The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations (Revelations 22:2)



Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush


Mulberry Leaves Morus alba  桑叶 SangYe

Health Benefits of Dried Mulberry Leaves


Expel Heat and Improve Vision : It expels wind and clears heat. It clears heat in the liver and benefit the eyes. Expelling pathogenic wind-heat, cleaning away heat from the lung to arrest cough and clearing up heat from the liver to improve acuteness of vision.

【功能主治】疏散风热,清肺润燥,清肝明目。
                用于风热感冒,肺热燥咳,头晕头痛,目赤昏花。
                      
Lower Cholesterol and Slimming : It can lower the content of glucan in the blood and promote weight loss. Mulberry Leaf Tea promote slimming and helps in fat metabolism, its mechanism depend on the expelling of extra water in our cells and intestines, clearing away extra fat and cholesterols in the blood, thus prompt the metabolism of body fat.

Antioxidant : Rich in antioxidants and bioflavonoids such as Glutathione, Lutein, Quercetin and Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid. Rutin and Quercetin together with other bio flavones from mulberry leaf show strong antioxidant ability and could help in lowering cholesterol levels, prevent aging and is a good choice for beauty products. It can also scavenge free radical and improve the blood cycle.

Lower Blood Sugar : Mulberry leaves have long been used in Chinese medicine for the prevention and treatment of diabetes; they contain compounds that suppress high blood sugar levels.

Anti-aging : the main effective constituents for anti-aging is bioflavonoids.  A four years clinical experiment of Zhejiang University proved that Mulberry leaves show similar anti-aging and tonic effects as ginseng root, whereas the properties of Ginseng is hot and as for Mulberry leaves its function are smooth and calm.


 How to prepare a mulberry leaves herbal decoction?
Put 60g of dried mulberry leaves into a pot and pour in 2 litres of clear filtered water. Bring

water to a boil and continue to brew the content for 45min. to an hour on slow steady heat. You will realise at the end of 45min. that the initial 2 litres of water will be reduced to 1.5 litres of aromatic Mulberry Leaves Herbal Tea.
You can drink it in its original herbal form or stir in some Brown Sugar to taste and for those of you who prefers a zero-calorie and natural sweetening herb, you can add some Stevia sweet leaves to taste. Enjoy!






Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Stevia Sweet Herb


Stevia Rebaudiana   Sweet Herb  

Stevia rebaudiana , commonly known as sweetleaf, sugarleaf or simply stevia, is widely grown for its sweet leaves. With its sweetness having up to 10 - 15 times the sweetness of sugar, adding 2 or 3 leaves of Stevia to 250ml (8oz) mug of boiling water is sufficient when steeping your favourite tea like Rosebud or Southern Ginseng Tea 绞 股

Since 1500s, tribes in Paraguay and Brazil of South America have been using Stevia both as a natural herb sweetener and medicinal tea for treating ailments. More recent medical research has shown promise in treating obesity and hypertension. Stevia has a negligible effect on blood glucose, even enhancing glucose tolerance; therefore it is attractive as a zero-calorie natural sweetener to diabetics and others on carbohydrate-controlled diets.

Stevia Sweet Leaves goes well with the following flower and herbs tea :

Southern Ginseng Tea   绞股
Roselle (LuoShenHua)   洛神花
Forget Me Not Flower   勿忘我
Jasmine Flower Tea       茉莉花
NotoGinseng Flower      田七
Rose Bud Flower Tea     玫瑰花
Lavender Flower Tea     薰衣草
Wild Chrysanthemum   野菊花
Red Globe Amaranth    千日紅
Rosmarinus officinalis   迷迭香
Cymbopogon citratus       香茅草
Osmanthus Flower Tea 桂花茶
Chamomile Flower Tea 黄春菊
Marigold Flower Tea     金盞
Globe Flower Tea             金蓮花



 
  





Monday, September 20, 2010

Southern Ginseng Tea


Southern Ginseng Tea      绞股      Gynostemma pentaphyllum

History : Since the 16th century Southern Ginseng Herb has been referred to in the Chinese medical texts as the ‘herb of immortality.’ Today, it is commonly used for a variety of ailments in China, Japan and Thailand.

Antioxidant : Southern Ginseng Herb is considered an antioxidant. Antioxidants may be helpful in your body’s fight against degenerative diseases such as heart disease, cancer, arteriosclerosis, liver disease, stroke, inflammation and diabetes.

Adaptogen : Southern Ginseng Herb belongs to a special class of herbs that are known to regulate bodily systems. Some are suggested for high/low blood pressure, a weak immune system, insomnia, stress, bronchitis, gastrointestinal mobility, cardiovascular health and high cholesterol.

Directions : Add one teaspoon of Southern Ginseng tealeaves to 250ml of boiled, pure water and steep for 5 to 8 min. For best results, try 4 to 8 cups daily for 3 months. You can drink it in its natural state or add 3 to 4 strands of Stevia Sweet Leaves to taste. Stevia is 15 to 20 times sweeter than table sugar so a few leaves for a cup of 250ml tea should suffice.





Friday, August 20, 2010

Roselle Tea

Roselle  洛神花  Hibiscus sabdariffa


Roselle is a good source of natural antioxidants which may protect the body from damage by free radicals and lipid peroxidation. The protective effect is probably through the action of highly bioavailable ascorbic acid, ß-carotene and phenolic compounds, especially the anthocyanins.

Health benefits:

The Roselle Tea contains high levels of antioxidants, such as flavonoids, which are good for our hearts and bodies. Flavonoids comprise a group of compounds that give the color to red wine, watermelon, and grapefruits. These antioxidants help our bodies fight the harmful molecules known as free radicals, which can cause cell damage leaving the body in a diseased state. By taming free radicals, antioxidants help maintain the body’s good health.
In summary, drinking tea can enhance body’s ability to fight stress and help maintain body’s good health.

How to prepare Roselle tea?

Simply bring out your favorite mug, put in 2 grams of the dried Roselle calyx and add 250ml of boiling water ( 8 oz ), steep it for 5-8 minutes, add sugar or sweet Stevia leaves (a healthier, non-caloric choice) if desired, or add other flavors of your choice such as few drops of lemon juice. Here you go, you have lemon zinger tea. You can also refrigerate it and make Roselle iced tea.



Monday, July 19, 2010

Forget-Me-Not Flower 勿忘我



         

Forget-Me-Not Flower  aka  Myosotis Slyvatica 勿忘我 Wu Wang Wo

Forget-Me-Not 勿忘我 Flowers Tea is a caffeine-free tea with a mild and grassy flavour. This Chinese Forget-Me-Not Cynoglossum amabile is well known for its beautiful bright purple flowers and is packed with Vitamin C and many health benefits such as :

Soothing the nerves
Promotes a relaxing sleep
Reduces High Blood Pressure
Prevent Wrinkles and Black Spots
Effective in Weight Loss and Slimming
Helps in Skin Whitening and Nourishing
Improves Eyesight and Detoxifies the Liver
Improves Metabolism and enhances Immunity

Mixing this tea with rose bud, stevia sweet leaf or honey will enhance its flavour. It also matches with Rosebud, Mint, Marigold, and Jasmine.

Tea storage: Keep in a cool and dry place 20 and  avoid direct sunlight.

Tea brewing: Use a teaspoon of 勿忘我 dried flowers and steep in 250ml of  boiling water  for 5-8 minutes before serving. Remember to add a pinch of Stevia leaves to taste.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Jasmine Flower Tea 茉莉花

Jasmine Flower Tea  茉莉花

Latin Name: Jasminum officinale

Alternate Names: Jasmin, Pikake, Sambac, Yeh-hsi-ming (Chinese), Jati (Sanskrit)

Family: OLEACEAE

Parts Used: Flowers.

Properties: Alterative, Antibacterial, Antitumor, Aphrodisiac, Emmenagogue, Galactagogue, Hemostatic, Nervine, Sedative.

Internal Uses: Bone Cancer, Breast Cancer, Cough, Depression, Fever, Frigidity, Headache, Hodgkin's Disease, Impotence, Lymphatic Cancer

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules. Syrup for coughs.

Topical Uses : Eye Soreness, Skin Dryness

Topical Applications: Eyewash for sore eyes. Used in lotions for dry and sensitive skin. Essential oil of Jasmine is used to promote confidence and physical and emotional well-being. It is also used as an aphrodisiac and to lift depression. The essential oil is used in perfume, soaps and lotions.

Culinary uses: Added to Black Tea for a delightful aroma and flavor.

Energetics: Bitter, Sweet, Cool, Moist.

Chemical Constituents: Essential oil (benzyl alcohol, benzyl acetate, linalol, linalyl acetate), salicylic acid, alkaloids (jasminine).

Contraindications: Avoid the use of Jasmine if a person is very chilled. The pure essential oil is very expensive. If you are paying a cheap price for it, expect adulteration.

Comments: One of the most beautiful, fragrant flowers on Earth. Many consider the aroma itself to be an aphrodisiac, as well as to foster feelings of love and compassion.

The common name Jasmine also includes the species Jasminum sambac and Jasminum grandiflorum, which are used interchangeably with Jasminum officinale.


Remember to use Stevia leaves to taste.


Thursday, May 20, 2010

Rosebud Tea


Rose Bud Tea is made from real rose buds, plucked when they are young and then dried. Lovely and highly enjoyable beverage. Rose Bud Tea adds spark to women beauty, relieve menstrual pain (add a bit of red wine and brown sugar or Stevia leaves), ease stomach bloatedness. Good for woman.

The flowers, gathered in the bud and dried, are said to be more astringent than the Red Roses. Suitable to be blended with Black Tea to make a cup of Rose Black Tea sold commonly in tea house!

Rinse tea cup and teapot with hot water. Fill the teapot 2 grams (1-2 teaspoons) tea leaves for every 225ml of water. Infuse in hot water at 90°c (194°F) to 95°c (203°F) for 2 to 3 minutes for the first and second brewing. Gradually increase steeping time and temperature for subsequent brewing.


Wednesday, April 21, 2010

NotoGinseng Flower 田七花



NotoGinseng Flower      田七花

Helps cleanse the body of toxins, especially skin eruptions, boils and mouth blisters. Also known to reduce high blood pressure and hypertension. Prevents infection of the throat and gum and aids in slimming.Helps improve immunity system, prevent cancer, promote blood circulation, prevent blood clot and useful in maintaining fluid levels when experiencing diarrhoea and cold. Helps protect the liver, reduce cell damage following attack. Protect nerve and brain cells from damage.

 

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Lavender Tea 薰衣草


Lavender Tea 薰衣草


Lavender Tea Health BenefitsLavender products like oil, candles and incense have been mostly seen in the market, but now herbal tea has also been added in the product chain of lavender, especially for its health benefits. There are many other health benefit aspects of lavender plant like tannins, flavonoids, courmarines, camphor oil and geranion. Following are some lavender tea benefits for health.
  • Lavender herbal tea has proved to be very beneficial for people suffering from nervous system disorder that includes depression, stress and anxiety.
  • People who suffer from insomnia disorder are relieved to a great extent by drinking herbal lavender tea.
  • This herbal tea is also good for people having stomach related problems like gastric problems, upset stomach and colic.
  • The calming effect of lavender tea also provides relief to people having stomach infections or bowel infections.
  • The tea also has gynecological benefits as well, it can also be used during the difficult times of menstrual cycles.
  • It can work wonders to alleviate migraine pain.
  • It also helps in fighting with the issues related to the respiratory system like cough, cold and asthma and can be applied directly on the skin.
  • Even fever, accompanied with cold and cough can be cured by using lavender tea. It stimulates the body to sweat and helps in reducing the temperature.
  • Lavender tea also has a topical use for healing wounds, cuts, sores and ulcers.
  • It is also used for combating dental cavities, infections and halitosis in the form of mouthwash.
So, these were some of the lavender tea benefits that make this herbal plant so special and popular. Lavender has also become a popular ingredient of recipes like lavender lemonade, tea, bread and cookies. The preparation of lavender tea is very simple. Take a handful of dried lavender flowers and add them to boiling water. Let the mixture boil for eight to ten minutes and after that strain and relish the amazing taste of lavender tea. It can also be relished by adding it to black tea or other herbs like mint. So, are you ready to enjoy the lavender tea benefits along with its lovely taste and aroma?

Lavender Tea helps relieve stress, reduces fatigue, detoxify kidney, headache, calm nerves and emotions. Lavender Tea also has calming effects that helps insomnia. Lavender Tea can be mixed with other teas such as Jasmine, Rosemary to add a distinctive aroma and taste. Lavender Tea is not recommended to consume over 5 gm (0.1763 oz) daily. Add Stevia to taste.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Violet Flower Tea 紫罗兰 Matthiola incana


Matthiola incana  紫罗兰 Common Stock

Matthiola incana aka Common Stock 罗兰 (紫羅蘭) zǐluólán
English name : Violet

Latin name : Matthiola incana

Helps in healing respiratory illness, such as flu and cough. It prevents bad breath caused by dental cavity. It also helps to solve hangover problems and reduce tiredness.
Violets have been used to improve acne, anger, asthma, bronchitis, colds, eczema, fever, fibrocystic breast disease, grief, headache, heartbreak, lymphatic congestion, mastitis, mumps, psoriasis, scurvy, sore throat, ulcers, urinary tract infection, varicose veins, and whooping cough. Apply a cloth soaked in violet leaf and/or flower tea to the back of the neck to treat headaches. The flowers are eaten as a breath freshener.
Violet flower essence helps those that feel lonely, despite being surrounded by others. It increases openness and helps shy aloof people that want to share but feel overwhelmed.
They have both expectorant and diuretic properties and can be taken in a tea for coughs, colds, and rheumatism. Make a pot of violet tea to use as a gargle, or add honey to thicken the tea.
In Pakistan, violet tea is drunk to increase sweating and reduce fever. It's also said that violets relieve anxiety, insomnia and reduce high blood pressure. In the 17th century throat lozenges, made with violet conserve, were used to treat bronchitis, as well as to combat sinus congestion.



Most common functions of Violet Flower:
Hay fever, allergies, clearing sinuses, clearing the chest, relieve congestion, relieves sinus headache, brest cancer, weeping eczema and skin compaints, boils and carbuncles
First drank during Victorian times by the wealthy, violet tea is said to evoke memories and also for medicinal purposes. The scent and taste of violet tea was once fit for a queen, but now you have the opportunity to make your own.
Matches : rose bud, mint and marigold. If combine with Lavender, this tea will enhance its healing effectiveness.

Drinking Method :
Pour boiling water over 2g of dried Violet flowers. Strain the flowers and put water away.
This step is to wake up the flowers, or you could just wash them with clean water.
Steep the tea for 5 to 8 minutes together with a pinch of Stevia leaves a for sweetening taste. Enjoy!

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Red Globe Amaranth 千日紅


Red Globe Amaranth 千日紅 Qian Ri Hong Gomphrena Globosa

Gomphrena Globosa, aka Red Globe Amaranth Flower, literally translates to Qian Ri Hong 千日紅 Thousand Days Red due to its everlasting flower blooming period.
Other Chinese names include Qian Ri Hong and Wan Nian Hong.

Globe amaranth is a short annual with dense, clover like flower clusters that often are dried and preserved. The flowers lack petals but exhibit red, pink, orange, or white bracts on long stalks.Globe Amaranth originally grows in the tropics. It is a sun plant. It is resistant to dryHeat but not to cold.

The shape of the flowers is even and complete and the colour purplish red. It also has a faint smell of pure fragrance.

Globe Amaranth Tea is known to prevent aging thus it is good for the skin. Best taken without mixing other tea except some Stevia leaves for sweetening purposes.

This tea contains essential vitamins and minerals and is known in Chinese medicine for helping to relieve cough, shortness of breath, enhance vision, prevent aging thus it is good for the skin.

Efficacious for nourishing one's looks and appearances by discharging body toxin. Able to maintain beauty by  taking good care of skin, treating "Yin" deficiency and regulating the menstrual function.




Friday, November 13, 2009

Marigold 金盏花 Calendula officinalis


Marigold  盏花  Calendula officinalis

Other names for calendula flower petals include Pot Marigold, Gold Bloom, Holligold, Marybud, Zergul and Garden Marigold. This flower grows annually in northern Mediterranean countries and it tends to bloom repetitively either each month or with each new moon.

Many people like to add the tasty petals to rice, soups and even cereals. Not so long ago, even American physicians commonly used calendula flower petals to treat all of the following disorders:

•    Skin infections;
•    Cuts, scrapes and bruises;
•    Burns;
•    Amenorrhea;
•    Conjunctivitis;
•    Fevers;
•    and more!

Calendula flower petals are comprised of the following constituents:

•    Calendulin;
•    Beat-carotene;
•    Isoquercitrin;
•    Narcissin;
•    Rutin;
•    Lupeol;
•    Amyrin;
•    Sterols;
•    Volatile oils;
•    Complex polysaccharides that possess immunostimulating properties;

Dried calendula flower petals are used to make a variety of teas, creams, tinctures, infusions, washes and compresses. This powerful herb increases the production of collagen making it very useful for healing wounds of the skin. it also helps to minimize scarring. Its wound healing properties are especially beneficial to those with compromised immune systems.

Besides the various benefits associated with external application of calendula flower petals, the internal benefits are likewise impressively numerous. They include:

•    Alleviation of pain;
•    Treatment for coughs and sore throats;
•    Relaxing cramps;
•    Aiding digestion by stimulating bile production;
•    Treating stomach ulcers and inflammation;
•    The regulation of menstrual irregularities;

Additionally, calendula flower petals have been repetitively proven to be effective at treating:

•    Boils and rashes;
•    Herpes outbreaks;
•    Sunburn;
•    Warts;
•    Athlete's foot;
•    Gingivitis;
•    Ringworms;
•    Varicose veins;
•    Hemorrhoids;
•    and even some types of cancer!




Thursday, October 15, 2009

Rosemary 迷迭香 'dew of the sea' Rosmarinus officinalis


Rosemary "dew of the sea" (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) 迷迭香 mí dié xiāng

Rosemary is an evergreen shrub indigenous to Southern Europe, particularly on the dry rocky hills of the Mediterranean region.

Whether grown in the desert, mountains or by the coast, the "dew of the sea" is simply an essential in any kitchen herb garden.

Rosemary is a wonderful tonic, particularly to the heart, brain and nervous system.

By increasing the flow of blood to the head, rosemary stimulates the brain and heightens concentration.

Rosemary has been used for anxiety, tension, exhaustion, lethargy, depression, insomnia and as a tonic during convalescence and for the elderly.

Rosemary makes an excellent remedy for preventing and treating migraines and headaches.

Rosemary improves vitality and stimulates digestion, relieves flatulence and distension, enhances the appetite and increases the flow of digestive juices.
 
Rosemary helps move food and wastes efficiently through the system, removes stagnant food, improves sluggish digestion and helps absorption of nutrients.
 
It helps in stimulating liver and gallbladder function, increasing the flow of bile and aiding digestion of fats.
 
Rosemary is famous as a rejuvenating tonic and is said to slow the aging process.

Rosemary is a powerful antioxidant, preventing damage by free radicals.

Modern uses: The dried herb is used by infusion - one teaspoonful to a cup of boiling water - as a remedy for headache due to gastric disturbance.

It stimulates bile production by the liver. The oil is anti-flatulent and is taken one or two drops only at a time.

It is tonic to the scalp and is one of the ingredients in Eau-de-Cologne and many over-the-counter shampoos and hair preparations.

For home use the infusion of the dried herb can be used as a hair wash. Internal use is contraindicated in pregnancy.



Friday, September 18, 2009

Chamomile 白花春黄菊


Chamomile  白花春黄菊 Chamaemelum nobile

Chamomile flowers are large, sunflower-like plants that were first discovered in eastern Europe and are now found all over the world. They are especially plentiful in Croatia, Hungary and Serbia. Depending on where you are, you may hear chamomile flowers being called Pin Heads, Manzanilla, Ecthe Kamille, True Chamomile or even their scientific name: Matricaria recutita.


An aromatic perennial herb (Chamaemelum nobile) in the composite family, native to Europe and the Mediterranean region, having feathery foliage and flower heads with white rays and yellow centers.

A similar, related Eurasian annual plant (Matricaria recutita).

The dried flower heads of either one of these plants, used to make an herbal tea and yielding an oil used in commercial flavorings and perfumery.

Chamomile was used by the Romans, Greeks and Egyptians as a popular medicine because of its rich content of essential oils. It is till used widely for all of the following maladies:

•    Minor abrasions;
•    Cuts;
•    Scrapes;
•    Bruises;
•    Burns;
•    Restlessness;
•    Insomnia;

Although chamomile is very nice when used in baths and as a soothing topical cream, it is best used as a tea. It should be brewed to the desired strength only in closed containers, especially at higher altitudes. Besides its ability to relax you, chamomile flower tea also serves to:

•    Induce deep sleeping patterns;
•    Alleviate menstrual cramping;
•    Manage morning sickness;
•    Defeat childhood nightmares;
•    Allow peaceful rest when suffering common colds and/or flu symptoms;
•    Reduce fevers;
•    Alleviate motion sickness and anxiety;
•    Relax the smooth muscle tissues that line the digestive system and stomach;
•    Act as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and antiparasitic agent;

In addition, you can use chamomile flowers to treat eczema, skin irritations, hemorrhoids, sunburn, mastitis and leg ulcerations. Chamomile flowers are members of the ragweed family and as such should be approached with caution by those with allergies to ragweed.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Cymbopogon citratus 香茅草


Lemongrass Cymbopogon citratus   香茅草 xiāng máo căo

Scientifically classified as Cymbopogon citratum, Lemongrass gives off a scent that is both lemony and rosy. It is used in a widespread manner in both Thai and Indonesian cuisine. It grows in the wild in tropical Australia, Indonesia, Indochina and is also cultivated in Sri Lanka and India.

The essential oil constituent of Lemongrass is comprised mainly of citral, but also contains the following:

• Myrcene;
• Nerol;
• Limonene;
• Linalool;
• Beta-caryophyllene;

The lower sections of the stalk are primarily used to brew healthful teas. Lemongrass is rarely seen in encapsulations or extracts.

When used as a medicinal herb, Lemongrass serves several life-enhancing purposes. Here are just some of them:

• Use as a mild-acting diuretic to flush toxins from the body;
• Relieve of menstrual cramps;
• Alleviation of nausea and symptoms associated with morning sickness;
• Use to stimulate perspiration to help lower fevers and cleanse the skin;
• Acts as a powerful repellant to various insects;
• Used in making perfumes and as a bath additive;
• and there's so much more that lemongrass is excellent for as well!

Other spices and foods will pick up the flavor and scent of Lemongrass, so keep it well-sealed and isolated. Before cooking with lemongrass, allow it to soak in warm water for two hours first. This will reduce the potency somewhat and make it so that it doesn't dominate your recipes. Pregnant and lactating women should avoid excessive use of Lemongrass.

For some dried sample in Singapore call 96561688


Saturday, July 18, 2009

Unique Flower Tea Brewer

Unique Flower Tea Brewer


-          Enjoy freshly brewed Flower Tea one cup at a time with the uniquely designed Automated Dispensing feature.
-          Unique valve system can hold or release water freely and freshly brewed Flower Tea will be filtered automatically in seconds.
-          Filter is able to isolate dregs completely for a clean and refreshing cup of Flower Tea.
-          This unique model is practically and elegantly designed with durable material and a clear body which allow you to watch the brewing process.
     
For More Information in Singapore call 96561688