Tea News

Chai-light of the week:

Chai (the Indian word for tea) is a spicy flavoured aromatic tea from India (clue is in the title). Produced from a exotic blend of: cinnamon, fennel, ginger (yum) clove, black pepper and anise, is this weeks “Tea of the week” from theuklooseleafteacompany. Chai is a delicious blend, brewed for 3-4 minutes, I personally like mine 5-6 minutes, (I may have been a builder in a previous life). I found this a very good morning tea for myself, containing caffeine (result) for a wake up and feel good call. Chai tea is also been linked to the preservation of health in body and mind; Improving digestion, assisting the immune system, containing antioxidants and properties which assist with blood flow is reputed to produce glowing skin and better hair condition. All I know for sure, is it tastes and smells amazing (especially good Christmas festive aroma, and yes I know it's only June ). Some take this particular tea the traditional way with milk and sugar, we here at theuklooseleafteacompany prefer it without.

Nettle tea is a pleasant caffeine free tea substitute which has a rich, green, earthy aroma and flavour. To make a mug of tea add 1-2g of the tea to a teapot or infuser - depending on how strong you like your tea – and pour over enough fresh boiling water as required, allow to brew for 5 to 8 minutes. Strain into a mug, sweeten with preferred sweetener e.g. honey and serve. Serve without milk, the tea can also be served chilled like ice tea. Health Benefits of Nettle The benefits of nettle are listed as follows from various sites and authorities, we ask that you make sure you understand that we do not endorse any of the claims as we are not doctors. This information is given in good faith. 1. Nettle Leaf Tea Reduces Stress and Calms the Nerves 2. Strengthens Immune System 3. Prevents Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease 4. Improves Hair and Fights Dandruff 5. Great for Skin, Eczema and Skin Rashes As far as it helping the skin, the focus is more on applying externally or topically. 6. Helps Relieve Constipation and Elimination of Intestinal Parasites 7. Used to Treat Arthritis and Osteoarthritis 8. Helps Relieve Allergies and Hayfever 9. Nourishes the Endocrine System Glands like the Thyroid Gland 10. Reduces Inflammation 11. Nettle Reduces High Blood Pressure 12. Nettle Leaf Helps the Adrenal Glands

We are happy to offer: Raspberry Leaf Tea. http://theuklooseleafteacompany.co.uk/products/raspberry-leaf-tea

Latin Name: Rubus idaeus syn. Rubus idaeus hortensis. Plant Family: Rosaceae Other Names: Garden Raspberry, European Red Raspberry, Respis, Raspbis, Hindberry, Bramble of Mount Ida, Gentler Berry, Framboise, Hindebar, Braamboss, Hindbur, Hindbeer

Description: The raspberry is a deciduous shrub that grows from perennial branching rhizomes, native to Europe and Asia; it can also be found growing in many temperate regions of the world including the United States. It grows to height of 1-2 metres and has woody; thorny stems also known as canes which are biennial. In the first year the stems grow to its full height and produces no side shoots only leaves which are 5-20cm in length pinnate and compound with 5-7 leaflets, each leaflet 3-10cm in length. In the second year the stem does not grow any taller but instead puts out side shoots from which smaller leaves grow. The flowers form in the leaf axils and at the ends of the stem, they are small about 1cm in diameter and comprised of 5 white petals and 5 green sepals.

Interesting Fact: Did you know that raspberry leaf tea was once used as a remedy for people suffering from mild cases of diarrhoea? The leaves are rather astringent, which is part of the reason they were used for this purpose back then. Raspberry leaves were viewed as a women’s medicine in the early 19th century and were often given to women who were in labour to help reduce their painful contractions. Extracts obtained from raspberry leaves were also used to clean wounds and were used to treat cankerous sores.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raspberry

The UK Loose Leaf Tea Company accept no responsibility for any claims or advice provided by third party websites.

Raspberry leaf tea is a pleasant caffeine free tea substitute which has a rich, green, mild, fruity aroma and flavour. To make a mug of tea add 1-2g of the tea to a teapot or infuser - depending on how strong you like your tea – and pour over enough fresh boiling water as required. Strain into a mug, sweeten with preferred sweetener e.g. honey and serve. Serve without milk, the tea can also be served chilled like ice tea. Raspberry leaf tea can be added to creams, lotions and balms for the skin where astringency is required, and can help to tone and firm the skin, it can also be used to fragrance shampoos, soaps and bathing products and to temporary darken the hair in a similar way to rosemary and sage.

Warning: This tea should be used with care during pregnancy.