Holy basil one of India’s most sacred herbs and recognized as the “elixir of life”, is also referred to as Tulsi (which means “incomparable”). This special brew is impressive in its capacity to assist the body’s natural process of healing and maintaining health. Originating in the tropical parts of Asia, its fragrance and delicacy stem from long purple flowers and smooth green foliage.
Our Tulsi basil is an organic herbal botanical known for its unique  and complimentary traditional health benefits. The exquisite blend is comprised of the Tulsi (Indian basil) leaves and blossoms, grown in remote locations in rich organic soil, as to promote the healthiest plants possible. Our lovely Tulsi is cultivated from seedlings and harvested at optimal time, right after first flowering, thus producing a tisane whose flowers aromatic and beneficial oils are at peak. We also add this wonderful botanical other tea blends such as Fluer de Vie.

Traditionally taken due to its rich antioxidant and adaptogen qualities, research shows that holy basil is known to create strong antibacterial, antiviral and immune enhancing properties. This all becomes possible due to hundreds of compounds of phyto-chemicals, that work together to support the body’s natural defense against stress and germs.   Highly regarded in the Ayurvedic system of medicine, this caffeine free, very tasty and beneficial brew is traditionally used within Ayurveda to promote wellness, longevity, and mental clarity by balancing metabolism.
Infuse two to five minutes, much the same way as one would make green, white or black tea.
Alonger steeping time, such as five minutes yields a stronger tea with more beneficial properties.

I hope I don’t offend anyone here with this post. According to my resources deep in the Wuyi Mountains there are plenty of wild tea trees but  no Monkeys that pick tea or for that matter have ever picked tea here.

Oddly enough however there appear to be several species of non human primates in this region which are known to open/pop the top off a bottle of beer. Granted there are pictures and old paintings of the tea partnership between Monks and Monkeys trading food for wild tea leaves that could not be reached by humans, however these primates have no interest in the leaf. They prefer another brew.

So why have the name  Monkey in a tea such as our white monkey picked or golden monkey? Monkey Picked Tea refers to a top tier tea. Typically wild thicker leaves are used for this or rarer more precious leaves and buds.

I have been on an whirlwind trip to various parts in Southern China visiting farms and sampling many teas,  I must report a remarkable new tea find. After sampling this one tea which quickly grabbed my attention I asked the farmer the name and he quickly responded that this is a new tea to market with no name. I asked if I could name it. He smiled and offered the opportunity of a lifetime…

Wild Honey Sprout

Here is how I would describe it:

These white tea buds are hand harvested deep in the forest of Fujian Mountains. The process begins with nature first blanketing  these rare and unique buds in morning dew before they are carefully hand picked and then hot air dried.  These wild tea buds are thick and slightly spiraled in a longitudinal direction with an uninhibited white and golden down surface.

The steeped infusion reveals a light caramel color with flavor notes of acorn squash, banana bread and honeydew melon. This tea can be steeped multiple times and is a must for the most seasoned tea aficionado.

Steeped

This tea is now available on our site and is available by clicking here.

Please share your comments and feedback on this new find.

In 2008 Professor Lizette Joubert of the Agricultural Research Council and Professor Wentzel Gelderblom of the Medical Research Council, along with two more collaborators published an overview of existing knowledge about the history, cultivation, traditional uses, composition and biological activity of Rooibos and other South African herbal teas.

Here, in a nutshell are the top 10 reasons to enjoy a cup of Organic Fair Trade Rooibos, sans scientific jargon (well, maybe just a little jargon, it helps us sound credible):

1. Rooibos (or Aspalathus linearis) contains a complex mix of many flavonoids, which, contrary to the sound of their name, are not an intergalactic race of alien beings from Star Trek episode 39. These compounds widely found in plants are known to have anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and antiallergenic effects.

2. Aspalathin, one of the major flavonoids, is often the most active antioxidant in Rooibos, helping scavenge free radicals and protect cells and lipids (fats) against oxidative damage. Of course you could always read a Weight Loss and Happiness Book.

3. Rooibos also contains the rare flavonoid glucoside nothofagin. 10 points and a digital gold star to the one who can research the amazing health properties behind that one.

4. Rooibos does not contain caffeine, which means you get to enjoy your cup of anti-bacterial/viral/tumor/inflammatory/allergy tea without getting the jitters.

5. The major flavonoids in Rooibos demonstrate anti-mutagenic properties that help prevent or slow down cancer. In some studies green (unfermented) Rooibos is a more potent antimutagenic agent, while other studies found that fermented Rooibos has a higher antimutagenic effect.

6. The antioxidants in Rooibos protect the liver against oxidative stress and could have value for liver patients.

7. Studies on Japanese quails have shown that Rooibos protects blood cells and exhibits anti-ageing properties that slow down brain degeneration and prolong fertility – if it works for quails….

8. The bronchodilatory, antispasmodic, and blood pressure lowering effects of Rooibos, and its potential to stimulate the immune system, has been shown in some studies, but needs to be further explored – we’ll do our best to keep you updated on that one.

9. Put your tube of Goldbond on the back burner and brew a cup of Rooibos instead – human studies have shown that taking Rooibos is an effective way to treat several skin conditions. It decreased the incidence of herpes simplex within a few days, helped for itching associated with dermatitis, and reduced skin inflammation and sun sensitivity.

10. Honestly, it’s just fun to say.