just add water...
Herbal teas (more precisely known as "tisanes" or "infusions") are such a terrific way to incorporate some healing herbs into your life. One thing I love about herb teas is that a lot of the minerals and vitamins of the plants are pulled into the water, along with the more overtly medicinal properties. Thistle & Moon teas are hand-crafted in small batches, and made from organically grown (or ethically wildcrafted) botanicals. These blends are all sold loose-leaf, rather than as teabags. To read more about why that is, click here.
Thistle & Moon teas are currently available fresh by the cup at Traditions Fair Trade Cafe in downtown Olympia and The Flaming Eggplant Cafe, on the Evergreen State College campus. Many of the blends are available in bulk at the Olympia Food Coop-Westside. Additionally, pre-packaged bags of loose-leaf tea are available for purchase at The Massage Place, on Olympia's westside. To order bags of tea directly, contact me here.
:::::Here's the lowdown on the blends:::::
Deep Clean is a synergistic blend designed to help your internal cleansing organs do their jobs more efficiently. I am not a big proponent of the popular "detox" mindset, which pits the evil Toxins against the valiant and brave forces of Cleanliness, but I do believe in supporting our natural filtering processes whenever possible. Three cheers for our hardworking livers, spleens, kidneys, and lungs!
Contains:Dandelion leaf (Taraxacum officinale), Nettle leaf (Urtica dioica), Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), Red Clover (Trifolium pratense), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis),Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla), Fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare) & Peppermint (Mentha peperita).
Immune! is perfect for cold & flu season, as well as those transition times between seasons when little germies seem to run rampant. This blend is good for prevention, as well as when we're knocked down. Our immune systems work really hard for us, and it's nice to give 'em a boost of support, no?
Contains: Elderflower (Sambucus spp.), Peppermint (Mentha peperita), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Rosehips (Rosa spp.), Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) & Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra).
Peaceful Oasis is like a big deep breath. Peaceful Oasis is like the end of the yoga class when you are given permission to lay on the floor in the middle of the day, surrounded by strangers. The intention behind this blend is to provide that place where you can fully relax into who you are, and just be really okay with everything going on, and to let calmness and tranquility wash over you. The herbs in this blend have been used traditionally for many, many years to calm the nerves, and strengthen resilience to life's challenges. Though totally fine and appropriate to use as a bedtime sleepy tea, none of the plants are directly or strongly sedating. Think "chill-out", not "crash-out".
Contains: Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), Oatstraw (Avena sativa), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), Linden (Tilia cordata), Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa), Lavender (Lavandula spp.), Rose petals (Rosa centifolia) & Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra).
Tummy Love is for when your tummy has the crummies. Gassy, farty, burpy, crampy? Maybe you are having trouble digesting something you just ate, or caught some stomach bug going around, or simply feel funny in your belly when life is stressful. This blend is great for kids, too, who often have unexplained tummy troubles. I also like this one for menstrual cramps, and I make it strong by letting it steep extra long and using a bigger amount of tea in my cup. A nice tea to serve after dinner, Tummy Love is great with honey and milk.
Contains: Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), Peppermint (Mentha peperita), Fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare), Ginger (Zingiber officinale) & Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis).
Strong Woman tea is the most popular of the bunch, for how nourishing it feels and how yummy it tastes. This blend centers on the time-honored, well-loved, trinity of Nettles, Oatstraw, and Raspberry leaf (midwives love these three together). No matter where you are in your life cycle, (menopausal, pregnant, lactating, pre-menstrual, etc...) the plants in this blend have special affinity for female reproductive organs. Minerals & vitamins abound: this is an excellent tonic, ideal for daily use. Important note: you don't have to identify as a woman to enjoy this tea, so please don't let the name put you off.
Contains: Nettles (Urtica dioica), Oatstraw (Avena sativa), Red Raspberry lf (Rubus idaeus), Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), Rose petals (Rosa centifolia), Red Clover (Trifolium pratense), Rosehips (Rosa spp.) & Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra).
Tracy Heron-Moore, LMP, is a trained herbalist, licensed massage practitioner and certified Biodynamic Craniosacral therapist in Olympia, WA.