I am writing this review on the International Tea Day! I have not planned this, but it is great that I get to talk about the impact on the on well-being.
St. John’s Wort is a herb native to Europe, the Americas and Asia. It has yellow flowers and a distinctive smell which is camomile-like but spicier. Its extract is used in a number of medical products as its effectiveness to treat mild to moderate major depression has been investigated a lot through clinical trials. Indeed, St. John’s Wort’s benefit in treating psychiatric conditions may have well been recognized by Paracelsus during the Renaissance who wrote in 1525 about this herb that “Each physician should know that God has placed a great arcanum (secret) in the herb, just for the spirits and mad fantasies that drive people to despair.”
Although, this herb may have side effects and drug interactions. So, it should be taken with care and advice from a medical professional.
This tea does help to maintain a healthy emotional balance. But the brewing/steeping of tea is also thérapeutique in my view. Especially, if it is gongfu style whereby the hot water and liquid passes through different vessels. One may think that perhaps it is not worth preparing a tisane in gongfu and they might be right. But I like slowing down and focusing on the preparation, drinking a small cup each time, rather than drinking from a big mug. It does help me calm down and focus. I do think tea makes me a calmer person.
Thank you tea!
Source: Marilyn Barrett, The Handbook of Clinically Tested Herbal Remedies Volume 1
Tea Profile:
Type: Herbal (non-tea)
Origin: Turkey
Harvest time: 2020
Leave colour: Small yellow flowers
Liquor colour: Light yellow
Tea aroma: Spicy and fruity
Tea taste: Camomile-like floral notes with slight astringency
Steeping/brewing: Infuse about 3 gr of dry leaves in 100°C water for about 3 minutes.
Shelf life: Up to 2 years (the freshest the better)