So, let’s talk about what I know about nettle. (It’s not much, but bear with me here.) 1. It’s an herb (shocking, I know) 2. It’s chock full of minerals. 3. It’s great for when you need hydration. Annnnd 4. It’s kinda bitter.
(Quick disclosure: I’m not a doctor. Of herby things or otherwise. Over and out.)
So you’ll imagine my surprise when I brewed up this cup and found it to be… buttery? Smooth, a little sweet. Not bitter in the slightest. Upon some further research, I found that this brew is blended with some peppermint and vanilla, perfectly rounding out any herbal-ness that could have been too… herbally. Dare I even say it tastes a little bit like a treat? Nothing added, and it’s the perfect dessert-y nightcap that’s actually good for you!
This pleasant surprise of a cup is a great way to get more yummy herbal teas in your diet without them being (well, let’s face it)– icky. Nicely done, Republic of Tea!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Herbal
Where to Buy: Republic of Tea
Description
Nettle leaves have been known to support the body in a variety of ways. Studies have shown that it can help reduce joint inflammation and can help support kidney function.* Nettle tea has also been popular as a tonic for centuries to help women through all phases of life, from menstruation, through pregnancy and breastfeeding, to menopause.* A touch of mint and vanilla makes this tea a joy to sip.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
English Rose Herb Tea from The Republic of Tea. . . . .
When I was a young, fancy single lady (okay, fine– I’ve never been fancy), my roomie and I used to love making a big event of bingeing new-to-us tv shows. We’d grab whatever treats looked good at the health food co-op (like the true early-20-somethings we were), and settle in for a long afternoon (usually into the evening) of hour after hour of tv. We’ve done this with countless shows (once, when we started our Game of Thrones binge, we thought our commentary was so hilarious that we even made a twitter account just for our jokes. AH, young adulthood.), but by far, my favorite memory is that of our inaugural-Downton Abbey-watching.
I’ve been given a few of the Republic of Tea’s Downtown Abbey themed teas to review in the past (and been surprisingly delighted by pretty much all of them), but this one may be my favorite, friends. It’s sweet and fresh (kind of what it was like to be a young, single, twentysomething, no?), and would be perfect to sip while you’re bingeing television with your girlfriends. I don’t really pick up on much rose in the blend (and with a name like English Rose, you think it’d be front and center), but there are these sweet raspberry notes tempered by a tiny hint of floral-herbiness in the background that I just can’t get enough of. I get the sense that this would be the perfect tea to brew up for someone who claims they’re not a tea drinker– it’s bright and flavorful, interestingly-flavored, but recognizable enough, and even just a touch sweet (is that you, stevia? Either way, it’s not offensive, so I’ll let it slide).
This one seems like it’d be as comfortable in Lady Edith’s hands in the garden as it would placed lovingly next to a pile of gluten-free egg rolls and organic milk froyo (what can I saw? We liked junk food.) to be consumed at your next girl’s night. Tasty!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Herbal
Where to Buy: Republic of Tea
Description
This vibrant, ruby-red infusion of rose, raspberry and hibiscus has fruity, floral notes and a touch of sweetness. Inspired by traditional British desserts, this caffeine-free, luscious tea is perfect as an afternoon treat. Enjoy hot or cooled over a tall glass of ice.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
The Stuff of Fairy Tales: Organic Nettle Tea from Republic of Tea
Nettle makes me think of ancient forests, fantasy novels, or fairy tales. I imagine a character moving through the woods getting stung by nettle, or collecting herbs like nettle for a tea or potion. The herb’s prickly reputation is featured in folk tales where the hero needs to grasp a bunch of stinging nettles, or make a cloak of nettles to fend of some malicious force or break a spell. (As a side note, apparently there is a world nettle eating championship. Who knew?)
All that magic in mind, how does nettle taste as a tea? The Nettle blend from Republic of Tea tastes slightly green with a strong flavor of creamy vanilla, and just a hint of mint. It’s unclear to me if the creaminess if from the vanilla flavoring or part of the nettle. This brew has a smooth and buttery mouthfeel like certain green teas.
I did a little research and the internet tells me that nettle leaves should taste reminiscent of spinach or cucumber, green and mineral in flavor. I’m not picking up on anything strongly like that in this blend, the vanilla clearly takes over. Maybe I’m in luck, as a spinach tea doesn’t sound all that appetizing.
On its own merits, the Nettle blend from Republic of Tea is a easygoing herbal vanilla brew, with a hint of something green and minty. I’m glad such a prickly herb was transformed into something so soft and comforting.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Herbal
Where to Buy: Republic of Tea
Description:
Nettle leaves have been known to support the body in a variety of ways. Studies have shown that it can help reduce joint inflammation and can help support kidney function.* Nettle tea has also been popular as a tonic for centuries to help women through all phases of life- from menstruation, through pregnancy and breastfeeding, to menopause. A touch of mint and vanilla makes this tea a joy to sip.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Organic Sage Superherb by Republic of Tea. . . .
I steeped this tea five minutes with one tea bag in about one cup of 190 degree water. Although I do normally use loose leaf tea, the convenience of pre-bagged tea is tempting too! Especially when it’s high-quality tea.
After steeping, it’s become a yellowish color and smells a bit pineapple-ish with an undertone of sage. The sage isn’t too overpowering, at least judging by the fragrance.
First sip: Yes, the pineapple may actually be stronger than the sage here. It’s also quite sweet. It has a bit of a stevia flavor, almost. The pineapple flavor blends with the flavor of the sage leaves and, according to the ingredients list, orange leaves as well to create a pleasantly fruity drink. It’s much more palatable than drinking an infusion of straight sage, which is important if you’re going to be drinking this on a regular basis. Yet the woodsy, flowery flavor of the sage does come through as well.
This is listed as an herbal tea for hot flashes, although I wouldn’t know anything about how effective it would be for such a complaint. It’s probably good for colds/sore throats as well; it’s comforting, soothing, and relaxing. Or if you’re looking for a more culinary use it would probably go well with cookies for a snack, although I’m not a tea pairing expert either.
It’s definitely sweet and seems well-balanced in flavor, and whether you end up drinking it on a daily basis or just as an occasional novelty, I hope you’ll be glad you tried it too!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Herbal
Where to Buy: Republic of Tea
Description
As women, we have the power to create and nurture life, all while juggling hormonal changes and external stresses. For centuries, women have relied upon the same powerful herbs found in our organic SuperHerb Teas to keep them balanced, and now they can easily be part of your daily life as well.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Downton Abbey Lady Cora’s Evening Herb Tea from The Republic of Tea. . .
I smell Valerian Root…was the very first thing I thought when opening this single serve tea bag. Isn’t that funny that you can identify one lonely ingredient when it’s mixed in with others? Perhaps it’s because Valerian Root smells like feet – I don’t know! (Insert Sitcom Style Canned Laugh here)
Ingredients for Downton Abbey Lady Cora’s Evening Herb Tea from The Republic of Tea include: Lemon balm, linden flower, orange blossoms, chamomile, lavender flower, skullcap, passion flower and Valerian Root. None of which are on my personal faves list when chatting about or sipping on teas and tisanes but they seemed to work well here.
This caffeine-free blend of chamomile and lemon balm will calm the mind and body. The product description says these relaxing botanicals create a cup of tranquility that helps ease the nerves and is a nice bedtime herbal.
I still have yet to watch this series! I know – I know…what is WRONG with me, eh?
For those of you who don’t already know it’s an award-winning TV series, that has entranced millions of viewers and become a modern media sensation. Every episode is an explosion of drama, relationships and intrigue. Downton Abbey is home to the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants. From the pen of Academy Award® winner Julian Fellowes, Downton Abbey is the most watched drama ever on PBS!
I wonder if this is one of The Republic of Teas’ most sipped on herbals?
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Herbal
Where to Buy: Republic of Tea
Description
This caffeine-free blend of chamomile and lemon balm will calm the mind and body. Relaxing botanicals create a cup of tranquility that helps ease the nerves. Nice before bedtime when a soothing cup is a welcome friend.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
