drawn would determine one’s patron saint for that year)

This much is known for certain.  After this however, things start to get a little muddled… It is said that Emperor Claudius II who was coined “Claudius the Cruel” for his infamous brutal campaigns, was having a hard time getting soldiers to join his army.  He believed that it was because the soldiers did not want to leave their wives, and families, so he prohibited young men to marry.  (In fact some sources indicate that he actually cancelled all engagements and weddings at that time.) And THIS is where Saint Valentine comes in…

 Valentine, a priest, continued to perform marriage ceremonies, despite the order from Claudius.  Of course, Claudius was not fond of this and eventually Valentine was apprehended by the Romans and was beheaded. An Interesting thing is, Valentine was not known for passionate love, (eros) which is what most of us think about with pink hearts all over the place around this time of year.   Valentine was known for his devotion to God and christian love. (agape) Somehow, this turned into cupid and arrows, and boxes of candy and chocolate over the years… turning “Valentine’s Day” into a booming commercial success.

Valentine’s Day Facts:

“California produces 60 percent of American roses, but the vast number sold on Valentine’s Day in the United States are imported, mostly from South America. Approximately 110 million roses, the majority red, will be sold and delivered within a three-day time period. ”

 ”Cupid, another symbol of Valentines Day, became associated with it because he was the son of Venus, the Roman god of love and beauty. Cupid often appears on Valentine cards holding a bow and arrows because he is believed to use magical arrows to inspire feelings of love. ”

“Hallmark has over 1330 different cards specifically for Valentine’s Day. ”

 ”The heart is the most common symbol of romantic love. Ancient cultures believed the human soul lived in the heart. Others thought it to be the source of emotion and intelligence. Some believed the heart embodied a man’s truth, strength and nobility. The heart may be associated with love because the ancient Greeks believed it was the target of Eros, known as Cupid to the Romans. Anyone shot in the heart by one of Cupid’s arrows would fall hopelessly in love. Because the heart is so closely linked to love, it’s red colour is thought to be the most romantic. ”

“About 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged each year. That’s the largest seasonal card-sending occasion of the year, next to Christmas. ”

Happy Heart Day!

It turns out that The Kinks were keen on tea. Ray Davies wrote the song “Have a Cuppa Tea” in 1971 and preformed it in his band The Kinks… For those of you who are not musically inclined, or just don’t know about The Kinks – perhaps because they were ‘before your time’ – They were one of the most influential and long lived ‘British Invasion’ bands. Their music was powerful and although this worked to their advantage, it also worked to their disadvantage – they were banned from the US in the 1960’s which in my opinion, is fundamentally the reason why they didn’t acquire the same level of popularity as the other top three comparable bands at that time– The Beetles, The Who and The Rolling Stones. At any rate – The Kinks knew how to get their message across. (And obviously someone in the American government didn’t like it – because in 1965 when they were touring, they were not allowed back into the US – (for 4 years ) – for ‘unspecified reasons’.)

Have a Cuppa Tea, has entertaining lyrics about tea, and how it is a miracle cure. “If you feel a bit under the weather, If you feel a little bit peeved… Take Granny’s stand by potion, for any old cough or wheeze…” Davies sings about an old lady who is always brewing a pot of tea… for various reasons. “It’s a cure for hepatitis, it’s a cure for chronic insomnia… It’s a cure for tonsillitis, and for water on the knee.” While I can’t say with conviction that tea is a miracle cure, it is interesting that it has been used as an herbal medicine for many years, by many people and it is interesting that people in the music industry reflected this in their recordings… What I also find intriguing is that it is popping up in more and more studies about curing various ailments, and has been medically proven to combat certain cancers, eczema and other skin disorders. Maybe Granny was right all along?

Another song that Davies wrote, was a more serious tea tune titled “Afternoon Tea” It is a song about a girl named Donna and how they used to have ‘afternoon tea’ together. It is a nostalgic type of tune… Sad, since it seems like she left him… “Tea time still ain’t the same without my Donna, At night I lie awake and dream of Donna, I went to our café one day, They said that Donna walked away…You think she might at least have stayed, To drink her afternoon tea…” He goes on to sing about how he takes afternoon tea every day of the week… he either really likes his tea – or he is waiting alone at the café hoping to get another chance with Donna.

For the full lyrics to “Afternoon Tea” visit: http://www.lyricsfreak.com/k/kinks/afternoon+tea_20079117.html

For the full lyrics to “Have a Cuppa Tea” visit: http://www.lyricsfreak.com/k/kinks/have+a+cuppa+tea_20079055.html

Mary, Mary, quite contrary

How does your Garden grow?

With silver bells and cockle shells

And pretty maids all in a row.

Well, I definitely don’t have a garden like our old nursery rhyme friend Mary, and knowing the origin of this poem I am certainly glad I do not! There are three herbs in my garden however, that I would definitely recommend planting. My three favourite herbs that I keep in abundance are lavender, mint, and chamomile.

The use of these herbs can be traced back to medieval times, and are still widely used today for a number of things, including consumption. These herbs are grown easily in your own backyard, and are wonderful additions to tea, especially green and white teas, although they can of course, be used on their own.

Lavender

The name lavender comes from the Latin word ‘lavare’ which means ‘to wash’. Lavender is a perennial; the flowers grow in small spikes and are purple, or lavender, in colour. It smells wonderful in gardens and is fairly rugged. Because there are so many different varieties of lavender, you are sure to find a type that will go with any garden.  Lavender has many uses and has been a staple herb for ages. It is an herb that was used frequently in Pre-Christian Europe – made into a wash and used externally, as it is an excellent herb for skin conditions such as acne. (It is considered a purifying herb)

I personally use lavender oil to get rid of my headaches by rubbing it on my temples and forehead – a practice invented long, long before my time. Another use for lavender is of course, tea! Lavender is a nervine. Nervine herbs function as a tonic for the nervous system. Lavender tea is used to calm ravaged nerves, help reduce stress, induce relaxation and combat fatigue. It is also a carminative herb – pleasant for digestion and releasing tension in the the body. Of course, anyone who has ever been close to lavender would agree that it has a strong and pleasant scent. It is an aromatic herb, making it a perfect addition to other herbs, or tea, to make them more palatable.

Peppermint

Peppermint, by far, has both the sweetest scent and flavour of all of the mints. The smell often reminds us of candy canes and Christmas. Peppermint is a broad-leafed plant that has serrated, spikey looking edges. Like all mints, peppermint is a fast growing plant. If not cultivated, it will spread quickly, and take over the space needed by other garden plants.

Lore has it that peppermint is a visionary herb. It is said that drinking peppermint tea before bed makes for interesting dreams.

Peppermint is a very mild anodyne (pain reliever) because of the presence of menthol in the plant. For aches, pains and bruises, peppermint oil can be used in the same way as lavender oil – by gently rubbing it on the affected area. Take note: Peppermint will create heat when rubbed on skin, so large amounts should not be used, and it should not be used on open wounds.

My favourite tea by far is peppermint and lavender. I call the combination of the two, ’sleepy time tea’, because together they are a refreshing, but very relaxing combination that is perfect before bed. I have enjoyed the two of them mixed together for many years. I finally created a special blend of the two herbs, using the finest peppermint leaves available, to create one of our signature teas, “Peppermint Dream”, which we will be launching in early January.

Chamomile

Chamomile is an aromatic herb. In the middle ages, chamomile was used as a stewing herb. Because it is a very hardy plant, it was also planted on pathways because it would survive when trampled on, and gives off a nice fragrance when crushed underfoot.

“Like a chamomile bed

The more it is trodden

The more it will spread”

It is a very hardy plant. It is daisy like, with very soft fine leaves. It survives in gardens to be sure, and is also very often found in the wild. An interesting thing about growing chamomile is that it brings health to the other plants in the garden. Folklore indicates that it will bring health to any other plant it grows next to – earning it the nickname, ‘Plants Physician’. It was the most used herb in Ancient Egyptian medicine where it was dedicated to the Sun God for it’s healing powers.

Chamomile, like lavender, is a nervine. It is used today primarily as a tea, as a very mild sedative that will bring you down a notch on restless days and nights. It eases the nerves, and promotes drowsiness. It will definitely comfort even the most anxious person into a good night’s sleep if consumed before bed, although some would say that it is an acquired taste because of it’s earthy quality. In addition to a sleeping agent, it is also known for it’s treatment of pain and has been added to lotions and balms to treat muscle aches.

These three herbs are definitely worth planting in your garden this coming spring!

Thanks to Jaiden for the photo of Brenna in the Herb Garden.

For more photos taken by this photographer, visit:

Just Jaiden

For more information on the gruesome origins of the nursery rhyme Mary Mary, visit:

Bloody Mary – Mary Tudor, Daughter of King Henry VIII

Big flakes of snow float to the ground outside the window signaling that the winter weather is once again upon us; but inside our house, it is warm and cozy… The Christmas tree is lit, the faint smell of freshly baked cookies drifts from the kitchen, the sound of laughter and friendly chit-chat fills the air, tea blossoms bloom…

Tea Blossoms Bloom???

This weekend we had a few friends over for dinner to kick start our seasonal celebrations. Dinner was delicious, the cookies were a hit, but the star of the show was surprising. It was a tiny green ball – no bigger than the size of a walnut. A colourful mystery, wrapped inside a tiny package of dark green leaves.

We were amazed that no one else at the table had ever heard of flowering tea. They were shocked that such a large flowery bloom could come out of such a small package and make a refreshing tea. At first our guests thought that they were just looking at an entertaining decoration – that is – until they sipped the warm fragrant liquid from their cups, and quickly changed their minds.

The artisan tea that we chose to display last night was Oolong Mystere. It is a hand made, hand tied, partially oxidized green tea with hibiscus. It is a simple refreshing tea with a light lemony flavour.

In China, these types of artisan, or ‘presentation’ teas are known as “hui fa cha”. In North America they are called a number of things including flowering tea, blossoming tea, blooming tea, decorative tea, tea balls, tea bundles, and artisan tea. Supple tea leaves and flower buds are carefully tied by hand with silk thread into tiny tea bundles that transform into blooms, blossoms, and other beautiful shapes when they are steeped in hot water. They are definitely great conversation pieces, and I’m glad we thought to use one. Everyone seemed entertained by the idea of a tea ball that blooms like a flower, and they were amazed as they watched the little leaves slowly unfold to reveal a bright pink center.

Another great thing about these teas is that they can be kept as a centerpiece, much like fresh flowers, in a clear bowl for up to a week if they are refreshed daily with cold water.

To see flowering teas that we offer, visit:

Herbal Infusions Flowering Teas

Just Tea for Two… And Two for Tea… Boredom overtook me while doing research and led me to an interesting discovery. Not only has tea been consumed by us for years and years, by long lost and perhaps forgotten ancestors, but it has been a part of our society in other ways that have largely been over looked. It goes to show, as you will see below, what a big part tea has played in our lives. We have written poetry about it, sung songs about it, been inspired by it… Humans… We really are entertaining, aren’t we?“Picture you upon my knee, Just tea for two and two for tea… Just me for you and you for me… alone” A song about YES, You guessed it – Our green leafy friend… Tea. When going over the lyrics I noticed some interesting things about this song. It is largely about escapism, and how a hot cup of tea can help to ease one’s worries of the day, and bring people closer. “Darling this place is lovely oasis…Where life’s weary taste is unknown.”

Even in 1925, tea was described as a soul soother… A smitten man singing about his plans for a future with his woman… lost in a cup of tea… How a song about sharing a cup of tea with a lover can be become an American jazz standard, a Doris Day album, or a film for that matter, is amusing to me. So – Now begins some new research… Tea… Where it has turned up, how it is represented and what it embodies in music, poetry and other art forms.

For the full lyrics to the song “Tea for Two” visit:

Lyrics Page

For film info visit:

IMDB Page