Teething Tea: Tiger Power!

This is a gentle and supportive tea, to help ease the pain and discomfort associated with teething.

About the art ;

When I first sat down to feel out what would be appropriate for this label, I had few animals that came to mind, but one that I kept coming back to was the Tiger.  I was also reflecting on some things in my personal life, like the journey of mothering and my tea business: holding my ground and voicing up my power.  One animal that really stood out to me, was the Tiger.

  "The Tiger power"

The tiger represents power, force, and the nurturing /gentle aspect of  mothering and tending to cubs.  The tiger is strong and very powerful,  they are able to be still and calm, carry through chaos and be fierce when she needs to defend her cubs and or her territory.

As a mother of 4 little ones, I can't count how many sleepless nights I've spent awake easing and supporting my children through teething.

Teething can make a baby howl, moan and most mama's feel like this after a couple straight nights of being sleep deprived!

Eastern culture is filled with myth and legends associated with tiger lore. I found this except very interesting, especially pertaining to my life and even applied to a new babe teething!



 From the book Animal Speaks by Ted Andrews

"When a tiger has entered your life, you can expect new adventures. It will awaken new passion and power within. Expect it to begin within 6-8 weeks and last for a year and a half. If the Tiger has shown up in your life, there will begin to manifest new adventures and renewed devotion and passion for life"

This tea is especially relaxing for mama as well.  I've made my self many cups of this blend to relax and be more calm.  And if you are nursing, your babe will also get the benefits of this tea through your milk :)


Let the adventures begin!




Click here to order some Tiger Teething Power

Could the common tea bag be hazardous to your health?

The Potential Toxicity of Tea Bags:

By Kristie Leong MD

 

Although tea appears to have a variety of health benefits, the same can’t be said for some of the tea bags used to hold it. Here’s what you need to know about the health risks of tea bags made of paper.

If you enjoy sipping a hot cup of tea, you’re not alone. Tea has a long history of being enjoyed for its pleasing taste and aroma. Not only is tea a tasty drink to enjoy, the health benefits are being increasingly recognized. The catechin polyphenols found in green and white teas, are being studied for their potential to not only reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases, but also as a metabolism booster. While a cup of black, white, or green tea provides a healthy alternative to soft drinks, there may be good reason to brew your next cup of tea from loose leaf tea leaves rather than tea bags. Why? It appears that the paper used in the manufacture of commercial tea bags may be a source of a cancer causing chemical known as epichlorohydrin.

The Potential Toxicity of Tea Bags:

Many people choose to brew their own tea from loose leaf tea leaves simply because it produces a better tasting cup of tea. The tea leaves packed into commercial tea bags are usually tea fragments and dustings of inferior quality and produce a cup of tea that lacks the full-bodied taste of tea produced from loose leaves. Not only is the taste compromised when tea bags are used, but the health benefits may be reduced by the toxicity of the bag itself.
Many tea bags made of paper are manufactured with a chemical known as epichlorohydrin, a compound used in the manufacture of plastics and used as an insecticide. When this chemical comes into contact with water it forms a chemical called 3-MCPD, a known cancer causing agent. Not only is epichlorohydrin found in paper tea bags, it’s also used in the manufacture of paper coffee filters. While this chemical in and of itself is troubling, when it comes into contact with water as when steeping tea, it becomes of even greater concern because of the cancer causing 3-MCPD it produces.

How to Avoid Epichlorohydrin

While not all tea bags made of paper contain epichlorohydrin, many of them do. The best way to find out if your particular brand of tea uses tea bags manufactured with epichlorohydrin is to call and ask. One tea company that states that they don’t is Bigelow Tea Company. Hopefully, in the future, other tea manufacturers will also eliminate this harmful chemical from their tea bags so that the health benefits of tea can be enjoyed without exposure to cancer causing chemicals. Until then, it may be best to enjoy tea in its loose leaf form.

 Read more: http://healthmad.com/nutrition/the-hidden-health-risks-of-tea-bags/#ixzz1RWUIda

 

Annoucing Our NEW Organic Mango Tea!

Our New Organic Mango tea is simply delightful!

Organic, fair-trade black tea is infused with the fruity essence of natural mango.

This tea is super iced! 

To order click here

Two NEW Teas to celebrate summer fun!

Announcing our two NEW teas for summer celebrations. Both of these make superb iced teas! Great for any picnic, barbecue or celebration!

Introducing our NEW Organic Blackberry:

A Smooth, Sensational, Aromatic Tea!

Organic Black Tea infused with the subtle tart sweetness of natural blackberry. A fruity-floral tea with a velvety finish.

Click here to order your Blackberry





*Announcing our NEW White Peony Tea:

This delicate, light refreshing tea is harvested from the Fijian province of China. White tea is the delicate buds and leafs allowed to be sun-ripened, a unique characteristic of white tea.  This tea may also be called "white cloud tea", originally grown by Buddhist monks.
 
Fine, silvery hairs develop on the tea leaf thus called "white tea". A mellow, sweet, non-astringent flavor, with mild floral/nutty notes.

Click here to order your White Peony

Get 15 % off when you enter the code "sunfun" from June 17-24th

Rooibos Fizzy's~ African Red Tea

Warm weather is finally upon us, and here in New England we created these fabulously, refreshing, energizing, caffeine free drinks for the whole family to ENJOY!!!!  A perfect drink for any picnic or everyday celebration!

Rooibos Fizzy's:

2 teaspoons rooibos (red bush tea)
2 cups boiling water
1 tablespoon honey
2 cups Fruit juice blend (100% fruit juice)
2 cups sparkling water

Put loose tea in a tea pot or pan and cover with boiling water.  Let steep 5-7 minutes.  Add honey and stir.  Allow tea to cool.  Combine strained tea with juice and sparkling water in a pitcher; serve cold.

Makes 1 quart

Cheers!!!!
 ____________________________

A little bit about African Red Tea:

African Red tea, or commonly refereed to as Rooibos (pronounced roy-boss) The leaves are actually green but turn red when oxidized potent antioxidant content protects the body from free radicals. The antioxidants in red bush tea are called poly-phenols. And it’s the catechins in the poly-phenols that support your overall health and boost your immune system

Some Health Benefits of Rooibos:

• Red Tea contains magnesium, which is necessary for a healthy nervous system.

• Red Tea increases the absorption of iron in the body.

• Red Tea contains potassium and copper minerals that are necessary for several metabolic functions.

• Red Tea is often prescribed for nervous tension and mild depression as it makes a relaxing sedative.

A Healthy Tea for Children:

Red Tea is excellent for hyperactive children and relieves insomnia, as it contains no caffeine.  A good source of vitamins and minerals. It can be used as a natural supplement as it contains calcium, magnesium and fluoride, which are essential for the development of strong teeth and bones. The minerals build healthy strong blood vessels, aid digestion and prevent tooth decay.
Red Tea is also an excellent thirst quencher for school children and can be drunk throughout the day.

In 1968, South African mother  fortuitously stumbled across Rooibos teas' ability to calm her baby, relieving the infant of colic and insomnia. Traditionally, given infants suffering from colic, sleeping problems or stomach cramps. Simply add some milk to the tea. (*Please note: it is NOT RECOMMENDED TO GIVE HONEY TO CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 1)

Tea for your skin:

Red Tea contains alpha hydroxyl acid and zinc for healthy, smooth skin. This wonder tea is especially useful when applied to skin irritations like itchy skin, eczema, and sunburns, diaper rash and acne.

Tea for your body:

* Rooibos contains similar amounts of polyphenols and has been shown to be anti-carcinogenic, anti-mutagenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral activity.  Rooibos contains calcium, manganese and fluoride to help build strong teeth and bones.

* People with kidney stones can drink it because there’s no oxalic acid.
Full of vitamins and minerals such as zinc, copper, calcium, manganese, magnesium, potassium.

*Even more alluring, unconfirmed studies are showing that these flavinoids may be up to 50 times more effective than those found in Green tea.

(*These statements have not been evaluated by FDA and are not intended to cure, diagnose, treat, or mitigate disease.*)

 To order your Rooibos click here

Furo Season

Furo Season by Donna D'Orio


In the world of tea May 1ST marks the beginning of the summer season called Furo Season, which lasts until October, 31ST.  At the end of October the season for tea returns to winter and is known as Ro Season. During Ro, the hearth which is called Ro is sunken; snug in its underground cove near the center of the room the kettle simmers water for tea while providing heat for the chilly tea room.  In summer, the hearth is raised above ground and moved to the edge of the tea room providing an open cool atmosphere. The summer hearths, known as Furo, are the portable braziers used in the tea room to heat the hot water kettle or kama to make the tea. The moving of the hearth is symbolic of the changing season and celebrated as Hatsuburo or first tea. The tatami mats are renewed, summer utensils brought out of hiding and Wagashi (bean paste sweets) are served in celebration of good health.

The first (hatsu) harvesting of Camellia tips for Matcha.

Our Teishu (host) graces the tea room with her delightful spring Kimono held snug by a bright and cheery Obi (the sash worn with the kimono).  Soft steps brushing against tatami, the ring of Hishaku (bamboo ladle) against the Futa-Oki (ladle rest), and the delicate song of steam rising from the iron kettle joined in chorus with squeaky Obi (squeaky Obi are of fine quality). The sounds of the tea room, each unique meld together creating an atmosphere the guests grow to crave as part of tea. I relax into the quiet song of the Chashitsu (tea room) and with a calm grace anticipate a flavorful bowl of Usucha, thin tea.



One of my favorite moments in tea is when the Teishu places the utensils. I am always curious and excited to see the Chawan (tea bowl). Tonight’s bowl held the theme of the willow tree. It is a happy tree in Japan, symbolizing respect and the joy of being blessed. Strong and yielding, it sways in the gentle breeze and withstands the fierce wind, offering itself for the practical and aesthetic needs of man. How appropriate that it be honored as decoration for Chawan.

Two scoops of Matcha, a half dipper of water whisked together with the spirit of the willow, tea is made and we are satisfied.

I enjoyed the beginning of tea summer, the fresh sweet taste of frothy green Matcha whisked to perfection by the teishu. A perfect ending to a long, long day.



A bow to you…

About Donna D'Orio: A Colorado native residing in Western Oregon (the land of rain) as I study Chado, Zen and participate actively with my grandchildren as I continue to pursue my artistic path. I hold a BA in Art and Cultural Studies. I am currently building a body of work to show and make available through my upcoming blog and website currently under construction and hope to see you there in the future.


 
 

Check out our new spring glazes for our handcrafted tea cups, click here

Spring Renewal Tea

Spring, a time of renewal and growth to welcome in the new energies for the coming year.


We shed the old, and make room the new.


As we embark upon this season, we welcome and celebrate our newest creation, Spring Renewal Tea






This tea was formulated to assist in cleansing and renewing.






Below is a bit information on some of the herbs in our Spring Renewal Tea, including plant energetics, spiritual properties and color therapy of the plants.






* Dandelion :  One of the best natural sources of potassium! Dandelion is a valuable tonic for the liver, it's bitter action also aids in digestion. Dandelion increases the mineral assimilation (absorption) from foods. Stimulates blood cleansing and flow. Dandelion is traditionally one of the best herbs for toning the liver. Dandelion aids in exhaustion and fatigue. Dandelion is high in Vitamin A, Calcium and Iron.






The flower of the dandelion is colored yellow which is related to the sun. Yellow is associated with the solar plexus chakra, which is concerned with intellect and judgment. Yellow stimulates mental ability and concentration, and aids detachment.


Yellow activates the motor nerves. It generates energy for the muscles. .


Yellow affects the digestive system, gastrointestinal tract, adrenal activity and the left hemisphere brain activity.






Yellow is excellent for the nerves and the brain; It is a motor stimulant and a nerve builder.






Yellow rays strengthen the nerves and aid the brain.






Yellow has a stimulating, cleansing, and eliminating action on the liver, intestines, and the skin.






Yellow purifies the blood stream. It activates the lymphatic system.






Yellow is a spleen depressant, cathartic, cholegogue, antheimintic.






* Burdock Root : Aids in digestion and kidney function. Moves the body into a balance of greater health. Traditionally used a nourishing herb for the liver and blood. Burdock is high in minerals and vitamins.


The color of Burdock root when dried is brown.


Brown is an earthy color. It grounds, stabilizes and neutralizes. It is an effective color in healing.


Brown is especially effective in stabilizing overexcited states. It calms and grounds emotions and extreme mental conditions. Brown can help awaken common sense and discrimination. It brings us back down to earth.


Brown is effective for any kind of spaciness.






* Oat Straw : Contains high levels of Silica Acid, Vitamin B, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorous. Oat Straw calms the nervous system, builds healthy teeth and strong bones. Oat Straw is nourishing to the thyroid strengthens the adrenals. A nourishing herbs for the ovaries and uterus. Oat Straw is an exception herb for the skin.

The color of dried Oat Straw is golden, a color energy for the navel chakra healing, nurturing, soothing.






* Red Clover : A beneficial herb to restore and maintain wellness. Red Clover is nourishing to whole system but has a affinity to the blood.  Red Clover improves functions of the liver, gall bladder and circulatory system. The spiritual properties allow emotions to be more conscious, a deeper sense of a purpose toward emotions. The throat chakra energy is released. Clovers focus is also on the root chakra.






The fragrance of Red clover is inciting, you can imagine your self lying in a field of clovers, inhaling it to know it. there is a deep sense of letting go that often results from the fragrance of red clover. The color of the flower is reddish- pink. Pink is a color energy for your root & Heart Chakra; self acceptance, unconditional love, gentleness.










* Nettle :  Contains one of the most natural sources of chlorophyll. Nettles is nourishing to the kidneys. Nettles is an overall tonic for the entire system. Nettles restores and builds energy levels. Nettles is high in Vitamins A, C, D and K. Nettles is also high in Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron and Sulfur. 

Nettles is a deep green color. The color green is energy for the Heart Chakra  comfort, balance, love.   Green is cooling, soothing, and calming. Green acts upon the sympathetic nervous system. It relieves tension in the blood vessels and lowers the blood pressure. It acts upon the nervous system as a sedative and is helpful in sleeplessness, exhaustion, and irritability.










* Peppermint :  Improves digestion and  is a tonic for the stomach. Peppermint removes mucous build up. Peppermint has an affinity for the plasma, blood, marrow and nervous system. It's mildly soothing action relaxes the body, creates a clear mind.


 There is an ability and strong tendency for cleansing of the etheric physical being with Peppermint, so that the vibrations of each chakra and subtle bodies draw energy from the soul and higher self.






The color of peppermint is green; green strongly affects the heart chakra, and it is balancing to the autonomic nervous system. It can be applied beneficially in cardiac conditions, high blood pressure, ulcers, exhaustion, and headaches.


Green harmonizes, life-giving, calms the mind, nerves, fever, and acidity; balances the metabolism, stabilizes the weight, tones liver and spleen; and benefits the pituitary gland.


Green awakens greater friendliness, hope, faith, and peace.


Green is restful and revitalizing to overtaxed mental conditions. It is emotionally soothing.


Green loosens and equalizes the etheric body.


Green is the color of energy, youth, growth, inexperience, fertility, hope, and new life.


Green is an emotional stabilizer and pituitary stimulant.






Start your Spring Renewal Now: Click here to order

Happy Spring!!!

*3-Meditation colors for Spring Detoxing click here to learn*

 To learn more about chakra balancing, color therapy and chakra aromatherapy products please visit this website: http://www.consciouscolors.com/

 

 

The Ultimate Cleanse for Women with Busy Lives!

Learn more about spring cleansing by visiting :  http://hannahsharvest.com/cleanse-power/

Celebrating Earth Day!

 

Come Celebrate Earth Day with us!

Did you know, our packaging is made using recyclable paper and is reusable, recyclable and compost-able ! All of our teas and herbs support organic farmers and the earth!!

To honor Earth Day, we are giving you 10% off your entire order! Enter the code "earth" at check out. valid April 22-April 23rd. 
...
Come celebrate the earth and good teas!

Happy Earth day !

 

www.loveandtea.com

Importance of Natural Play

 This month we would like to introduce Daria Gosset of Nobby Organics, who shares our commitment to natural, mindful parenting. 

Nobby Organics offers some of the healthiest and most natural childrens products that stimulate the creative imagination of children. Everything you find at Nobby Organics is 100% Natural, handmade and toxin free.

Importance of Natural Play

By Daira Gosset of Nobby Organics

Born into an artistic family, I have, from an early age, learned to love and cherish the creative process with its ups and downs and often surprising results. Having only a limited number of ready-made toys, my family would use different materials found all around our house to make our own toys. My grandmother would collect scraps of cloth and sew dolls for me and my brother, while old shoeboxes and drawers would serve as doll house furniture. As I grew up, I began to make toys myself, transforming old woolen sweaters into blankets and capes for my dolls and digging up clay from our backyard to make figurines and beads. Looking back, I am very grateful to my grandmother for teaching us to view even the tiniest and seemingly useless piece of cloth as a possible prompt for exploration and inspiring us to follow our own fantastic imaginations in our play.

Today everything aims at providing the most realistic experience, with mass-produced toys overflowing with life-like details, thus, totally dismissing the need for imagination. Toys with specific pre-determined functions utilize electronic features such as light, sound, and motors to engage the child, usually making him or her the passive spectator. But, as research has shown, it is very important for the child to actively participate in his own play, to complete a toy using his own imagination, which, in turn, plays a key factor in his social, moral, and physical development. Thus, for example, tying a silk scarf around the shoulders as a cape or placing it on the floor and playing among its folds as if it were a river allow the child to explore the world around him and communicate his feelings in a stress-free environment. Such open-ended toys also allow the child to adapt the toy to whatever game or situation he most relates to at that moment, again aiding in the development of not only his imagination but also his relationship with the adult world.

Natural materials such as silk, wool, and wood also provide a very different tactile experience from the plastic usually used for manufactured toys. Besides the comfort and warmth afforded by the natural materials, there is a great variety of textures available for the child to explore, further aiding his development, as opposed to the relatively uniform texture and unnatural coolness of plastic. Moreover, natural toys minimize the child’s exposure to harmful toxins which are abundant in mass-produced plastic toys. Especially dangerous are the dioxins contained in #3 PVC plastics, the Bisphenol-A (BPA) added to #7 plastics to make them rigid, and the synthetic dyes, containing heavy metals, used to produce bright, saturated colors. All of these are considered to be some of the most toxic poisons known to man, and now imagine the harm such chemicals can inflict on the developing body and brain of a child at this especially critical stage of his life.

We as parents should try to resist this new technological impulse, not giving into the temptation of using television and computers to keep our children busy but encouraging natural play. Encourage them to spend more time outside, maybe even helping you with yard-work such as raking and gardening, which provides them with inspiration for their own future games and symbolic play. Chose simple toys and teach them various crafts, all of which develop their imagination as well as offer loads of fun. 

With Easter and springtime approaching, a wonderful activity could be dyeing eggs. I still cherish those fond childhood memories of my mother collecting dried onion skins in a basket on the kitchen table and then using them, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables, to dye our Easter eggs. Not only does this creative process result in beautiful Easter decorations and presents, but it also teaches the children about the power and beauty of simple nature. Natural ingredients like spices, herbs and vegetables offer an endless variety of hues for dyeing eggs.

To get a beautiful mahogany color, place 10-12 eggs in a single layer in a pan. Add water until the eggs are covered and add the skins of 12-15 yellow onions. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower heat, and allow the eggs to simmer for 20-30 minutes. The longer you leave the eggs to boil, the deeper the color will be. Remove eggs, rinse in lukewarm water and cool them. If you’d like to add a soft sheen to your eggs, coat them lightly with vegetable oil and polish with a cloth.

If you’d like a more delicate decoration, try tying fresh small leaves to the egg with string. Then follow the previous directions. This process takes a little bit more patience, but the results are stunning!

Happy Spring!

About Daria,  

Mother to five children and the owner of NobbyOrganics. Born in Russia, I moved to the U.S. with my husband, and have been living in Westchester County, NY in a setting surrounded by trees, flowers and lakes for almost half of my life. There’s a lot of creativity and play in our family, and we’re passionate about the environment, brestfeeding, mindful parenting, traveling, crafting and exploring the world.  Having started my business venture less than a year ago, I am very excited about it and carefully choose the products made with only eco-friendly and organic materials such as wood, cotton, wool, and non-toxic dyes from around the globe. I believe that nature provides everything for keeping us comfortable and healthy. 

Visit Daria's shop Nobby Organics to find a fantastic selection of natural, organic products.




Visit our web site to browse our entire collection of teas! www.loveandtea.com

A Bow, A View, A Bowl of Tea

By Donna D’Orio

I was happy to receive my invitation to be a part of Love & Tea through the sharing of my experiences in the practice of Chado. I study the Uresenke tradition with the Waiki Association in Portland Oregon. It is my hope that my posts serve to inform and inspire making more possible an authentic and joyful relationship for the readers with the traditional Chanoyu.

The objective of the Japanese tea ceremony is to purify the soul by becoming one with nature through a ritual that employs the attributes of grace, gentleness, compassion, acceptance and respect of imperfection, regard for all things and also to pay homage to the aesthetic of austere simplicity and refined poverty.  The tea ceremony is part of the spiritual practice of Zen.

Uresenke tradition holds as its father the Zen monk Sen Rikyu (1522-1591). A monk and student of Zen Rikyu brought this influence into his discipline of tea. He emphasized direct experience and held to the principals that are the foundational principals in Chado today. The four main principals in Chado are:

Wa or Harmony

Kei or Respect

Sei or Purity

Jaku or Tranquility

This lovely poem by Fujiwara Ietaka reflects Rikyu’s philosophy nicely.

 “To those who long only for flowers in full bloom, I would show the spring of young shoots pushing through snow in a mountain village.”  by Fujiwara Ietaka.

The spring birds are darting through the woods, lighting on rain soaked branches as the season reaches it climax. The cherry blossoms signal the fullness of spring and become the theme of

April tea. The hearth-pit season comes to a close and the sunken hearth will remain covered until November. I thought this would be a symbolic month to begin the writings for this blog.

The fresh smell of aired tatami mat greets me as I bow (signifying all are equal) and enter the Chashitsu (tea room) on my knees. The Tokonoma (raised alcove) serves as the focal point and houses the hanging scroll holding a calligraphy poem or phrase written with brush strokes and chosen carefully to reflect a theme chosen by the Teishu (host) for this occasion. A  bamboo Chabana holds the delicate display of Camillia. I bow, pause and reflect on the scroll, admire the flower arrangement and then take my place as guest. Practice begins. It is the perfect compliment to sitting practice in the Zen tradition.

The Teishu enters carrying the Chawan (tea bowl) which holds the Chasen (tea whisk), the Chakin (tea cloth) and Chashaku (tea scoop). The bowl represents the moon (yin) and is placed next to the water jar which represents the sun (yang). Placed perfectly the Teishu returns to the Myzuaya (preparation room) to get the Kensui (waste water bowl), Hishaku (bamboo water ladle) and the Futaoki (rest for Kama or kettle lid). It is a lovely procession of beautiful utensils all finding their place under the most gentle direction. The outside world falls away and we are in the grace of direct experience. It is so incredibly nurturing, the most basic acts refined and implemented into a moving meditation, a physical interaction that is tangible and designed to reconnect us to the joy of being. There is no use for the internet or other forms of modern technology here, those things would not serve the fundamental purpose this direct experience fosters. I am so relieved and profoundly grateful for this time in the Chashitsu.

See you next month…A Bow.

 To see our selection of handcrafted cups click here

April

Everywhere

In the hazy field of springtime,

The scent of the flower…

Is it the blossoming cherry?

                                From the Manyoshu

A bit about Donna D'Orio: a Colorado native residing in Western Oregon (the land of rain) as I study Chado, Zen and participate actively with my grandchildren as I continue to pursue my artistic path. I hold a BA in Art and Cultural Studies. I am currently building a body of work to show and make available through my upcoming blog and website currently under construction and hope to see you there in the future.