Single Herb Extracts

Although there are many different varieties of tea, green, black, oolong, pu erh, white, etc… they all originate from the same source Camellia Sinensis. Originally only grown in China and now found in many other countries of the world. This small evergreen shrub is usually cultivated to a height of 7 to 8 feet, but in the wild can attain heights over 30 feet. Species of Camellia sinensis are also known for the their longevity some wild specimens having life spans of over 2000 years! The tea we drink comes from the leaves of this wonderful plant. After the leaves are harvested the way they are processed will determine the type of tea that is produced. The treatments range from picking the leaf and just letting it dry to steaming, cooking over charcoal, dry frying in large iron skillets, fermenting, roasting, rolling and/or crushing the leaves, infusing the leaves with flower essences, etc… etc… The lighter end of the spectrum, less caffeine and relatively unaltered leaves consists of white and most types of green tea. The stronger end of the spectrum, more caffeine and the heavily adulterated leaves consists of the pu erh and black (red) teas, with the oolongs resting somewhere in the middle (usually semi fermented).

• Enhancing immune function
• Lowering LDL cholesterol levels
• Increasing HDL cholesterol levels
• Reducing blood pressure
• Reducing the risk of a heart attack
• Lowering the risk of stroke
• Reducing the risk of cancer
• Boosting longevity
• Aiding digestion
• Preventing dental cavities and gingivitis

Most of these benefits are the result of the high level of antioxidants found in Tea. These antioxidants are called polyphenols, which are responsible for cleansing the body of dangerous free radicals. Free radicals are toxic substances that break down cell walls, increase susceptibility to cancer, and can cause high blood pressure and cholesterol, and a host of other harmful aliments. The polyphenols found in green tea posses 25 times the potency of vitamins C and vitamins E. Antioxidants also help to repair the cumulative damage of aging and many degenerative diseases.
Tea is wise nutritional choice as well. It contains many vitamins and minerals essential for health: Vitamin A, Thiamin (vitamin B1), Riboflavin (vitamin B2), Nicotinic acid, Pantothenic acid, Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), vitamin B6, Folic acid, Manganese, Potassium, and Fluoride.
Drinking 2-3 cups a day (24 oz.) can help prevent the onset of disease and replenish the nutrients required for the optimum function of the body.

Tea and Caffeine
Caffeine is the active stimulant found in Tea. Caffeine in moderate amounts has a beneficial effect on the body/mind. Research has proven light caffeine intake can increase the body’s metabolism (helpful for digestion and weight loss), increase blood flow to the brain (mental alertness) and strengthens lung capacity (oxygen absorption). The typical cup of coffee has approximately 120-200 milligrams of caffeine, while espresso drinks contain even more. These large amounts of caffeine have an adverse affect on the body creating internal strain and tension. Tea on the hand has significantly lower amounts of caffeine: Green teas containing 10-20 milligrams per cup, Oolongs teas containing 30-45 milligrams per cup, and Pu Erh teas containing 45-60 milligrams per cup. Another interesting aspect of tea is that the caffeine found in tea is gradually released into the bloodstream and produces gentle uplifting effect, unlike the jolt and jittery feeling accompanied with coffee.

For those who are sensitive to any amount of Caffeine you can remove most of it with the first strain of water

Add hot water to loose leaves and steep for 1-2 minutes. Discard the liquid. This first brew contains most of the caffeine in the tea. Over 70-90% of the caffeine is removed during the first washing of the leaves. Next follow the instructions in tea preparation chart, steep already washed leaves again and enjoy your cup of tea.

The best water to use traditionally was mountain spring water; it was considered the cleanest source of water mainly because it had minimal to no contact with human and animal contamination. Modern water supplies are generally pathogen free, but suffer from high heavy metal content and chemical treatments such as chlorine. These chemicals will ruin the therapeutic qualities and taste of your tea. Please use filtered water if you truly want to enjoy our fine teas. Even simple filters like Britta and Pur will make a huge difference in the effectiveness of the Tea.

Learning the art of brewing tea takes time. However, this is part of the fun and adventure of using loose-leaf teas, you get to determine the fate of your tea as well as your own. If the water is too hot or/and the tea steeps to long it will become bitter and loose its therapeutic effect. Too little and you will miss the intricate qualities of the tea. Because loose-leaf teas require multiple brewing (about 2-4 steeps) to receive the full effect of the tea the general rule is, Less is More!

If you do not use enough tea, or hot enough water, or do not steep the tea long enough, then you can try again on the next steeping. If the water is too hot, steep time to long, or too much tea the whole brew is ruined and you will have to start over. Below is a simple chart to get you started.

Quick Tea in a Cup
1. Add ½ to 1 teaspoon (less is more) of tea to cup(12-20oz.).
2. Pour in water of desired temperature and steep (see chart)
3. Drink and Enjoy! (leaves usually float to the bottom or use tea ball/spoon)
4. When finished add more water (same leaves) and steep for a minute longer than the first brew.
5. If desired repeat again, after 2-3 cups replace used leaves with fresh leaves and begin again.

Quick Tea in a Teapot
1. Add 1-3 teaspoons (less is more) to teapot.
2. Pour in water of desired temperature and steep (see chart)
3. Pour the resulting tea into cups, drink and enjoy.
4. Re-use the leaves 2-4 more times increasing the steeping time by 30-60 seconds each brew.

These simple instructions are just helpful pointers to get you on your way. Please feel free to be creative and find what works best for you.
Thanks. MSH