Our favorite

beverage is
hand-grown,
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hand-picked,
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It comes from all

PURPOSE
over the earth to
delight us.

Discover how tea

benefits the world
and learn how you
can help give back.

fair-trade rainforest adventure

healthy workers, healthy tea
companies that care

March/April 2014
January~February 2014

FEATURES DEPARTMENTS
10 The Skinny on Tea Editor’s Note .......................................... 4
Sip your way slim Turning over a new leaf

18 A Balanced Life Tea A-Z ................................................... 5

Ayurveda’s ancient principles Tea terms explained
can help you live better today
Behind the Brew .................................... 6
24 Immune Boosters Ginger
Stave off winter woes
Tastings .................................................. 7
with a hot cuppa
Tea for what ails you
26 Gloriously Gluten-Free
Hand-Picked .......................................... 8
Tea—even an elegant
Who says a sick day can’t be stylish?
afternoon tea—can be
deliciously gluten-free Elevation .............................................. 46
Hong Yu
34 Bowl of Comfort
Matcha amps up your Tea Break ............................................. 47
chicken soup What’s happening online and off

36 A Cup a Day Life Steeped In .................................... 48

Stock your medicine cabinet Caring
with healthy brews

The
Skinny

Tea
on

10

January~February 2014 Tea Magazine 3

EDITOR’S NOTE
“I will...”
[Link]
“I promise...”
Chief Media Officer Graham Kilshaw
“This year, I’ll absolutely...” graham@[Link]
How many times have you made Content Director Kate Sullivan
kate@[Link]
solemn vows in the cold light of a January
morning, staring at a number on the scale Editorial Pearl Dexter, Founding Editor
pearl@[Link]
that seems to have crept steadily upwards, Dan Bolton, Consulting Editor
Laurie Baxendell, Art Director
or a pile of clutter in the corner of the laurie@[Link]
Jamie Santoro, Community Editor
living room, or an unused stack of French jamie@[Link]
101 books? I’ll admit, I’m one of those Lisa Lombardo, Editorial Assistant
teamag@[Link]
people who always starts out with great Marketing Dawn Hoffman,
intentions—this year I’ll scrub the kitchen Audience Cultivation Director
dawn@[Link]
every night and fold the laundry right Jacqueline Gentile,
Audience Cultivation Specialist
away and go to the gym every morning! jacqueline@[Link]
Sometimes I even have a plan. Sometimes I Advertising Cem Guvener,
even stick with it for a week or two. Business Development
cem@[Link]
But inevitably, the pressures of life catch Jamie Santoro, Brand Journalist
changes with just one small step to get jamie@[Link]
up to me. The snooze button takes priority
started—even something as simple as Contributing Editors Katrina Avila-Munichiello
over the gym. The laundry sits forlornly Linnea Covington
adding another cup of tea to your routine.
in the corner. The kitchen starts getting Kathleen Finn
Teas and tisanes of all kinds can support Cynthia Gold
colonized by dust bunnies the size of Jane Pettigrew
your efforts to be the healthiest, best you Jennifer Quail
bobcats. One thing leads to another, and Michelle Rabin
possible, and we’ve rounded up some of the Bruce Richardson
the next thing I know, it’s January again, Dan Robertson
top teas for health and wellness. Whether
and time for another round of resolutions. Alexis Siemons
you’ve resolved to drop those last few
This year, I’m resolving not to make any Contributors Anne-Marie Hardie
pounds or regain some work-life balance, Nada Milosavljevic, MD, JD
resolutions—well, no big solemn vows, Julian Landa
there’s a brew for you. Maybe you’re aiming Sandra Payne
at least. Instead, I’m promising myself
to eat a little healthier; tea can give you ITEM Media
to do as my grandmother always taught: 1000 Germantown Pike, F-2
an edge there, and there’s even teas and
make every day, in every way, a little bit Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 ~ USA
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Of course, you can’t feel your best if
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Nope, I’m going to start small (put your Suite F-2, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462-2486.
up with teas, tips, and tricks that can cure Copyright© 2014 ITEM Media: Contents may not
shoes away, clean out the kettle, go for a be reproduced without written permission from the
what ails you—while no drink can replace
walk after work) and stick with it. Who publisher. The publisher accepts no responsibility for
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knows, maybe a few small changes that
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PRINTED IN THE USA

4 Tea Magazine January~February 2014

 TEA A-Z
Our favorite drink is both simple and sublime—the infusion of botanical ingredients into water is, at its
heart, a straightforward process, but the flavors and aromas it creates are amazingly complex.
Tea terminology can be mind-bogglingly complex, too. Which is why Tea Magazine is bringing you Tea A-Z, a guide to
deciphering both common and completely bewildering concepts from the world of tea. Let’s dive in!

BERGAMOT
BERGAMOT
BITTER TEA
A type of bitter citrus fruit. The
essential oil extracted from the
rind is what gives Earl Grey tea
its distinctive flavor.

BITTER
An unpleasant, sharp taste that
often comes from steeping a tea
for too long.

BITTER TEA
A traditional Kashmiri tea
BLACK TEA
preparation that involves boiling
tea in a copper pot and then
adding red potash, salt, and anise.
The resulting tea is bright pink.

BISCUITY
A toasty, pleasant taste that’s
reminiscent of cookies or baked
goods. Assam teas are often
biscuity.

BLACK TEA
Any tea that has been thoroughly
oxidized and fermented before
being fired. The preparation of
BLEND black teas takes several days,
as the leaves have to ferment,
dry, and be roasted, in addition
BISCUITY to being rolled or otherwise
processed. Black tea has the
darkest color, strongest flavor,
and highest caffeine level of the
common tea types.

BLEND
A mixture of teas, rather than
one “pure” tea. This might be
teas from different regions, as in
English Breakfast, or a mixture of
tea leaves with other ingredients,
including herbs, spices, and
BITTER flavorings.

January~February 2014 Tea Magazine 5

BEHIND the BREW

Ginger
Zingiber officinale

TRIVIA • It’s pretty, too—because the side and use the edge water foot baths and as a
• A whole ginger piece, or of its adaptation to warm to scrape down the ginger. fix for scars or skin that has
rhizome, is called a “hand.” climates, ginger is often The top layer should peel off lost pigmentation. Just dab
• Jamaican ginger was the used as landscaping around easily. a small sliver of fresh ginger
first eastern spice to be subtropical homes. • Love Caribbean flavor? Use on the problem areas daily.
grown in the New World and ginger in a brine to lend a • Ginger is considered one
shipped back to Europe. TIPS AND TRICKS Jamaican flair to spice up of nature’s best cellulite
• Ginger’s name derives from • Ginger seems like nature’s chicken or fish, or grate reducers, so using it in a
an ancient Sanskrit word cure-all! To treat colds, into a stir-fry. Ginger can scrub can help your skin
meaning “horn-shaped.” nausea, and fever, ginger also be sliced into planks retain a supple glow.
• Legend has it that Queen ale is chicken soup’s close or matchsticks, chopped,
Elizabeth I created the first cousin. Turn to ginger to puréed, or minced. TRY IT
gingerbread man. She had help curb flatulence or • It’s not just for cookies! Spicy
small likenesses of some of indigestion, treat motion When baking, seek out • Organic Spicy Ginger
her court guests fashioned sickness, soothe menstrual crystallized ginger to add Herbal Infusion Tea,
out of the trendy pastry, and pain, and (some studies to cakes, muffins, or other by TAZO
gave them as gifts. show) melt fat and lose treats for that spicy-snap
• Ginger Lemon Tea,
• In India, ginger is often weight. taste. Or sprinkle ground
by Stash
applied as a paste to • You don’t need a fancy ginger on a whipped cream-
the temples to relieve peeler to peel the skin from topped hot chai tea latte. • Zingiber Ginger Coconut
headache. ginger. Just tilt a spoon to • Ginger stars in many beauty Rooibos Tea, by Teavana
aids. It’s used in warm-
Subtle
• Gentle Organic Lemon
Ginger Loose Leaf
Green Tea, by Village
Tea Company
• Sweet White Chai
Herbal Tea,
by Capital Teas
• Organic Turmeric
Ginger Green Tea,
by Republic of Teas
• Ginger White Tea,
by Nature’s Tea Leaf

For more on ginger, go online to

[Link]/refresh/wellness/wonderfulginger

6 Tea Magazine January~February 2014

 TASTINGS
By Linnea Covington

Wellness Teas
Throughout history, various tisanes have been used as Name: Organic Breathing leave a cooling sensation
tools to help the body function at its best. Now, as the Space in the mouth.
cold season officially sets in, it’s the perfect time to Type: Tisane with What it’s for: All the
sample some brews that soothe a cold, make digestion echinacea, peppermint, components in the blend
easier, and help relax your mind. eucalyptus, ginger, and work to help you breathe
licorice root better, especially the
Blender: Choice Organic eucalyptus and mint.
Flavor: While the taste of You can feel a cooling
Teas
this tisane isn’t nearly as sensation as the liquid
rich as the aroma, it has Aroma: Surprisingly,
goes down your throat,
a clean finish and leaves the peppermint proves
refreshing and revitalizing.
traces of bright orange muted, but still manages
and chocolate on the to give the brew a fresh
palate long after you’ve scent, like newly fallen
drained the cup. snow.
What it’s for: Boost Flavor: Whereas the
your mood with this mint doesn’t shine on the
delicious blend. After nose, it’s prevalent on the
Name: Euphoria palate, hugging your taste
all, it’s a proven fact
Type: Maté with buds with bits of round
that chocolate triggers
chocolate and orange licorice that, in the end,
endorphins and maté
Blender: Kusmi Tea has caffeine, making
Aroma: Like the finest this a perfect combo to
chocolate orange you truly give you a sense of
Name: Organic What it’s for: Whether
have ever had the Ginger Aid consumed before or
rapture.
pleasure of receiving. Type: Tisane with ginger, after a meal, ginger is
stevia leaf, lemon myrtle, traditionally used to help
and blackberry leaf with digestion, which
Name: Night Time Flavor: A slight licorice Blender: Traditional is this tisane’s precise
Type: Tisane with organic essence relaxes the soft, Medicinals purpose.
oat flower, lavender, tulsi sweet floral notes,
Aroma: There’s no
leaf, and valerian root creating a soothing
mistaking the ginger in
Blender: Pukka cup to dream about.
this blend, and with a
Aroma: Light and What it’s for: As hinted touch of sweetness, it has
springy, like a meadow by the name, this tisane a gingerbread fragrance.
helps you sleep; the
of wildflowers in the Flavor: Unlike most
afternoon sun. addition of valerian root
ginger-based creations,
and chamomile ease you
this tisane doesn’t
off to dreamland.
have the sharp
spiciness of the root.
Instead, it proves
a light, slightly
sweet drink that could
benefit from steeping for
10 to 15 minutes.

January~February 2014 Tea Magazine 7

1. Aromatic Chest Rub 3. Himalayan Black Tea Candle 5. Warm Compress Rice Bag
Badger Balm [Link] WeeFolkArt
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When you’re stuffed up, you don’t want to Make yourself well with the fragrance Aches, pains, and stiffness slip away
rely on harsh chemicals to breathe freely of Assam tea leaves, Darjeeling, dried thanks to the tender care of—rice? Believe
again. This balm features organic essential clementine peel, smoky yerba mate, it; use this free guide to make a comforting
oils used for years as natural remedies for Malabar banji leaf chai, and Ceylon tea. cloth bag you fill with rice. Warm it up in the
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again and you’re good to go. You can even
2. Modern Stainless Steel 4. Cable-Knit Tumbler add dried herbs or tea for aromatherapy.
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HAND-PICKED
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1 3

8 Tea Magazine January~February 2014

 5
8

9. Wellness Simmer Sauce

Williams Sonoma
6
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9 quick, satisfying meals with bright and
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10. Organic Lemongrass Tisane

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7 with this zingy lemongrass and bay tisane.
10 One whiff will help open your sinuses, and
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Can’t get enough tea goodies? Head to [Link] and sign up for our
What’s New newsletter for updates on all the latest!

9
10 Tea Magazine January~February 2014
The
Skinny

Tea
on

A natural path
to weight loss
By Nada Milosavljevic, MD, JD

T
he holiday parties are over and a New Year has begun.
If one of your resolutions is to shed a few pounds,
you’ve probably seen all the ads touting diets, weight-
loss supplements, and more, including a bevy of tea-laced
products. You may be thinking that tea might be a simple
and tasty addition to your diet plan. But can tea really help
us slim down, or is it just clever marketing? After all, tea
has been credited with boosting metabolism and curbing
appetite at almost-miraculous levels. Instead of believing the
hype, let’s look at the science behind some of these claims
and examine whether tea can serve as a healthy, slimming
addition to your diet and fitness regimen.

January~February 2014 Tea Magazine 11

 For a list of references and more reading on tea and weight loss, go to [Link]

12 Tea Magazine January~February 2014

 Losing weight seems to be foremost support their use as aids in weight loss type of antioxidant, counteract the decrease
on many minds today. Most of the time, and maintenance. The current scientific in metabolism that is usually present
it’s that extra 10 pounds that we all want evidence is impressive. during weight reduction. These effects
to lose—and can’t seem to get rid of. Scientists who participated in the 2012 may be important for weight maintenance
However, weight loss is also a major worry International Scientific Symposium on Tea following a diet plan.
today worldwide, as obesity has become a and Human Health recently published new Another study that supports using
top health concern in developed countries research proclaiming that “tea has been polyphenols to promote weight loss
around the world, from European nations found to help promote weight loss and appears in the December 2013 edition of
to the United States and Japan. maintain a healthy weight, improve bone the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Whether we want to lose those extra health, and activate areas of the brain that Tea polyphenols and the caffeine content
few pounds or stave off obesity, finding bolster attention, problem solving, and in tea increase energy expenditure and
ways to optimize our metabolism and mood.” fat metabolism, helping us achieve and
start eating—and living—better every day In the October 2013 American Journal of maintain an ideal body weight. This
is extremely important to our wellbeing. Clinical Nutrition, researchers reported that report suggests that the increase in caloric
We know that when we take in too many catechin- and caffeine-rich teas (CCRTs) expenditure is equal to about 100 calories
calories and don’t expend enough energy, might be useful in helping prevent obesity. over a 24-hour period—a clear case of
our basal metabolic rate (BMR) is reduced. The authors stated that maintaining the “drink tea, drop calories!” In another
This simple equation contributes to weight level of daily energy expenditure during review, researchers reported that subjects
gain: excessive body fat. If this cycle goes weight loss and weight maintenance is as consuming green tea and caffeine lost an
unchecked, it can lead to extreme body important as maintaining satiety while average of 2.9 pounds within 12 weeks
weight and obesity. Obesity can completely decreasing energy intake—that is, we need without changing their eating habits. Other
change your life, since it’s a trigger for to be active, in addition to curbing our studies have also shown that people who
many chronic diseases such as high hunger pangs and cutting back on snacks. drink tea on a regular basis have lower Body
cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and Green, oolong, and white teas, as well as Mass Indexes (BMIs), waist-to-hip ratios,
diabetes. Obesity can also increase the risk caffeine itself, are good tools for keeping and less body fat than non-tea drinkers—all
of coronary heart disease. Being overweight up your energy while dieting, and may of which are linked to better health.
not only affects your quality of life, but it also help break down fat. Additionally, the The majority of research evaluating tea as
can also shorten your lifespan. authors proposed that tea polyphenols, a an aid for weight loss has focused on green
Drinking tea can be an important
tool in weight management. Several teas,
including black, green, oolong, and pu-
erh have been researched extensively, and
these studies

January~February 2014 Tea Magazine 13

14 Tea Magazine January~February 2014
 tea, and that’s what we hear about most
when talking about diet boosters. In fact,
there are a number of studies that highlight
other types of tea as well.

Black Tea Benefits

Research suggests that black tea may
match green tea in terms of weight control.
In 2010, Japanese scientists conducted a
study that supplemented high-fat diets
in mice with black tea polyphenols. They
found this suppressed increases in body
weight, adipose (fat) tissue mass, and liver
lipid content. While more studies continue
to evaluate tea’s good effects, the results
so far are promising—black tea can also
promote and support weight loss.

Green Tea Facts

Green tea remains rich in catechins
because it is not fermented like black
tea; in Chinese medicine, it’s considered
an important resource in preventing
cardiovascular disease and other chronic
diseases. Green tea is a recent target of
numerous studies and has been clinically
proven to help with weight loss. Research
findings show that green tea may have
a specific role in decreased weight and
abdominal fat brought about by reduced
caloric intake; in other words, add green tea
to your healthy eating plan, and watch the
pounds drop off. This result is attributed to
a decrease in appetite and increased satiety.
Green tea and caffeine also appear to boost
fat metabolism over 24 hours by an average
of 16 percent.

Ah, Oolong
Researchers in a 2009 study to evaluate
the anti-obesity effects of oolong tea on
diet-induced excess weight reported that
oolong decreases body fat content and
reduces body weight by improving lipid
metabolism—oolong drinkers process fat
better, and can therefore lose weight more
easily. This study concluded that habitual
consumption of oolong tea may prevent
against obesity and many diseases related to
obesity. In addition, the authors reported
that during this study, drinking oolong tea
didn’t suppress appetite or reduce a person’s
physical fitness.

January~February 2014 Tea Magazine 15

 or simply a tasty beverage, studies are proving
that it’s a smart addition to your weight-loss
plans. Drinking tea is not a replacement
for the proven methods of losing weight
and keeping it off, such as exercise, getting
enough sleep, and eating a balanced diet, but
dates to the Song Dynasty (960-1279 adding tea to all of that can help you shed
CE) and the Tea Horse Road, an ancient pounds and keep them off.
corridor connecting what is now Tibet to Much of the recent research on drinking
Yunnan and Sichuan, China. This aged tea, tea for weight loss and weight maintenance
in addition to being tasty, has traditionally is certainly compelling. You’re probably
been used in Chinese medicine for its already drinking tea daily, but you might
known anti-obesity effects. Current consider adding a few more cups now!
research on humans, rodents, and cell lines Deciding which tea to add to your wellness
Pu-erh Power have all confirmed that pu-erh tea helps routine is a personal decision. There are
Attention has recently focused on pu-erh with weight loss and can also lower levels many types to consider, and each has a
tea because of its useful effects in weight of blood lipids. different flavor profile—and different
management. The history of pu-erh tea health benefits. Try different types and find
can be traced back over a thousand years to Drink Up, Slim Down your favorites; when you discover your
the Yunnan Province in southwest China. Whether tea is a substitute for high-calorie perfect tea, it will become a partner for a
Pu-erh has a long and storied history that drinks, a key influencer of body metabolism, positive, healthy, and slim lifestyle.

One Plant, Four Different Processes

While we see many types of
tea on the shelves, all true teas
come from the same place: the
Camellia sinensis plant. While
the same plant is used to make
green, oolong, black, and pu-
erh teas, each is made using
different processing methods.
Green tea is not oxidized; oolong
tea is partially oxidized, black tea
is fully oxidized, and pu-erh tea
is oxidized, fermented, and then
undergoes a long aging process.
All of this changes the level of
different chemicals contained in
the tea, and that affects its health
properties—and taste!

If it doesn’t come from the

Camellia sinensis plant, it is not
tea. Herbal teas, more properly
called tisanes, come from a
variety of plants.

16 Tea Magazine January~February 2014

 TEAS TO TRY
The Skinny, by DAVIDsTEA

Slim Balance, by Remedy Teas

Ripened Aged Loose Pu-erh, by TeaVivre

Genmai Cha with Matcha, by Domatcha

Green Tea Blueberry Slim Life, by Yogi Tea

Pomegranate Burst, by Good Earth

Blossom Green Tea, by Health & Tea

Pu-erh Bordeaux Blend, by Rishi Tea

Spirulina Stamina, by Mighty Leaf

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January~February 2014 Tea Magazine 17

 Ayurveda
By Anne-Marie Hardie

Tea Helps Balance

18 Tea Magazine January~February 2014
 AYURVEDA IS MUCH MORE THAN THE NEW WELLNESS BUZZWORD.
A preventive science focused on promoting wellbeing, its core principles
are about keeping your body the best it can be. Some of the tenets seem
obvious: sleep before 10, wake at sunrise, and eat your main meal at lunch
when digestion is at its prime. But this is more than just good advice; it’s a
distillation of lessons learned over generations. After all, Ayurveda is Sanskrit
for “the wisdom of life,” and it is about reconnecting our mind, body, and
spirit to our body makeup (our prakriti).

Essentials
Mind, Body & Spirit
January~February 2014 Tea Magazine 19
 “Very simply put, Ayurveda itself is the Ayurveda holds that we succumb to illness matter what happens in our lives, our
ancient system of naturopathic medicine. when our body is out of balance, not prakriti remains constant. One common
It’s the oldest continually practiced form of because of a change in environment. misconception is that each person is
medicine known to man,” said Sam Hari, “There is this unbelieveable intelligence uniquely one of the three doshas. In fact,
the director of West Coast Ayurveda in inherent throughout the human body,” Hari shares that there are actually seven
Vancouver, British Columbia. Ayurveda shared Alan Marks, CEO of Maharishi possible combinations for an individual
has been practiced in India for more Ayurveda Products International. “Given prakriti.
than 5,000 years; at its core, it’s a way to the right conditions, our bodies have As it turns out, most individuals are
understand illness and treat it using all everything we need to be in balance, dual dosha: either Vata-Pitta, Vata-Kapha,
the resources we have available, including so illness is ultimately a symptom of or Pitta-Kapha. In some rare cases, an
food. As a holistic discipline, ayurveda imbalance.” When our individual makeup individual could even be a combination of
relies on natural remedies, including teas (prakriti) goes out of balance, then sickness all three. In the case of doshas, the more
and tisanes, to treat illnesses and restore appears. Conversely, if we put our body may not be the merrier, though. “If you are
health and wellness in all aspects of life. back in balance, the illness will disappear. single dosha, you only have to focus on the
Ayurveda teaches that food and drink can The key is to discover what each of us aspects of the one dosha that will impact
be medicine; that our environment and personally needs in order to re-establish you. However, if you are tri-dosha, you will
lifestyle have a lot to do with how we feel; that balance. have to worry about all three of the doshas
and that every person has an individual going out of balance,” said Hari.
makeup that determines how best to treat Combining Forces
any illness specifically for them. Each prakriti is made up of a unique Dosha 101
combination of three forces, or doshas: Ayurveda holds that each dosha is
Balancing Act vata, pitta, and kapha. Ayurveda teaches formed through the rhythm of the five
Western medicine holds that we get sick that when we act in accordance with our universal elements: space, air, fire, water,
because we were exposed to germs and individual prakriti, our body will become and earth. By understanding what your
toxins that caused our illness. Ayurveda balanced. prakriti is, you can begin to discover your
believes that these germs and toxins are Our individual doshas are determined own requirements to achieve a balanced life.
always around us; the difference is that at the moment of conception. No The first primary dosha, vata, is

20 Tea Magazine January~February 2014

Tea Recommendations for the Doshas
If you want to help with: Tea Recommendation: Dosha:

Anxiety Tulsi Infusion, by Teatulia Vata

Green Energy, by Remedy Teas

Acne Get Gorgeous, by Republic of Tea Pitta

Skin Detox, by Yogi Tea

Fatigue Ginseng Green, by Adagio Kapha

Chopra Invigorating Tea, by Harney & Sons

Restless Sleep Sleep and Relax, by Gaia Herbs Vata

Tranquil Dream, by Teavana

Indigestion Ginger Aid, by Traditional Medicinals Vata

Easy Digest, by Choice Organics

Inflammation Organic Pitta Tea, by Maharishi Ayurveda Pitta

Antioxidant Green Tea, by Celestial Seasonings

Overheated Pitta Dosha, by the Tao of Tea Pitta

Men are on Pause, by Tea and all its Splendour

Respiration Open Airways Tea, by Bell Lifestyle Kapha

Breathe Deep, by Yogi Tea

January~February 2014 Tea Magazine 21

Which Dosha Are You?
Find out how to bring balance into your life with this quiz. Base your answers on what you have experienced
for the majority of your life.

Principle A B C

Skin Dry, flaky, rough Warm, red in color, gets Moist, supple
irritated easily

Appetite Low. I eat small, frequent Good appetite. I don’t usually I can skip meals. I’m not
meals. skip meals. often hungry.

Sleep Light sleeper, wakes up I sleep well, and don’t really I love sleep and have a hard
frequently need eight hours to feel time getting out of bed in the
rested. morning

Hair Dry, thin, brittle Fine hair, may be grey or Lush, thick hair
thinning

Speech I speak quickly; I have a I know what I want to say I don’t say much. I would
lot to say about almost and express it concisely. I get much rather listen.
everything. right to the point.

Joints/Frame Joints are visible, prominent, Great muscle tone and a Well-padded, with a large
tend to crack. I have a thin medium frame frame
frame.

When stressed, do you...? Worry about everything Get angry or frustrated Sleep, or become withdrawn
or distant

Activity Level Very active, almost scattered. Focused, or intense. I like to Low activity level, very
I don’t need a plan. have a structured plan. easygoing, relaxed. I would
rather someone else did the
planning

Eyes Small Medium Large, round eyes

Digestion I have a nervous stomach or I digest most things with Food sits in my stomach for a
digestive problems. ease. while; I have slow digestion.

Body Temperature I’m always cold, especially I’m always warm. I sweat My body adapts to the
my hands and feet. I love the really easily and I don’t like temperature around me.
heat. the heat.

Weight I lose weight easily, especially Medium build; it’s easy to I am what I eat; when I gain
when stressed; generally on gain or lose weight. weight, it’s really hard to lose.
the thinner side.

Count the number of checks in each column and remember: you may be a blend of more than one dosha!
Mostly A’s: your dosha is primarily Vata • Mostly B’s: your dosha is primarily Pitta • Mostly C’s: your dosha is primarily Kapha

22 Tea Magazine January~February 2014

governed by the elements of air and space. primary dosha is most likely pitta. A exercise, like heated yoga, and food that
Known as the king of the doshas, vata healthy, balanced pitta tends to excel in helps build up energy. Khalsa suggests
individuals tend to be creative, enthusiastic, whatever they do. These individuals are black pepper, bibhitaki fruit and Yogi’s
and full of energy. “People want to be driven, focused, and competitive. When Green Tea Energy tea for individuals with
around vata people when they are very unbalanced, the fiery nature of pitta can an unbalanced kapha.
healthy and happy. The problem is that, lead to issues with anger, skin problems,
being the lightest dosha, it is very easy to and heartburn. Applying Ayurveda
become unbalanced,” said Hari. “When “When pitta is aggravated, the key is to “When looking to adopt an Ayurvedic
unbalanced, vata individuals tend to worry, keep the body cool, so herbs like coriander lifestyle, rather than changing things,
become very nervous, and even anxious. are ideal,” said Hari. He also recommends you should take a look at what you
An unbalanced vata individual may also that pitta individuals drink their tea at are doing right,” counseled Hari. Vata
suffer from insomnia, constipation, and room temperature rather than piping hot. requires warmth in both activities and
dry skin.” Khalsa advises integrating amla fruit (also food, and so you should limit raw food.
If vata is aggravated, Ayurveda called Indian gooseberry) and rose petal Pitta individuals, on the other hand,
recommends choosing both activities and into a pitta diet. should avoid heated yoga when they are
foods that calm and nourish. Ayurvedic The strongest of the three primary unbalanced. The warmth from these
herbalist Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa of Yogi doshas is kapha. People who are mainly classes will simply increase the fiery
Tea suggests teas and tisanes that contain kapha are durable, easygoing, and nature of pitta.
cardamom seed or chamomile flower. naturally resistant to disease. When Adding tisanes into your daily routine is
“Even a simple ginger tea can be extremely balanced, these individuals make excellent an easy way to bring some of the teachings
effective for vata imbalance,” offered caregivers or teachers. However, when of Ayurveda into your life. Simply by being
Hari. “This tea will provide the warming kapha is unbalanced, their sinuses may in tune with your mind and body, you will
and nourishment that vata needs while become congested, their digestion is slow, be practicing a core principle of Ayurveda,
strengthening digestion.” and they suffer from overall fatigue. To bringing balance and overall wellness into
If you’re a natural leader, your regain balance, Ayurveda recommends your life.

January~February 2014 Tea Magazine 23

 A Little Boost
24 Tea Magazine January~February 2014
By Michelle Rabin
Bolster your immune system
with a steaming cuppa
With winter upon us, it’s Today, however, immunologists cups of their designated brew
hard to escape the signs and
symptoms: posters for flu shots
like Jack Bukowski, MD,
medical director of Pfizer
daily. After four weeks, blood
was again drawn from each
Teas to Try
at the local pharmacy, sniffling Pharmaceuticals and a leading subject. Then, E. coli bacteria
Young Hyson Green Tea
people crowding the streets researcher into so-called were introduced into each
by Mark T. Wendell
and malls, a run on tissues at nutroceuticals, are providing blood sample. The results were
the drugstore. Our immune the necessary proof to explain quite spectacular. For the tea
Immunity Now
systems are working overtime why drinking tea has the drinkers, the introduction of E.
by Lifestyle Awareness
just to keep us well. potential to ramp up our Coli was met with five times as
Our primary care physicians immune systems and keep much interferon, a compound
Echinacea Immune Support
have a plethora of ways to bacteria and viruses from that attacks the bacteria. This
by Yogi
help, from flu shots to drugs making us sick. amped-up response was absent
like Tamiflu. However, not all Dr. Bukowski’s study looked in the blood of both groups
Tulsi Spicy Green
of us are ready to get jabbed; specifically at L-theanine, an prior to drinking tea or coffee.
by Davidson’s Organics
while flu shots are generally abundant amino acid found Only the blood from the
considered safe and effective, in tea that has been shown to people who’d sipped tea for a
Original Tulsi Tea
they can have side effects that produce an increase in gamma- month exhibited this powerful
by Organic India
are less than pleasant, and don’t delta T cells. According to the immune reaction.
protect against every strain. study, “T cells are the first line Beyond true tea, Camellia
And, of course, a flu shot does of defense against many types sinensis, and for those preferring
nothing to keep you from of bacteria, viral, fungal, and a caffeine-free alternative,
catching a cold! parasitic infections...(as well as there are other medicinal
So what’s a responsible having) anti-tumor activity.” plants which, when properly
person supposed to do? What if But it’s one thing to show brewed, become powerful
we could increase our immune results in a Petri dish or with herbal tisanes worth drinking
system’s powerful response in experimental mice; it’s another this winter to help increase the
another way, instead of taking a to test human subjects and find immune system and ward off
lab-developed pharmaceutical? significant effects. That’s just illness. Perhaps the best known
Fill up a cup and prepare to what Bukowski’s team showed are echinacea, elderberry,
feel better. when their findings were schisandra, astragalus, and holy
Tea has been revered as a released in The Proceedings of basil or Tulsi.
medicinal plant for hundreds, if the National Academy of Sciences Remember that herbal teas
not thousands of years. Science in 2009: tea really does boost need to be steeped in boiling
is starting to acknowledge what our immune response. water for 10-20 minutes to
we’ve known all along, and Here’s how the fascinating ensure that all the helpful
research is catching up with research was done. Blood chemicals they contain are fully
the times. Although tea has was initially drawn from all extracted and ready for your
been studied by universities test subjects prior to any body to use.
around the globe since the mid- intervention. Two groups were Whether you reach for
1900s, the FDA wasn’t willing formed: a tea-drinking group Assam or astragalus, start
to strongly consider research and a coffee-drinking group, steeping now to stay well this
that wasn’t done in the U.S. both groups drinking five winter.

January~February 2014 Tea Magazine 25

 Sa y W h at?
a?

:—O
T e
u t e n i n
G l

26 Tea Magazine January~February 2014

Going gluten-free can
challenge a tea devotee
By Sandra Payne

It’s everywhere!
Gluten, that is. And so is the proliferation of
“gluten-free” products clamoring for our attention on
grocery shelves.
So, what gives? Why all this focus on gluten? And what
is gluten in the first place? And, more importantly, how in
the world does it relate to drinking tea?
First things first: gluten is a composite protein found
in some grains, primarily wheat, barley and rye. Sounds
harmless enough, but the human digestive tract has only
been encountering cultivated wheat for around 10,000
years—not nearly enough time in evolutionary terms to
fully adapt for some people, especially those of
European descent.
Still, that leaves tea out as a concern, right?
Yes and no. When it comes to gluten, surprises abound.
Single-origin tea is an inherently gluten-free food—
Camellia sinensis in its pure form doesn’t have any gluten.
But as soon as multiple ingredients show up on a tea’s
label, the chance that gluten can be lurking within goes
up. Tea lovers who prefer flavored blends have to keep a
wary eye on labels if they’re concerned about gluten. The
most likely source in a blended tea is barley, but wheat is
also a rare, yet possible ingredient. Rye, however, hasn’t
turned up on any teas we know of—yet.
All of this is notable because the incidence of people
who are sensitive or downright intolerant to gluten is on
the rise. While it’s difficult to put exact numbers on how
many people are affected, since many haven’t yet been
properly diagnosed, estimates range anywhere from 1
percent of the U.S. population all the way up to one-third
who might suffer with some kind of ill effect.

January~February 2014 Tea Magazine 27

 Tea lovers
who prefer
flavored
blends have to
keep a wary
eye on labels
if they’re
concerned
about gluten.

28 Tea Magazine January~February 2014

 “The prevalence is definitely point, being sure that you’re filters. Gluten-based adhesives “I just think like with
going up,” confirmed registered drinking gluten-free tea will are sometimes used to seal tea anything, people need to be
dietician Lori Rowell Welstead, get a lot easier. bags, and this information conscious of what they’re
MS, RD, LDN, a clinical What to do until then? “See wouldn’t be available on the consuming,” Welstead said.
dietician at University of if the tea brand will claim that ingredient list. So as convenient “You have to be your best
Chicago Medicine. it is gluten-free—certified as bagged teas might sometimes advocate of what you’re putting
The reasoning behind the gluten-free, that is,” Welstead be, it’s better to go loose-leaf in your mouth, whether it’s
rise is still being studied, but recommends. “They third- if you’re avoiding gluten—and eating or drinking.”
while the scientists wrestle party test it. That’s really the you’ll probably have a better And for tea lovers who need
with the data, a lot of people gold standard when it comes to cuppa, too. or want to stay gluten-free,
have begun to cut gluten from testing a lot of foods.” As time-consuming as it is, knowing what to look for on
their diet either because they Other than that, Welstead the only truly effective way to a label is the key to enjoying a
think they should, because says to watch for the word live a gluten-free life is to be truly healthy cup of tea.
they’ve learned that they feel “malt” or “malted,” products hyper-vigilant about what you
better without it, or because derived from barley, and also eat and what you drink.
they have celiac disease. While for teas that might have gluten Read labels like they’re the
a gluten intolerance typically hiding in the catch-all term @BritishMonarchy’s tweets.
ranges from mild to painful, “natural flavorings.”
celiac disease is on an entirely If it’s still difficult to tell,
different level. With celiac Welstead advises taking a peek
disease, even a small amount at a tea manufacturer’s website
of gluten can damage the villi, or their FAQs to see if they
small protrusions contained reveal whether their products
in the lining of the small contain gluten or not.
intestine, and reduce a person’s Another area of concern is
ability to absorb nutrients bagged teas; while gluten might
from their food. lurk in a flavored tea blend, it
“People with celiac absolutely could also be present in a pure
need to be gluten-free,” tea that’s packaged in paper
Welstead said.
Being able to eliminate
all sources of gluten can be
very challenging. Unless an
item states up front that it’s KEY TERMS
gluten-free, every ingredient
on a prospective product
Trying to
needs to be checked to ensure avoid gluten?
a contaminant-free diet. And Check your
even then, there’s still a risk tea’s label
of cross-contamination unless for these key
a food has been certified terms, though
gluten-free. Happily, this this isn’t a
third-party certification process comprehensive
is a growing trend in food list.
manufacturing.
Part of the reasoning for Barley
this is that the Food and Wheat
Drug Administration will Rye
be requiring new standards Malt
and labels for foods and Malted
beverages deemed gluten-free Maltodextrin
by August of 2014. At that

January~February 2014 Tea Magazine 29

 :— D

Taking When you can’t

eat gluten,
(Gluten-Free)TEA enjoying a traditional afternoon tea complete
with finger sandwiches, scones, bite-sized cakes,

in LONDON
and desserts may seem next to impossible.
Happily, there’s a notable option when you’re
visiting the afternoon tea capital of the world.
Tucked away on a quiet side street halfway
between bustling Piccadilly Circus and the
tourist hubbub surrounding Buckingham
By Sandra Payne
Palace, the St. James’s Hotel & Club in London
offers a wonderful respite for anyone seeking
a sublime, gluten-free—or, come to think of
it, regular—afternoon tea experience. Plus, if
you time it just right, you can pair your tea
with a tour of the exquisite Buckingham Palace
State Rooms, which are open to visitors on
selected dates in the summer months while
Queen Elizabeth is on holiday in Scotland.
“Exclusive Guided Tours” of the palace have
recently popped up on the calendar in parts of
December through February, too.

30 Tea Magazine January~February 2014

January~February 2014 Tea Magazine 31
32 Tea Magazine January~February 2014
 Palace tours are set up so that you can go at
your own pace. The self-guided audio headsets
include fascinating details about what you’re
seeing, along with optional material if you have
the time and the desire to hear more. If you look
at and listen to everything along the tour, it can
easily take more than two hours.
Upon exiting, you’ll find a temporary
Garden Café tent on the Palace’s West Terrace
that overlooks the lawn and gardens. Tea and
snacks are available for purchase there, but the
line can be daunting. By booking a reservation
at the St. James’s, you’ll have the perfect place
to rest and savor your palace experience while
enjoying an outstanding—and rare—gluten-
free afternoon tea.
And it’s so close! Although the tour exits
through a gate at the far end of the palace
gardens, it’s only about a 15-minute walk from
there to the St. James’s, where a grand Victorian
exterior and a friendly, uniformed doorman will
greet you.
Once inside, you’ll be ushered into the
modern, club-like interior of William’s Bar &
Bistro and its fine collection of 20th-century
paintings. Named after William Drabble, the
current executive chef who earned the hotel’s
famous restaurant, Seven Park Place, a Michelin
Star in 2011, the lounge has an intimate feel that
easily plays host to both business lunches and
tête-à-têtes over tea. Clockwise from top:
Happily, their reputation for serving Tea at the
unmatched cuisine at the St. James’s is carried St. James is
through to afternoon tea. There are interesting a modern yet
tea offerings, such as the Lychee Red Black tea luxurious affair.
from China, or Organic Whole Chamomile The menu is
Flowers from India. The gluten-free fare is carefully selected
remarkably delicious. Four sandwiches—egg
to offer a range of
salad, ham, cucumber, and salmon—join two
options from
freshly baked scones with homemade strawberry
China, India, and
jam and clotted cream, and six different bite-
Sri Lanka. The
sized desserts that change seasonally.
The service is attentive yet unhurried, so you view in the foyer

leave refreshed and ready for a new adventure, is no less striking

which, as it turns out, is waiting for you just than the building’s
around the corner. Tea mecca Fortnum and facade. Trays of
Mason is only a block or so away on Piccadilly. gluten-free treats
Browsing through a shop that has existed for abound, with a
more than 300 years and is still heavily devoted little something for
to all things tea is an unparalleled thrill that will everyone.
cap an unparalleled day.

January~February 2014 Tea Magazine 33

A Bowl of Comfort
Turn to “Matcha Ball” soup this winter
What is more classic and comforting when fighting a cold have a favorite chicken soup recipe, whether rich, complex and
or flu than a nice hot bowl of chicken soup? And for those in hardy or simple and delicate. Consider adding a fun green tea
the know, matzo ball soup beats any other kind. Traditionally variation on the matzo ball to your next pot of soup; you’ll
served at Passover, matzo ball soup pairs tender dumplings not only enhance the flavor, but you’ll get more illness-fighting
with chicken broth—but it’s a shame to only enjoy this delight phytochemicals and antioxidants from the potent tea, too. Just
during that holiday. A good bowl of chicken soup envelops us in case you don’t already have a family favorite, you’ll find our
in memories of warmth, love and family. You probably already version of the classic here.

By Cynthia Gold
Photography by Julian Landa

34 Tea Magazine January~February 2014

Note: If chicken noodle
Classic another use, or you can add Moisten your hands and roll

Chicken Soup
soup is your go-to cure-all, it back to your soup at the balls of matcha dough to
end. about the size of a walnut.
sift matcha in with your flour
5 Simmer the broth for Drop the balls one at a time
when you make fresh pasta. Ingredients
another hour, then strain into the simmering salted
1 4- to 5-pound chicken
Matcha with a little citrus through a fine sieve, setting water.
4 stalks celery, with leaves,
zest and ground ginger is aside some of the carrots 6 Cover and simmer until
coarsely chopped
for garnish; discard the cooked through, about
also fabulous in homemade 2 carrots, peeled and coarsely
remaining solids. 45 minutes. When done,
gnocchi, another dumpling chopped
6 Let cool, then refrigerate a toothpick inserted into
2 medium onions, peeled and
that would be a welcome until the fat rises to the top a matcha ball should slide
coarsely chopped
addition to your favorite and solidifies. Remove the easily into the center.
1 medium tomato, coarsely
fat, reserving some for the 7 To serve, add matcha balls
chicken soup. chopped
matcha balls. to your favorite chicken
3 cloves garlic, peeled
broth or soup.
3 sprigs fresh dill (or 2
teaspoons dried dill)
4 sprigs Italian parsley (or 1
Matcha Balls Make-Ahead Tip: If you won’t
be serving the matcha balls
tablespoon dried parsley Ingredients
immediately, remove them
flakes) 1 cup matzo meal (found in
from the cooking water and
1/2 teaspoon whole black the kosher section of the
store, covered, in a single
peppercorns grocery store)
layer in a container in the
2 bay leaves 4 large eggs
refrigerator. When you’re
Salt and freshly ground pepper 2 tablespoons chicken fat or
ready to serve, heat the soup,
to taste vegetable oil
matcha balls, reserved carrots
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon
and some freshly chopped dill
Method kosher or sea salt
over medium-low heat until
1 Place chicken in a stockpot 1 teaspoon matcha powder
the matcha balls are heated
and add cold water to 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
through. Optionally, you can
cover by 2 or 3 inches. 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated
add back some of the chicken
Place over high heat and lemon zest
that was set aside when the
bring to a boil. 1/4 cup seltzer
soup was made.
2 Turn down to medium and 2 tablespoons chopped dill or
simmer for 10 minutes,
periodically skimming off
parsley for garnish
Variations:
the impurities that rise to Method Vegetarian
the surface. 1 In a medium bowl, whisk For a vegetarian version, use
3 After 10 minutes, add all the eggs together with a vegetable stock and replace
the remaining ingredients the chicken fat or oil, 1 the chicken fat in the matcha
through the bay leaves tablespoon salt, lemon zest balls with vegetable oil. Use lots
and turn the heat down and matcha powder. of herbs and root vegetables
to medium low. Simmer 2 Add matzo meal and mix for your vegetable stock, and
until the chicken is cooked well. add a cheese rind to give
through, roughly another 45 3 Add seltzer and mix again richness to your soup base.
minutes. until thoroughly combined.
4 Remove the chicken and Cover and chill at least 1 Asian Fusion
allow to cool slightly, just hour until firm. You might also consider a soup
enough so you can handle 4 Bring a large pot of water to based on double-strength
it comfortably. Remove the a boil and add 1 teaspoon genmaicha seasoned with a
chicken from the bones, of reserved salt. Turn down touch of soy sauce, vinegar,
discarding the skin, and to a simmer. and your choice of vegetables
return the bones to the pot. 5 Remove matcha ball to present your matcha balls.
Set aside the chicken for mixture from the refrigerator.

January~February 2014 Tea Magazine 35

36 Tea Magazine January~February 2014
 Stock your All of us would like to be healthier,
but most people don’t want to take more

medicine pills. Instead of stocking up at your local

drugstore, consider taking a trip to the tea
cabinet with shop. Infusions of various herbs have been
used as natural remedies for millennia, and
these infusions modern science has shown that many of
these traditional treatments are both safe and
to treat what highly effective. New research is also proving
the medical merits of Camellia sinensis in all
ails you its forms—tea has a broad range of health
benefits, and it’s far tastier than anything
By Kate Sullivan
you’ll find at the pharmacy. Just remember
that you should always check with your
doctor before adding any tea or herb to your
arsenal.

READ ON FOR SOME DELICIOUS

WAYS TO GIVE YOUR HEALTH A
BOOST.

January~February 2014 Tea Magazine 37

 Worried about
your blood pressure?
by Dr. Claudio Ferri, director
patients with hypertension conducted
Drink more black tea! An Italian study on blood pressure among subjects
of Inte rnal Med icine at Italy ’s Univ ersity of L’Aquila, showed a drop in
of the School healthy arterial
ng to Dr. Ferr i, “drin king as little as one cup of tea per day supports
who drank black tea. Accordi e of stroke, heart attack, and
bloo d pres sure ... Drin king tea cou ld help reduce significantly the incidenc
function and
other cardiovascular diseases.”

Modern science has shown that many of these traditional

Suffering from tension headaches? Rosemary helps

dilate blood vessels and keeps them dilated, easing the
constriction that causes many headaches. Just steep one
or two teaspoons of lightly crushed fresh rosemary, or one
teaspoon of dried rosemary, in a cup of boiling water for 10
minutes, then sip.
For many people, caffeine helps relieve headache pain by
controlling blood flow. So keep that teacup full—black, green,
oolong, and white teas all contain varying amounts of the helpful
buzz-booster!
If you suffer from migraines, keep ginger tea handy, or make
your own by steeping fresh sliced ginger in boiling water for
10 minutes. Research in Denmark shows that ginger can both
prevent and treat migraines. More recently, a study conducted
by an Iranian university showed that a strong dose of ginger
was just as effective as a dose of sumatriptan, also known as
Imitrex, a leading prescription migraine treatment.

38 Tea Magazine January~February 2014

 Accidentally touched the
kettle while making your tea?
Ease the burn by cooling off
your cup. To treat minor burns
like scalds or sunburns, soak a
dish towel in cool, strong black
tea, then place gently over
the hurt area. The tannic acid
in black tea helps soothe the
pain. For extra relief, you can
make a poultice out of wet
tea leaves (see the July 2013
issue of Tea Magazine for more
tea poultice ideas).

treatments are both safe and highly effective.

If you think you got a bad piece of fish at dinner last

night, try tea and toast...but make sure to burn the toast!
The charcoal from a really crispy, blackened piece of toast
works with the tannins in strong black tea to neutralize
the toxins making you feel sick, according to Georgianna
Donadio, PhD, director of the National Institute of Whole
Health, a holistic medicine certification group.
To avoid food poisoning in the first place, consider
drinking green tea with your meal. The catechins in green
tea have a powerful antibacterial effect; according to one
study at Showa University in Japan, these helpful chemicals
destroy significant percentages of E. coli and other bacteria.
Another study showed that green tea is effective at inhibiting
salmonella, another common food poisoning culprit.

January~February 2014 Tea Magazine 39

 You brush and floss after every meal,
right? Of course you do! But even the most
diligent of us can get a cavity from time to
time. To protect your teeth, drink up! Black
tea contains fluorides, which strengthen tooth
enamel. In addition, a recent British study
demonstrated that drinking three or more cups
of black tea every day helps prevent tooth
decay by reducing the amount of bacteria in
the mouth.
Already have a cavity? Soothe a toothache
by brewing a strong cup of tea infused with
clove; steep five or six whole cloves with your
black tea before straining. Swish with the tea,
or soak a cotton ball in the clove tea and hold
it to the affected tooth.

Instead of stocking up at your local drugstore,

consider taking a trip to the tea shop.
Nausea, indigestion, bloating,
gas—we all suffer from them some-
times, and they’re always misery-
inducing. A few simple sips can
help lessen your discomfort, though.
Chamomile and peppermint both
work to calm muscle contractions in
the stomach, easing cramping or pain,
while ginger has been used to reduce
nausea and bloating for centuries.
For a really bad upset stomach,
try this remedy: Boil a quarter-cup of
white rice in three cups of water for 15
minutes. In the last 10 minutes, add
two tablespoons of dried chamomile,
a tablespoon of dried peppermint,
and a teaspoon of grated ginger to the
simmering pot. Strain and sweeten
with a touch of honey.

40 Tea Magazine January~February 2014

 It might not be life-threatening, but having a cold or the flu
can sure
make you miserable. Take the edg
e off your next sick day with a cup
spicy chai—cinnamon and ginger, two of
of the spices that go into traditional
masala chai, work wonders to figh
t bacteria and viruses, killing up to
80 percent of bacteria and some virus
es. Pungent clove has analgesic
properties, easing the pain of a raw
throat. If you kick up your chai with
a pinch of cayenne pepper, you’ll feel
even better—spicy peppers act as
an expectorant, breaking up conges
tion. Want to cut down how long you
suffering? Add honey to your tea—a ’re
2009 study by Jahrom University of
Science in Iran showed that taking Medical
four tablespoons of honey can redu
cold by up to two days. ce the duration of a

To make your own cold-fighting cha

i blend, try simmering a teaspoon of
whole cloves, and half a teaspoon of grated ginger, a cinnamon stick, five
crushed red pepper in two cups of
five minutes, take the water off the hea boiling water for 15 minutes. In the
last
t and add two tablespoons of loose-le
stir in the juice of half a lemon and a af blac k tea. Stra in the mixture and
tablespoon of honey. Sip and let the
tea fight those microbial menaces!

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January~February 2014 Tea Magazine 41

Infusions of various herbs have been used as natural
remedies for millennia.

If you’re suffering from heartburn

but don’t want to give up your favorite
foods, add a cup of tea to your meal
instead. Green tea helps improve
digestion, and the extra liquid can help
dissipate an accumulation of stomach
acids. Need more help? Add turmeric
to your tea. This bright yellow cousin of
ginger helps stimulate digestive juices,
preventing acid buildup. Consult your
doctor if you’re already on an acid-
reducing medication, though—turmeric
can interfere with some popular
prescriptions.

up.
Tea of any kind helps when you’re stuffed
ns up your nasal
The warm steam from your cup ope
For extra oomph,
passages, making it easier to breathe.
septic and has great
try thyme tea. Thyme is a strong anti
r stuffed sinuses.
drying properties, helping clear up you
substance that
Peppermint contains menthol, another
you sip peppermint
can open up nasal passages. When
ses and helps to
tea, the menthol wafts up into the sinu
decongest them.
poon of thyme,
To clear up a stuffy nose, steep a teas
ns of dried
either fresh or dried, and two teaspoo
for 10 minutes. In
peppermint in a cup of boiling water
two teaspoons of
the last five minutes of steeping, add
in, then inhale the
green tea for an antioxidant boost. Stra
vapors while sipping slowly.

42 Tea Magazine January~February 2014

 When you have a raw, scratchy throat, the last thing you want to do is think about
swallowing. But sipping a cup of herbal tea could ease that pain and help you recover faster.
Mint helps reduce the pain that comes with a sore throat. Add some clove for additional
pain relief—it has strong numbing powers. Licorice coats and soothes; it has mucilaginous
properties, which means that it clings to your scratchy throat and eases irritation. A study in
the British Medical Journal showed that a tea of licorice root, elm bark, and marshmallow root was effective at easing
throat pain.
Meanwhile, the flavonoids in oolong and green teas reduce swelling and inflammation, treating the cause
of your sore throat.
Try brewing up this mix the next time you’re suffering from a sore throat: Steep a tablespoon of dried peppermint,
five or six whole cloves, a teaspoon of dried licorice root, and two teaspoons of green tea in a cup of boiling water for
15 minutes, then strain and sip. No licorice root on hand? Add a tablespoon of honey to coat your throat.
Don’t use your good sencha for this—you need to steep the mixture for a long time at high heat to extract the most
beneficial chemicals, but doing so will ruin the taste of a delicate tea. For the best treatment results, consider using
matcha instead of green tea leaves; because matcha is made from ground whole leaves, you get more of the helpful
compounds in the final drink. Just steep the peppermint and cloves in boiling water for 15 minutes, then whisk in the
honey and matcha.

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January~February 2014 Tea Magazine 43

 Don’t have time to blend your own
remedies? There are lots of convenient
wellness tea blends available both in
stores and online—just search for the
ailment you want to treat plus “tea” for
dozens of options. Here are a few of our
favorites:

Organic Ginger Tea

by The Tea Spot
Rosemary White Tea
by Nature’s Tea Leaf

Heart Tea
by Traditional Medicinals
Get Heart
by Republic of Tea

Sleepytime Echinacea Complete Care

by Celestial Seasonings
Tiger Spice Chai
by David Rio

Cold & Flu Time Tea

by Triple Leaf Teas
Bronch-Immune Tea
by Ojibwa Teas

Throat Coat
by Traditional Medicinals
Licorice Spice
by Stash Tea

Stomach Ease
by Yogi Tea
Be Cool
by Kusmi Tea

Sencha and Turmeric Blend

by Prince Teas
Organic Heartburn Tea
by Earth Mama Angel Baby

44 Tea Magazine January~February 2014

Avoid the pills and stay one
step ahead of the winter
blues by stocking up on your
favorite teas and herbs!

January~February 2014 Tea Magazine 45

ELEVATION Ruby Jade

The new tea on the block proves that modern science can produce a gem of a brew.
Also known as: Ruby Black, Red Jade,
Ruby #18, TTES No. 18

Origin: Sun Moon Lake district of Taiwan

Type: Taiwan black tea

Appearance: Leaves are large, very black,

and very twisted, almost like an oolong;
the brewed tea ranges from deep amber
to a pure ruby-red color.

Taste: Smooth and rich, with no bitterness

but a slight, pleasant astringency and a
long, slightly sweet finish with hints of
date and raisin. Sometimes has undertones
of chocolate, caramel, and spice.

Aroma: Rich and malty.

Origin: Tea was originally introduced to

Taiwan during the Japanese occupation
in the early 1900s. The Assam variety
flourished in the Sun Moon Lake area
of central Taiwan’s Nantou County. In
the 1990s, the Taiwan Tea Research and
Extension Station began working with
local farmers to improve their tea offerings;

TRY: one result was a new variety of tea called TTES No. 18, a hybrid of an Assamica strain from Burma and
a local wild tea. The new tea, grown in the Yuchih district of central Taiwan using pesticide-free natural
Hong Yu Winter 2012
farming methods, has rapidly become famed for its high quality and depth of flavor.
by Norbu Tea
Steeping Tips: Hong Yu is one of the few black teas that can easily stand up to two to three infusions
Ruby Black Tea
without becoming either bitter or flavorless. The flavor often changes profile after cooling slightly—
by Health & Tea
try it hot, then allow it to cool a bit for your second sip.
Hong Yu
Western Style: Start by steeping 3 teaspoons (about 4 grams) per 8 ounces of hot water (approximately
by Imperial Tea Court
200-210 degrees Fahrenheit) for 3-5 minutes. For later steepings, use the same temperature water,
Red Jade but increase the time based on your personal taste.
by Easy Tea Hard Choice
Gongfu Style: Start by rinsing the tea once, then steeping 7 grams per 8 ounces of hot water
(approximately 200-210 degrees Fahrenheit) for about 45 seconds. For additional infusions, increase
the steeping time to taste, using approximately 30-second increments.

Teaware: A traditional gaiwan or tea bowl is most appropriate for this modern tea. However,
Western-style teaware works well, and Ruby Jade tea is forgiving enough to easily be taken with you
in a travel mug or infuser.

Learn More:
Find out how one farmer produces his Red Jade: [Link]

46 Tea Magazine January~February 2014

 TEA BREAK
What’s happening out, about, and online in the world of tea
By Jamie Santoro
Facebook Happenings
Question • A breath of fresh tea? One
tea house in London is
giving you just that with tea
in a vapor form. Why? The
breathable tea is supposed
What tea always makes to get the antioxidants into
you feel better? your bloodstream faster.
• Amy Judith C. green tea [Link]
with honey and a shot of
• Starbucks opened its
bourbon
second tea house in
• Rox N. Mint of any kind... Seattle in late November.
• Narnilla B. chamomile This follows the debut of
herbal tea Teavana Fine Teas + Tea Bar
• Marcella A. Matcha, it in Manhattan a few weeks
always gives me the earlier. No matter your
extra little lift I need while
opinion on this one, this
providing an extreme calm.
means big things for the tea
• Erica S. Market Spice world. [Link]
Northwest Breakfast Tea.
(I know their signature tea • Tea is an internationally
is extremely popular, and known and enjoyed
that makes me happy too...
beverage, but what country
but there’s something about
this particular breakfast exports the most? We’re
tea that reminds me of the not going to make it too
pines and the seawater and easy on you—you’ll
the mountains...it makes have to head over to
me so happy!) [Link]/wander
• Vicki E. Darjeeling to see if your guess
• finum Monkey-picked is correct!
Oolong [Link]

Pinterest Board Twitter Spotlight

HEALTH & WELLNESS Physical GraffiTea
[Link]
A small tea shop located on the ground floor
of the famous Physical Graffiti building (the
building the served as the cover for the Led
Zepplin album of the same name) has to be
[Link] pretty cool, right? It’s practically inevitable!
It’s no surprise that a cuppa We’ve never had the chance to visit them in
a day can improve your
person, but based on their tweets alone, the
health. There are so many
benefits, we need an entire shop doesn’tt disappoint. I know what you’re
board just to keep track! thinking—a tea store on Twitter is just going to push their product. Of course they
Check out some stories and do, but they’re also a great source for tea news, as well as fun tea stories that
see just how healthy we tea we can get lost in (and have, multiple times.) Bonus: they have a great medicinal
lovers are! tea selection in keeping with this issue’s theme!

January~February 2014 Tea Magazine 47

tea is . . .

Zen

photograph by Anders Sandberg

. . . life steeped in caring.

48 Tea Magazine January~February 2014
 real tea, real easy.
The NESCO® Real Tea TEA MAKER is a must-have for any tea lover.
The option to brew loose or bagged tea, in addition to its variable steeping
times, opens a whole new world of possibili-teas. Water filters through
the one-liter heating chamber at perfect tea temperature (not too hot
for delicate white or green teas), steeps for the set time you select and
automatically flows into the glass pot. It’s tea as easy as 1-2-3!

©2012 The Metal Ware Corp [Link]

 e a k a nne Tea
a T p
m ot
I’

MOA

[Link]
Life is short...dwell well