Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, is an herb used in herbal teas that I discovered more recently in my tea drinking experience. The green leaf smells and tastes like a gentler cousin to the Italian basil you use in cooking. Tulsi Pure Leaves blend from Davidson’s Organics uses three kinds of tulsi, Rama, Krishna, and Vana, to make up the single-herb brew.
I am always impressed by how much flavor plain tulsi has in tea form. It tastes green, without being grassy like green teas, and buttery without being too vegetal like white teas. It has the brightness of cooking basil without being too savory or pungent. There is an almost-cinnamon earthiness buried amongst its flavors and a sweet, crispness that reminds me of spearmint. If you want to play up the Italian basil flavors, brew your tea with a slice of lemon and a dash of cracked pepper.
If you like tulsi on your own but want to spice it up a bit, Davidson’s Organics also offer a variety of additional blends using tulsi and other ingredients, like licorice, rooibos, mint, or hibiscus. Don’t wait as long as I did before discovering the goodness of tulsi herbal teas, and start brewing a relaxing, restorative cup from Davidson’s Organics.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Herbal
Where to Buy: Davidson’s Organics
Description:
Davidson’s Pure Leaves blends three adaptogenic varieties of Tulsi (Krishna, Rama and Vana) to create the perfect balance of earthy and minty flavors.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Soothing from Balcony Teas
When you look up herbal tea in the dictionary you should see a picture of Soothing blend from Balcony Tea. It is so herbal and so picturesque. There are yellow orbs of chamomile blossoms, curls of pink rose petals, vibrant red rose hips, and purple lavender.
Brewed, the tea is sweetly fragrant, floral and full of outdoor goodness. The lemony chamomile is the primary flavor, followed by the juicy rose hip. The lavender and rose are still present but more relaxed, which is just the way you want it. Too much rose and a blend becomes like perfume, too much lavender and it reminds you of grandma’s closet. This tea is blended just right, and hits the flowery sweet spot.
This tea is soothing, its scent makes you imagine a garden. The chamomile is relaxing, honey sweet with a hint of lemon. Breathe deep in the soothing flower scent and relax.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Herbal
Where to Buy: Balcony Teas
Description:
Feel transported to a beautiful evening in the Mediterranean. All is calm and you can smell wild flowers. Perfect for a moment to yourself or to wind down after a busy day.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Warming from Balcony Tea. . . .
This herbal blend is a comforting taste of familiarity. The predominant flavor is the lemon verbena with the orange blossom chasing it.
One has to concentration to taste the cinnamon and ginger flavors, although there is a gentle cinnamon aroma to the cup. In fact, the “hint of spice” is hidden well enough that a cup of Warming is better suited for quiet contemplation or a bedtime habit, than an energizing pick me-up.
This would be an excellent tea to have on hand for those days when you aren’t feeling well, emotionally or physically. Not having been in the Mediterranean, I cannot vouch for the claim of a Mediterranean feel, but I can say it would fit in well in a solitary cabin setting! I feel like this would not be the tea I’d reach for to offer a friend in need of comfort, because it is mild enough that it requires your focus to truly appreciate.
I’m going to project here, and say this is an introverted tea, best enjoyed in the quiet aloneness that allows thought and concentrated appreciation.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Herbal
Where to Buy: Balcony Tea
Description
Escape long rainy days on our “Warming Balcony” with sun-kissed citrus flavour and a hint of spice.
Ingredients:
Ginger – Spicy and warming; traditionally used to help circulation and ease stomach issues. Lemon Balm – To help you feel relaxed and refreshed. Lemon Verbena – Bursting with lemon flavour. Cinnamon – Naturally sweet and comforting. Orange peel – Beautifully aromatic with a true Mediterranean feel. Orange blossom – Deliciously fragrant with delicate floral honeyed notes.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Night Time Tea from Harlow Tea Co. . . . Getting Your ZZZ’s in 2017!
What do Red Rooibos, Orange Peel, Lemongrass, Suma Root, Peppermint, Anise, and Hawthorn Berries have in common? They are all IN Night Time Tea from Harlow Tea Co. that’s what!
And before we get to the aroma and flavor of this Rooibos based tisane perhaps you are wondering what Suma Root is? In case you are interested in different roots, herbs, seeds, etc like I am you might be surprised that Suma Root has many things to offer us!
After doing some research I found that the natives of South America would consume Suma Root daily to increase their physical strength, energy, and stamina. Suma Root promotes balance of the hormones and strengthens the adrenal glands and is a powerful immune system booster. Many people use Suma Root today to treat skin problems, diabetes, tumors, and the symptoms of menopause. Of course I have to state that I am not making any claims for this product but I am just telling you I found this information interesting about this powerful root.
Now on to the aroma and flavor of Night Time Tea from Harlow Tea Co. It is certainly minty-fresh which I LOVE and ADORE but it also has a subtle spice that I am chalking up to the Anise Seed. The sweetness comes from the Red Rooibos and the Lemongrass is always a nice touch. The Hawthorn Berries don’t overly contribute to the overall flavor of this Night Time Tea from Harlow Tea Co much but the ingredient still makes sense and follows suit to the detoxifying theme this herbal seems to stand for. The orange peel is identifiable upfront but mellows out quickly because of the lingering mint and I’m ok with that.
It’s rare if I choose an herbal tisane to be my favorite from a tea company that also sells straight-up teas but I have to say this is among my favorites that I have tried from Harlow Tea Co. so far. Night Time Tea from Harlow Tea Co. might just become a staple in my unwinding process.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Herbal
Where to Buy: Harlow Tea Co.
Description
Red rooibos tea, anise seed, peppermint leaf, orange peel, suma root, lemongrass, and hawthorn berries.
Does not contain caffeine. This night time tea is amazing to relax with, and while doing so allowing your body to recover.
Suma root has been used for centuries for its heath benefits, most notably being its effects on boosting the immune system. Suma root is similar in properties to ginseng. Roughly 14 servings per 1 ounce package. This tea is an amazing “detox” tea. Combine this tea in the p.m. with “The Cleanse” in the a.m. for a complete “detox”.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
