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!

Stevia Sweet Herb

Stevia Rebaudiana   Sweet Herb   甜 叶 菊

Stevia rebaudiana 甜 叶 菊, 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 兰

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   绞股兰

Roselle (LuoShenHua)   洛神花

Forget Me Not Flower   勿忘我

Jasmine Flower Tea       茉莉花

NotoGinseng Flower      田七花

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     金盞花

Globe Flower Tea             金蓮花

 

  



Southern Ginseng Tea

Southern Ginseng Tea      绞股兰      Gynostemma pentaphyllum

History : Since the 16^th 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.







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.

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.

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.

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.



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.

 

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.

Violet Flower Tea 紫罗兰 Matthiola incana

Matthiola incana  紫罗兰 Common Stock

Matthiola incana aka Common Stock 紫罗兰 (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!