While some of these do contain actual tea - that is, the leaves of Camellia sinensis - many are more properly called tisanes, commonly known as herbal teas. All blends are of my own devising.
Brewing Suggestions:
For leaf and flower teas: Put one generous spoonful of tea blend in a jar and add 12 oz. or so of boiling water (do not boil the tea itself). Cover and let steep for 10-20 minutes. Strain and enjoy. A coffee press is another good option.
For root, bark, and seed teas: Put one generous spoonful of tea blend and a mug’s worth of cold water in a pot. Bring just to a boil, then cover and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let steep 5-15 minutes more. Strain and enjoy.
Tea balls are convenient, but don't offer quite the infusing power of letting the herbs float freely in the water. If you do use them, be sure not to overfill them, or the tea will become compacted and you won't get a good steep.
For leaf and flower teas: Put one generous spoonful of tea blend in a jar and add 12 oz. or so of boiling water (do not boil the tea itself). Cover and let steep for 10-20 minutes. Strain and enjoy. A coffee press is another good option.
For root, bark, and seed teas: Put one generous spoonful of tea blend and a mug’s worth of cold water in a pot. Bring just to a boil, then cover and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let steep 5-15 minutes more. Strain and enjoy.
Tea balls are convenient, but don't offer quite the infusing power of letting the herbs float freely in the water. If you do use them, be sure not to overfill them, or the tea will become compacted and you won't get a good steep.
Strong Roots Hot Cocoa Mix
What better way to stay healthy in the winter than with chocolate? This blend incorporates cacao (which is high in antioxidants, polyphenols, and bitter principles) with mineral-rich, minimally-processed coconut sugar to give the classic base. Added to this are astragalus to support and strengthen the immune system, and maca to nourish the body at a deep level, fortifying us against stressors of all kinds. Cinnamon and ginger stoke the digestive fires and stimulate circulation. Note: this is not a tea that you steep and strain; simply stir in the powder. You will end up with a small amount of edible "sludge" at the bottom of your cup. Seasonal. 5 oz. jar - $12 
Wild Renewal Tea
This is the taste of springtime. Many of the earliest "weeds" to emerge once the snow melts are actually powerful tonics for our bodies and minds, especially when we're feeling depleted and a bit stagnant, which most of us do after a long winter. These herbs are extremely nourishing, and have also long been used to gently stimulate the lymphatic and circulatory systems, support the liver, and lift the spirits. While this is quite nice as a hot tea, I prefer to drink it cool; it brings to mind clear-running streams, unfurling leaves, and morning sunlight. Contains red clover, violet leaf, nettle, dandelion leaf, cleavers, and calendula petals. Seasonal. 1.75 oz. tin - $10 
Summer Starlight Tea A refreshing blend of peppermint, lemon balm, and chamomile. Soothing to both the mind and digestive tract, this tea is perfect for sipping on the deck after dinner as you watch the fireflies dance. Seasonal. 1.5 oz. tin - $10 0.6 oz. tin - $4 |
Queen of the Garden Tea
The base for this tea is tulsi, or holy basil, an herb long revered in India for its supportive and rejuvenating effect on the body and mind. Rose and lavender flowers are calming and uplifting to the spirit. Rounding out the blend is spearmint, which brings the flavors together beautifully as well as being, like many mints, both mildly stimulating and relaxing. 1.5 oz. tin - $12 0.6 oz. tin - $5 
Campfire Chai
This rich, aromatic blend of tea and spices is perfect brewed over a campfire on a chilly morning. In a pinch, however, a stove will do. It's also fantastic over ice. Contains Assam black tea, cinnamon, ginger, coriander, cardamom, rose hips, black pepper, and cloves. 5 oz. tin - $12 1.5 oz. tin - $5 
Harvest Spice Tea
Robust, slightly sweet rooibos joins beautifully with the fruitful tastes of apple and elder berry, which also serve to bolster the immune system as we enter the cold months. Oatstraw lends an aromatic lightness as well as a host of minerals. A touch of warming cinnamon enlivens the blend and supports both digestion and blood sugar regulation. Seasonal. 2.75 oz. tin - $12 
Snow Day Tea
The classic winter pair of cacao and peppermint, bolstered by a warming, digestion-aiding base of oolong tea. Marshmallow leaf helps to moisten dry tissues and counteract the astringency of the tea, while rounding out the whimsical combination. Curl up with this on a cold day and watch the snow fly. 4.25 oz. tin - :$12 1.25 oz. tin - $5 |
