Making Afternoon Tea Something Special
Michael Austin

Making Afternoon Tea Something Special

/in / / Michael Austin

Spring is the time of year where thoughts turn to life’s simple pleasures. One of those simple yet elegant pleasures is the tradition of taking tea. Afternoon tea is a wonderful way to relax during the day and catch up with family and friends. It doesn’t matter if it’s high tea or something a little more intimate, here are some things that can make your tea time extra special.

Traditional Tea Time

Since the 18th Century, tea time has been a tradition in England; one that has spread to every part of the British Empire and beyond. Tea time in England is served between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. and provides an appreciated break from the day and is a welcome repast before traditional dinner at 8 p.m.

What You Will Need

Even if you weren’t fortunate enough to inherit your grandmother’s antique silver tray, any large tray will do. Cover this with a light linen cloth or paper doily to line the inside.

  • A china or earthenware teapot is perfect for holding hot water straight from the kettle.
  • Add a milk jug or pitcher
  • A sugar bowl
  • Cups and saucers – mugs will do in a pinch
  • A tea strainer
  • A small dish of lemon wedges (for those who prefer a bit of citrus in their tea)
  • Loose leaf or bagged tea

Traditional Sweet Scones

Making Afternoon Tea Something SpecialWhen you think of a classic tea, you might picture the iconic tea and scones combination. You can purchase them at your local bakery, but there is something satisfying about making your own to serve. Scones are fairly easy and fuss-free so you can make them yourself without much trouble. Remember, scones are best served on the day that they’re made.

You will need the following ingredients:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 Tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
8 Tablespoons cold unsalted butter
¼ cup granulated pure cane sugar
2/3 cup milk

Preheat your oven to 425 °F (220 Celsius). Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the 8 tablespoons of cold butter with a pastry cutter or mix with your fingers until the consistency is fine and crumbly.

Add sugar to the mixture and recombine. Add milk and blend with a wooden spoon. Lightly flour a cutting board or pastry stone and knead into a ball. Roll the ball out with a rolling pin or press down with your hands until the dough is flat and about 1 ½ inches thick.

You may cut these into wedges, use a pastry cutter, or shape them into 2 -3 inch balls and place on a well-greased baking sheet or one lined with non-stick parchment paper.

Bake on the top shelf of the oven for 8- 10 minutes or until they are well-risen and the tops are golden brown.

Although hot scones are delicious, you will want to leave them on a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Serve your scones with butter, Devonshire clotted cream, and fruit preserves on the side.

Cucumber Sandwiches

Making Afternoon Tea Something Special - Cucumber SandwichesCucumber sandwiches are best started the day before your tea. Cucumbers have a high water content so slice them and lay them out on a baking sheet lined and covered with paper towels the night before. Place them in the refrigerator so that they don’t wilt. This will make them the perfect consistency for your tea party.

What would cucumber sandwiches be without the perfect dill spread? This recipe is also best assembled the night before and taken out about 30 minutes before you are ready to assemble your sandwiches.

You will need:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup chopped fresh dill
2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon peel for zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
A pinch of black pepper

Assemble your cucumber sandwiches on high-quality sandwich bread. Cut into finger-sized rectangles, or use cookie cutters to shape them to fit the theme of your party.

Open-Faced Salmon Tea Sandwiches

8 ounces smoked, thinly sliced salmon
4 slices or approximately ½ loaf Pumpernickel bread
5 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ teaspoon horseradish
1 teaspoon lemon zest
A pinch of black pepper

Keep the salmon refrigerated until you are ready to assemble the sandwiches. Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature. In a bowl combine the cream cheese, horseradish, lemon zest, and pepper until smooth.

(Note: If you happen to have any remaining cream cheese and dill mixture leftover from the cucumber sandwiches, you may decide to substitute this mixture instead.

On a work surface, lay out the slices of bread and spread approximately 2 tablespoons of spread to cover the bread. Top each piece with smoked salmon. Using a round biscuit or cookie cutter, cut out 3-4 finger sandwiches from each slice. Add a dollop of the cream cheese mixture to each of the small finger sandwiches and garnish with watercress, cilantro, and a pinch of fresh, roughly chopped dill or chives.

Now all that’s left is to arrange the setting before your guests arrive. Cover the table with a cloth and arrange your tea trays, plates, or even tea tier to display scones, cakes, and assorted finger foods for the occasion. If you don’t have a tea tier; don’t sweat it! Just use separate plates to serve an assortment of sandwiches, scones, pastries, cakes, cookies, or even dunking biscuits for your guests. Remember to put out the milk and sugar beforehand. Make sure the milk is cold but not so cold it cools the tea too quickly. You can spruce up your table by adding a centerpiece of fresh cut flowers; gather them from your own garden on the morning of your tea party, or pop to the market to pick out a bouquet.

There are endless possibilities for making afternoon tea time something special for your family and close friends. The key is to relax, share good conversation, and simply enjoy the day. But if you want your tea time to be extra-special, pair your afternoon tea session with some Sir Jason Winters tea. Tea parties aren’t just for standard teas!

Resources:

“Afternoon Tea” by Holly Sinclair, 2012, Web Holidays, Inc. Web.
“Tea at Downton Abbey” by Elizabeth Fellow, 2014, Create Space Publishing, Seattle, WA.
“Afternoon Tea and Cakes: Enjoy an Afternoon of Luxury at Home” by Linda Gray, 2017, Healthy Living Books

Making the Transition from Coffee to Tea
Michael Austin

Making the Transition from Coffee to Tea

/in / / Michael Austin

Here at Sir Jason Winters International, we are more than a little passionate about tea. Many people enjoy a cup of Joe first thing in the morning and have come to depend on it to give them the quick start needed for each day. Recent studies have shown that coffee has some similar health benefits to those derived from drinking tea, like the ability to reduce the risk of diabetes and promote weight loss.

However, there are even more benefits with drinking tea that coffee just can’t compete with. While coffee can be prepared a couple of different ways, there are even more varieties and blends to be discovered through drinking tea! You may even notice some additional benefits:

  • Staying awake longer – The levels of caffeine present in tea are slightly lower than that in coffee. Though this might not seem ideal at first, the caffeine in tea actually lasts longer in the body, allowing you to stay awake for extended periods of time without that jittery feeling.
  • Tea can improve your smile – It is well known that coffee can leave teeth stained over time. Instead, try drinking green tea as it can strengthen your teeth without the stain.
  • Tea has many health benefits including lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels and even promoting weight loss.
  • Tea has anti-aging properties. You will get a better night’s sleep and will likely see your skin start to become clearer. This is because tea contains antioxidants in the form of polyphenols that fight off free radicals in the body. These free radicals cause damage to the cells in your body and can age you. Many scientific studies have shown that regular consumption of green tea discourages the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine which is important for memory function and to stave off symptoms accompanying Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Tea preparation takes less time. You don’t need an automatic drip coffee maker, a pod machine or anything else to prepare tea. All you need are tea leaves and some hot water, giving you that extra time to relax.

Climate Change and Coffee

In 2017, the National Geographic Society reported that coffee is extremely vulnerable to climate change. There are some countries dependent on the continued stability of the coffee market for their survival while other countries have recovered their losses by branching out with different crops. Climate scientists have found that many tropical regions where coffee is traditionally grown like Africa or Central and South America are now suffering from severe stresses that are directly attributed to climate change. Deforestation, disease, pests, and rising global temperatures are affecting how 70 out of the 124 wild coffee species may actually be facing extinction around the world. These wild species make up 60% of the coffee that is consumed today.

 

If you have ever thought about making the switch from coffee to tea, here is some advice to help you make the change.

  1. Start off slowly – When transitioning, don’t do it all at once. Start slowly by incrementally lowering the amount of coffee you drink each day. Many people who give up coffee cold turkey can experience headaches due to the lack of caffeine levels their body has grown accustomed to.
  2. Coffee and Tea are Different – Understand that the amount of caffeine received from a cup of coffee and a cup of tea is different. Brewed coffee can contain almost twice as much caffeine than tea. If it’s the taste you can’t get over, be aware that there aren’t many teas that match the taste of your usual cup of java. There are some considered “coffee flavored”, but those don’t always measure up.One trick to keep in mind if you prefer drinking your coffee black is starting off with a black tea like Earl Grey. This black, full-bodied tea is often blended and cured with bergamot that showcases a wonderfully fresh taste and aroma. Other tasty black teas include Oolong, Kamba, Assam, and the English and Irish breakfast teas.Those of you who like to add milk, cream or sweeteners to their coffee might consider brewing a cup of masala chai, a delicious alternative. There are also teas that have added ingredients like vanilla and other spices that ensure you’ll never look back.
  3. Gradually increase the amount of tea you drink – As you are decreasing the amount of coffee you drink each day, replace it with tea instead. After drinking coffee for several years or your whole adult life, this might take a little longer than expected. Sticking with black teas or spiced teas over a longer stretch of time can get you used to the difference in flavor instead of jumping straight into green, white or other lighter teas that have softer flavors and might leave you feeling unsatisfied. Japanese Matcha tea has both the amplified health benefits of green tea and a taste that many have come to love better than coffee.
  4. Try a variety of different teas – A great way to experience the joys and variety of tea is by visiting a tea shop. A tea shop will let you check out the various blends of tea before they are brewed as well as smell, and even taste test them. Some natural food stores and cooperatives also carry varieties of teas in bulk which can help your exploration into these new exotic flavors. 

If you don’t want to commit to a big bulk order right away, consider purchasing a tea sampler; this can save you money and broaden your horizons without multiple trips to the store. Sir Jason Winters carries its own tea samplers in the form of our Four Tea Variety Packs and our Special Edition Tea Chest.

Making the switch from coffee to tea may seem daunting at first. Once you have succeeded in making the switch, you may find that your palate is more sophisticated and can pick up tastes and aromas that you never noticed before. Being able to discern the various types of teas, as well as the herbs and spices within the almost endless variety of possible blends will only add to the enjoyment.

Resources:

“The Tea Box” by Giles Brochard, 2001, Barron’s Educational Series, Happauge, NY
“The Everything Healthy Tea Book” by Babette Donaldson, 2014, Everything Publishing, Avon, MA.
“Love Coffee? It’s Another Reason to Care About Climate Change” by Nicholas Kusnetz, Inside Climate News, January 2019. web.
“A Drying Climate Threatens Africa’s Coffee, But Hope Remains” by Tim McDonnell, National Geographic Magazine, August 2017, web.

Michael Austin

The Cost of Coffee vs. Tea

/in / / Michael Austin

We recently wrote about how to make the switch from coffee to tea for a host of reasons.  In terms of health, while coffee does offer some health benefits, tea seems to win the battle for healthy bodies and minds. Consuming tea regularly can help

  • Promote weight loss
  • Boost your immune system
  • Reduce blood pressure and promote heart health
  • Strengthen bones and teeth, reducing plaque and dental caries
  • Provide antioxidants which can inhibit free radicals on the body
  • Promote overall good health

For thousands of years and around the world, tea has been touted as an excellent way to relax, as well as promoting good health.

Recent reports have indicated that coffee can provide some of the same health benefits as tea in terms of feelings of alertness and helping the body fend off some forms of diabetes, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Both tea and coffee have caffeine. Caffeine is a naturally occurring phytochemical that can help those who drink it feel more alert, increase concentration, and keep them awake.

The flip side of getting a higher boost of caffeine is that it can make a person feel jittery or can make it difficult to sleep when they are ready to go to bed. Not only does coffee have more caffeine, but it also contains more acidity which can hurt the stomach lining and overall digestive function, thus causing discomfort.

Conversely, the levels of acidity found within a cup of tea are about the same as that found in other foods in the diet.  This makes tea far less likely to cause similar digestive issues.

Price Comparisons

When figuring out the cost of either the coffee or tea you drink, there are several factors to keep in mind.  Whether you prefer just plain whole bean coffee that you grind yourself, or gourmet and specialty roasts, or when you drink bagged tea from the grocery store or purchase your teas at a specialty tea shop, the price ranges can vary greatly.

At the outset, it can look as if your initial investment in a pound of coffee is going to be less expensive than a pound of tea. A pound of coffee can range between $10 – $20 per pound, depending on the quality of the beans and how they are roasted. One pound of coffee beans can yield between 45 – 50 cups of coffee, depending on how strong you like your coffee.

If for example, you purchase a pound of coffee that costs an average of $20 and it requires a half an ounce of ground coffee, your cup of coffee will cost on average 63 cents per cup. No matter how high the quality of coffee beans used or how they are roasted, most often, they can only be brewed one time.

Calculating the cost of your cup of tea

Now, let’s take a look at the price of Sir Jason Winters tea. Our Sir Jason Winters Original Blend is $24.95 for 5 ounces of tea, or $15.95 for our 4 ounce tea. Each cup of tea will only require 2 teaspoons of tea leaves for our 5 oz tea, and just 1/2 teaspoon for the 4 oz blend.
You get at least 70 servings with our 5 oz teas. Therefore, less than 36 cents per cup!

Since the price of a can of Sir Jason Winters Pre-brewed Tea is $15.95 for a convenient 4 oz. can. With this blend, it cost less than under 17 cents per cup!

As you can see, it’s much less expensive to drink Sir Jason Winters teas than going to Starbucks or even brewing your coffee at home.

Economic and Environmental Costs

Once you have looked at how economical drinking tea can be, you may want to sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and think about the long-term costs to our planet.

It’s no secret that our world is facing the challenge of climate change. For scientists and economists around the world, these changes have taken their toll on coffee crops around the world. Because of the instability of the climate, this has made it difficult for coffee plants to grow and to become strong enough to produce coffee beans for roasting so that today, a majority (60 percent) of the world’s wild coffee species is now facing potential extinction.  Long droughts, rising sea levels, unpredictable weather patterns, increases in diseases and insect pests have done significant damage to the world’s coffee crops in recent years.

Tea for the Long Term

Coffee and tea plants (Camelia Sinensis) take a minimum of three years for the plant to become fully mature. Unlike coffee, which can only produce coffee beans once per season, once a tea plant reaches maturity, its leaves can be harvested every 6 – 14 days. This allows tea plants to produce more product to be dried, cured and taken to market. Some tea plants have been known to produce leaves for as long as 25 -100 years. Just imagine how much tea has been harvested from those plants during that period!

Today’s tea producers have also been made keenly aware of the challenges of climate change. Many growers have spent the last several years taking steps to mitigate the effects as much as possible by forming collectives to ensure the survival of tea. Some tea plantations in China and India, for example, have found it helpful to shift their growing seasons, move plants to higher, cooler elevations, and to be careful to cover the soil with mulch to keep the ground moist and protect the plants from drought.

While no one can honestly know how much our climate will change or how soon, at Sir Jason Winters International, we are committed to offering high quality, healthy teas that are sustainably and ethically sourced. We will continue to search out the best teas from around the world and bring them to you at an excellent price so you can enjoy your cup of tea well into the future.

Resources:

 “The Everything Healthy Tea Book” by Babette Donaldson, 2014, Everything Publishing, Avon, MA.

“How Climate Might Affect Tea” by Anna Nowogrodski, Nature, February 6, 2019. Web.

“Love Coffee? It’s Another Reason to Care About Climate Change” by Nicholas Kusnetz, Inside Climate News, January 2019. Web.

“A Drying Climate Threatens Africa’s Coffee, But Hope Remains” by Tim McDonnell, National Geographic Magazine, August 2017, web.

 

 

Oolong Tea
Michael Austin

The Traditional Goodness of Oolong Tea

/in / / Michael Austin

Oolong is one of the most beloved teas in the world. Here at Sir Jason Winters, we have several tea blends which include the goodness of oolong tea.

So what’s so special about this particular tea?

Oolong is semi-fermented. Its blue-green leaves can have a reddish edge on the leaves, and it has a wonderful and unique aroma. It is an actual tea like green or black tea and comes from the tea plant known as Camellia sinensis. More than 1200 years ago during the Tang Dynasty, Chinese Tea Master, Lu Yu, described oolong tea as having twisted leaves that were “curly like mist climbing a ravine.”  The name of this tea means “black dragon” dates back to the great Dynasties of China. Legend has it that it has the tendency to take the positions of dragons within the teapot when it is brewed.

Most oolong tea that is available on the market comes mainly from Mainland China and Taiwan and makes up just 2% of the tea that is consumed around the world every year. In the mountains where it is grown, the leaves undergo a slight fermentation so that it ends up somewhere between green tea and black tea in flavor.

If you have tried our original Sir Jason Winters tea flavors, then you have already enjoyed one form of oolong tea. Oolong is the type of tea we use in the blends along with the other components like red clover, chaparral, sage, and our special ingredient Herbalene. If you haven’t been able to place the tea flavor in our blends, you might want to give some plain oolong a try and see if that’s the flavor you’ve been missing.

The Taste of Oolong Tea

The variation of the oolong tea plant, the region where the tea is grown, and the method of processing the tea can all have an effect on both its flavor and aroma. Some oolong tea varieties are described as being creamy and smooth, while others are honey sweet or fruity and still others are full-bodied and have a flavor similar to roasted coffee.  The processing and region can also have an effect on the amount of caffeine found within the oolong.

The leaves of high-quality oolong tea are able to be steeped several times and according to some traditional sources and not losing any of its pleasant scent or taste.

The Many Potential Health Benefits of Oolong Tea

As we have often mentioned here on our blog, for thousands of years, drinking green and herbal teas have shown many related possible health benefits. Like green tea, oolong has also been shown to possibly:

  • Promote weight loss and reduce obesity
  • Lower incidences of heart disease
  • Increase concentration and cognition
  • Reduce or potentially prevent diabetes
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Reduces eczema
  • Reduces stress
  • Reduces cholesterol
  • Reduce pain
  • Reduces chronic fatigue
  • Helps prevent bone loss and support healthy bones and teeth
  • Has been shown to reduce incidences of both pancreatic and ovarian cancer

Much of this is because oolong tea is high in antioxidants like bioflavonoids.  Add to this quercetin, which is an antioxidant that plays an essential role in fighting the damage done by free radicals within the body. Quercetin has also shown anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-microbial, properties and is anti-allergenic.

Oolong Tea and Breast Cancer

Over the years there has been an extensive study into the health benefits of both green and black teas. In January, major health news was released from Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri regarding Oolong Tea and its potential for affecting breast health.

The team of researchers made up of collaborating scientists from China and the U.S. and led by Dr. Chunfa Huang, Ph.D., found that those who consumed oolong tea and Oolong tea extracts regularly reduced incidences of breast cancer and other types of tumors. Further, the research showed in tests conducted in China, the United States, and Singapore that it demonstrated definite inhibitive effects of tea catechins and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on breast cancer.

The oolong tea was reported to have damaged the DNA to all six lines of breast cancer when treated with oolong tea extract while normal cells within the body showed no damage. There was little to no recorded damage to any of the lines of cancer cells from either black or dark teas.

The research team also examined data from 2014 from the Chinese and Fujian province cancer registries. What they found was that both breast cancer deaths and the incidence of new cases of breast cancer were 25% lower in those who consumed more significant amounts of oolong. Additionally, the rate of breast cancer within those who drank more oolong tea was found to be 50-68% lower than the national average of reported breast cancer cases.

Promising Possibilities

While this latest news from Saint Louis University shows great promise, even Dr. Huang insists that more research is needed. “The lower incidence and mortality in regions with higher oolong tea consumption indicate that oolong has great potential for its anti-cancer properties.”

Adding Oolong Tea to Your Day

As you can see, there are potential health benefits to drinking oolong tea. This excellent, ancient tea variety is delicious on its own with no sweetener, or you can add stevia or raw honey to taste.  You can enjoy a hot cup of oolong tea any time of day to warm you up or cool down in the summertime with a refreshing glass of iced oolong tea. If you love the spicy taste of chai, use oolong tea in place of black or green tea for a flavor that is both exotic and loaded with health benefits.

And as we mentioned, you can enjoy the flavor of oolong tea by drinking any of our original Sir Jason Winters blends.

Resources

“The Way of Tea” by Master Lam Kam Chuyen, Lam Kai Sin and Lam Tin Yu, 2002, Barron’s Educational Series, NY

Bebermeyer, Carrie. “Can Drinking Oolong Tea Help Prevent Breast Cancer?” Saint Louis University: SLU. N.p., 17 Jan. 2019. Web. 26 Feb. 2019.


“Oolong Tea Extracts Help Combat Breast Cancer.” N.p., 29 Jan. 2019. Web.

Chalmers Health Reporter For Mailonline, Vanessa. “Oolong Tea Extract May Fight Breast Cancer as Scientists Claim It Has ‘great Potential.’” Daily Mail Online.

Xiang, Li-Ping, Ao Wang, Jian-Hui Ye, and Et. Al. “Suppressive Effects of Tea Catechins on Breast Cancer..” Docksci.com. DOCKSCI.COM, 28 July 2016. Web. Feb. 2019.

Michael Austin

Stevia: Nature’s Own Low-Calorie Sweetener

/in / / Michael Austin

Looking at the products that are available here at Sir Jason Winters International, you may have noticed that we offer many of our tea blends with added stevia.  If you don’t know what stevia is or why we add it, we’d like to introduce you to this naturally sweet herb.

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana, Bertoni) is a plant that is native to regions of North and South America, including Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. It has been used to sweeten tea and make beverages in the 16th Century.  Currently, there are over 15 different species of stevia that can be found within the Americas.

This bushy plant that grows in warm, tropical climates can be up to 400 times sweeter than cane sugar.  But you don’t have to travel to the tropics to get it. Stevia has spread as a cultivar to gardens all over North America, Canada, Asia, and throughout the world.

While not officially a sweetener in the eyes of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, stevia is an herb that is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). Because of this designation by the FDA, it can be used as a food supplement or additive. The use of stevia has been steadily increasing over the last few decades.

One of the best things about stevia is that it 100% natural, so there is absolutely nothing artificial about it like sucralose or aspartame. And because we feature many of our Sir Jason Winters herbal tea blends with added stevia, there’s no need to add either sugar or honey! The stevia in our tea blends gives them all of the sweetness you want but with no added calories. That means you can enjoy a cup of sweet tea and never have to feel guilty!

Of course, you may always choose to add a bit of raw honey or pure cane sugar to your tea to make it sweeter if you wish, though this will add extra calories to your drink.

What Is It That Makes Stevia So Sweet?

The sweet-tasting components or compounds contained within stevia are called steviol glycosides. These compounds are found in the leaves of the stevia plant. Depending upon the species of stevia, there are a number of steviol glycosides found in the plant which include:

  • Stevioside
  • Rebaudiosides A, C, D, E, and F
  • Steviolbioside
  • Dulcoside A

Stevioside and Rebaudioside A (Reb A) make up the highest concentration of these. After the plant blooms, the leaves of the stevia plant are harvested and dried. The stevia leaves can be used in this form, powdered or go on through an extraction process to become a liquid concentrate. This is what is most often found in stores. The final product can be found in both powdered and liquid form.

Stevia vs. Other Sweeteners

Many people have discovered that because stevia is considered a nonnutritive sweetener – meaning that it doesn’t leave any extra calories – that it is much better for you than sugar or other types of sweeteners.

If you have a bit of a sweet tooth or prefer the tea that you drink to be sweet but are also watching your weight, stevia can be a great help. Most other low calorie, sweeteners like aspartame, saccharin, xylitol, or sucralose have been created as sugar replacements, and almost all of these are produced in a laboratory.

Some of these same sugar substitutes have also shown potential side effects like memory loss, seizures, and depression, and health concerns in humans who consume them over long periods.  There have been additional concerns raised by scientific researchers that these same artificial sweeteners can potentially increase the risk of certain types of cancers including leukemia, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Stevia, when used as recommended, displays none of these types of side effects. In fact, some studies have shown stevia may contain additional health benefits. In a recent study conducted in 2010, stevia significantly reduced insulin and glucose levels in participants and yet still left them feeling satisfied.  Researchers agree that while the results are not conclusive and more studies are needed, stevia may help in weight loss. The lack of an insulin response also means that it may help diabetics control their blood sugars.

In an additional study conducted in a laboratory setting in 2017, researchers found that the steviol glycoside contained within the stevia plant, stevioside, could kill up to 71% of breast cancer cells (MCF-s) in vitro after a short term treatment of just 72 hours. (Gupta et al.).

Other benefits include:

  • For sweet treats, because of its super-sweetness, you need far less stevia than you would sugar or other sweeteners.
  • Stevia contains a number of anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Can naturally strengthen the body’s immune system.
  • For some people with diabetes, stevia may be able to assist in keeping blood glucose at healthy levels.
  • Stevia has antioxidant properties that can reduce the effects of free radicals within the body and protect healthy cells from damage.
  • Studies have shown that stevia may contain properties which can lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels while boosting HDL or “good” cholesterol levels.
  • Lowering of blood pressure.

As you can see, stevia contains many health benefits.  As with any herb, if you are pregnant, have heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes, it is best to discuss with your doctor or other healthcare professional before using stevia.

If you like your tea sweet but want to make your tea breaks healthy, then go for our stevia-sweetened varieties. You’ll satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping your weight down and your blood sugars low. If you want to add stevia yourself, you can find it in most major grocery stores in the sugar aisle. Be careful when you use it. You’ll need far less than you think and you could easily oversweeten your tea. Try adding a drop of concentrate at a time, stirring each time, to find the number of drops you need to reach the sweetness you want in your drink.

Resources

“Stevia, Nature’s Zero-Calorie Sustainable Sweetener” by Ashwell, Margaret Ashwell OBE, Ph.D.  Docksci.com. Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc, 2015. Web.

“Anticancer Potential of Steviol in MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cells.” by Gupta, E., S. Kaushik, S. Purwar, R. Sharma, A K Balapure, and S. Sundaram. Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2017. Web. Feb. 2019. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28839355>

“The New Age Herbalist: How to Use Herbs for Healing, Nutrition, Body Care, and Relaxation” by Richard Mabey, 19888 Gaia Books, Ltd. London

“Planetary Herbology “by Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., 1988, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, WI

“Stevia: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warnings.” WebMD. WebMD, 08 Aug. 2014. Web. Feb. 2019.

 

Michael Austin

Make Tea Your Daily Habit in 2019

/in / / Michael Austin

“When I drink tea
I am conscious of peace
The cool breath of Heaven
Rises in my sleeves, and
Blows my cares away.” – Lo Tung, Chinese Poet

One of the most common things to do at the beginning of a new calendar year is to make resolutions. This year, why not resolve to make tea a part of your daily routine? Taking time out for tea will help you relax and will reward you with additional benefits that tea provides.  Tea is so wonderfully good for you; there are just no downsides to establishing the tea habit in the New Year!

The Tea Time Tradition

Other than water, tea is the most consumed beverage on earth. Cultures around the world focus on the beauty and meditative qualities of the preparation and consumption of tea. In countries like China, Japan, Korea, and throughout Asia and the Middle East, tea became even more culturally significant as it was incorporated into both religious and personal rituals.

Dutch and Portuguese traders brought tea to Europe and England in the early 17th Century. In England, it was the wife of King Charles II, Queen Catherine of Braganza who introduced the tradition of taking tea to the royal court.

The tradition of afternoon tea started about 100 years later. In those days dinner was traditionally served around 8:00 p.m. In the 1840’s it was Queen Victoria’s friend, Anna, the Seventh Duchess of Bedford, who began the tradition of afternoon tea because she got hungry before dinner. This is how the tradition of High Tea began and everything in England will slow down to a stop between 4 and 5 pm each day.

Taking Time for Tea

Whether you want to introduce the tradition of afternoon tea or want to opt for something a little less elaborate, You can make your tea time as simple or as elaborate as you wish. It’s an excellent way to give yourself the gift of a timeout. Enjoying a cup of tea has become synonymous with the release of everyday stresses or even sharing quiet moments with a friend. Drinking tea any time of day gives us the necessary space to relax and take time to contemplate. Make tea a daily habit, and in no time you’ll know how to brew the perfect cup of tea.

Here are some things that you can try to give yourself the nurturing habit of tea this year.

  • Rather than going for that morning cup of coffee, make yourself a bit of tea in the morning instead. It usually takes less time to make, and it can go with you just as easily as your daily cup of Joe.
  • During your workday, take a few minutes to drink some tea. Two to three hours after lunch and a couple of hours before heading home for the day is a perfect time to have a bit of tea. Even if you are at home, tea can be just the thing to turn the mid to late afternoon into a nurturing personal ritual. You can choose to brew a pot or dunk your tea bag in a cup of hot water.
  • Studies have shown that drinking tea, even before bedtime can improve sleep so that when you wake up, you are more alert and able to face the day.
  • If you are planning a get-together or important event with family and friends, giving someone a written or even impromptu invitation to tea becomes something truly special. According to Greg Mortensen, co-author of the book, Three Cups of Tea, “in Pakistan with the first cup of tea, one is considered a stranger. Sharing a second cup makes you a friend. With a third cup, you are family.” Tea ceremonies have become both a way of interacting socially with others and a daily personal ritual.

It’s All About Taste

Whatever your taste preferences are, there are lots of different varieties and blends of tea. You may find that you absolutely love the tradition of ceremony and the ambrosial taste of green tea, or you may simply relish the strong, almost smoky taste with a hint of Bergamot that is present in some black tea blends.

Herbal teas offer an even wider variety of tastes with the added health benefits that your body needs to relax, recover, or enjoy. Tea time can be an excellent way to explore the many different types of tea tastes to see which one suits you best.

Resources

“The Way of Tea” by Master Lam Kam Chuyen, Lam Kai Sin and Lam Tin Yu, 2002, Barron’s Educational Series, NY
“The Everything Healthy Tea Book: Discover the Healthy Benefits of Tea” by Babette Donaldson, 2014, Adams Media, Avon, MA
“Tea at Downton: Afternoon Tea Recipes From the Unofficial Guide to Downton Abbey” by Elizabeth Fellow, 2014, Amazon, Create Space Publishing, Seattle, WA
“Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace – One School at a Time” by Greg Mortensen and David Oliver Relin, 2007, Penguin Books, New York
“The Ancient Art of Tea: Wisdom from the Old Chinese Tea Masters” by Warren Peltier, 2011, Tuttle Publishing, Rutland, VT
“The Book of Green Tea” by Diana Rosen, 1994, Storey Books, Pownal, VT
“20,000 Secrets of Tea” by Victoria Zak, 1999, Random House, New York, NY

Michael Austin

Green Tea in Your Life & Around Your Home

/in / / Michael Austin

Here at Sir Jason Winters International, we have no problem talking about all the wonderful benefits of drinking green tea every day. In addition to being one of the healthiest things you can drink, there are lots of other ways that you can use green tea: on your hair, your skin and even around your home.

Here are a few ideas about putting green tea to work in your life and around your home.

Health and Beauty

  • Put them in your bath – Loose leaves can be put in a muslin bag and hung over the water spigot in the bath or left to float in the bathwater so your skin can soak up the soothing, therapeutic benefits of the tea. Take a teaspoon or two of the used tea leaves and put them into the bag. You can also do this with two or three tea bags if you wish.
  • Soothe tired eyes – During your bath, you could take two muslin bags with tea leaves in them or two tea bags and place them over your eyes while you relax in the tub. Dampen them first then place in the refrigerator at least 20 – 30 minutes before your bath. For those who stare at a computer screen or smartphone, the cool tea bag compresses will make your eyes feel rejuvenated. Simply lie back and relax for 15 -20 minutes to get the full benefit. This treatment can also help reduce redness and irritation and reduce puffiness under your eyes. An additional benefit is that this tea bag treatment can also help prevent conjunctivitis and other types of eye infections.
  • Soak Tired Feet in Green Tea – Make a green tea foot soak a part of your daily routine. The plant Camellia sinensis which green tea comes from contains natural chemical properties which are both antibacterial and antifungal. A soak also helps your feet relax after a long day!
  • Treat Minor Injuries – The ECGC or epigallocatechin-3-gallate within green tea acts as an anti-inflammatory for the skin and the tannins within the plant act as a natural pain reliever. Mosquito bites, blisters, minor burns, bruises, scrapes or injection sites can benefit from these compounds. Try putting a damp tea bag on the affected area.

Cleaning and Other Household Uses

  • Clean Mirrors and Windows with Green Tea – Making the windows and mirrors in your home sparkling clean and streak free is simple when you employ green tea bags. Simply wipe a used, damp green tea bag over the window or mirror and then wipe with a clean cloth in a circular motion. The tannins will help break down dirt and smudges so that they can be wiped away effortlessly.
  • Clean and Deodorize your Carpets – Start by opening up green tea bags and emptying the contents into a container with baking soda. They can be dry or slightly damp. Sprinkle the mixture over your carpets or rugs and let it sit for 20 -30 minutes then vacuum to eliminate odors. When using this technique, care should be taken with light colored or antique rugs.
  • Get Rid of Fleas – As much as we love our pets, our furry family members can also bring in fleas. By adding simple table salt to the previous mixture of green tea and baking soda you will have a safe and natural way to get rid of these pests. As before, simply sprinkle it over the carpeting or even hardwood floors. The green tea acts as a repellent while the salt and baking soda will suffocate and soften the bodies of fleas. This will also prevent any flea eggs from hatching. You will want to let it sit for a number of hours, so leaving it overnight is ideal.
  • Naturally Deodorize Pet Beds & Litter Boxes – By sprinkling dried green tea leaves over your pet’s bed or placing it inside the bedding cover, you can reduce odors. Adding dried green tea leaves in your cat’s litter box is a great way to keep it smelling fresher longer.
  • Green Tea as a Dust Mite Solution – After a good cleaning, you can prevent dust mites by spraying dust prone areas around your home with an infusion of green tea. The solution should be very weak, and you should test it on a bit of fabric or carpet in order to ensure that it won’t stain. A light misting around the home should do the trick.
  • Deodorize Your Kitchen – By placing a small container of your used and re-dried green or black tea leaves in your refrigerator you can keep it smelling fresh for 3 -7 days. After that, you can put them into your compost bucket to be recycled back to the earth. You can also deodorize a kitchen cutting board or even your hands by rubbing a tea bag over them to absorb and remove odors like garlic, onions or fish.
  • Green Tea to Get Stains Out – The antioxidants in green tea can help prevent the oxidation of metals which causes rust on metal surfaces. Simply place reuse the green tea leaves by placing them in a muslin bag. You can use this or another type of cleaning cloth top rub the leaves over outdoor grills, cast iron cookware, door handles, hinges or other metal such as brass which is exposed to the elements. For those with very hard water or water that is rusty, reusing green tea bags or loose tea can remove stubborn rust stains from porcelain sinks and toilets better than nearly any other chemical you can buy. Be sure to remove any staples, strings and paper tags to prevent any plumbing or septic issues.

Green Tea in Your Garden

  • Whenever you have green tea in your cup or teapot that you haven’t managed to drink, just use the liquid to water your plants. The natural properties along with nitrogen are great for your plants.
  • Mix the leaves into potting soil or use a thin layer around the base of both your indoor or outdoor plants. The leaves will decompose over time and will enrich the soil.

These are just a few of the many ideas of how to incorporate green tea into your life every day. Whether you like to enjoy loose leaf or bagged tea, you can reuse them after you have enjoyed your cup of tea. The bags can be put aside after you squeeze as much of the water from them as possible. Loose tea leaves can also be put aside in a container kept in a freezer or on a baking sheet into an oven set on a low temperature. Stir them a bit on occasion to make sure that the leaves are thoroughly dried.

What kinds of other ways have you found to use green tea or to recycle the used leaves or tea bags? Share your experiences with us and your fellow tea lovers by leaving a comment below.

Resources

“The Book of Green Tea” by Diana Rosen, 1994, Storey Books, Toronto, Canada
“The Way of Tea” by Master Lam Kam Chuyen, Lam Kai Sin and Lam Tin Yu, 2002, Barron’s Educational Series, NY
“The Everything Healthy Tea Book: Discover the Healthy Benefits of Tea” by Babette Donaldson, 2014, Adams Media, Avon, MA
“20,000 Secrets of Tea” by Victoria Zak, 1999, Random House, New York, N.Y

Michael Austin

The Tradition of Tea Can Help You to De-Stress After the Holidays

/in / / Michael Austin

The holidays are a time of heightened activity. It’s time to enjoy the company of family and friends and to make memories together. However, the holiday season can be overwhelming.

One of the ways to unwind after all of the hectic pace of the season is to put tea time at the top of the list of New Year’s resolutions. Taking the time for self-care is one of the most important resolutions you can make. Giving yourself the daily gift of tea can provide a delicious way to relax and can assist in reducing chronic stress in a way that nothing else has the ability to do.

Whether you are seeking space to breathe after the fast pace of the holidays or facing challenges with family or job stressors, herbal tea is an excellent way to unwind at any time. Being able to relax and recharge is especially important over the winter months when colds and flu are most prevalent.

Relaxing With Tea

Since its discovery in Ancient China, the art of tea drinking has had a relaxing, almost ritual-like quality to it. Throughout Asia, the Middle East and in the West, there are traditions and ceremonies surrounding the preparation and consumption of tea. The Japanese custom of the tea ceremony is legendary and is known for its beautiful formality. The attention to detail of not just the tea itself, but also to the water, the fire or heat applied and how long the tea is allowed to infuse within the water provides an opportunity to slow down and focus.

Tea Traditions for Relaxation

The routines used to perform certain tasks are in essence, a kind of ritual. Most rituals have a specific set of tools which are used to perform them, and tea rituals are no different. Some prefer a very simple ritual of having a special cup to drink their morning tea. Some tools to help you enjoy the tea making process include tea accessories like teapots and infusers.

No matter if you choose to take tea with loose, bagged or pre-brewed teas, establishing the daily ritual of tea, you could find yourself becoming a real tea connoisseur. You may find that you prefer the subtle richness of Oolong tea or the healthy elements of green tea which is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients to potentially protect against illness and disease.

Other Relaxing Tea Rituals for the New Year

Tea is an excellent drink that has a long history of health benefits. The tea habit can transform that time and your home into a sanctuary where jangled nerves can be soothed and calm can be restored. When you get rid of stress and relax, naturally you will feel better and look better, too!

An added benefit to making tea a habit in the New Year is that after enjoying it in your cup, there are scores of other ways to reuse tea leaves that can further help you to relax and remove stress. Here are some ways you can use and reuse tea as a natural way to de-stress.

  • You can make green tea a part of your regular at-home spa treatment by saving the contents of the tea bags even after you’ve used them! Take the contents of two or more tea bags and put them in a muslin bag. Place under the faucet as you draw the water so that it infuses again, right in your bath. The steam from the tea-infused bath water will help to relax you, open your pores to remove the toxins and impurities from your skin.
  • Because of tea’s antioxidant properties, it provides a natural way to retain your skin’s elasticity which can prevent premature aging. Recent studies have shown that green tea provides natural rejuvenation and can help to heal minor skin diseases and injuries. Reuse the contents of two tea bags by emptying the bags into a bowl. Add the juice of 1 half of a lemon and two tablespoons of honey to the tea leaves. Mix, then apply to the skin, leaving it on for approximately 10 minutes for a sweet and soothing mask. Rinse your skin and pat dry.
  • You can reuse black or green tea bags to add shine and revitalize hair that may be suffering from your holiday stress. Simply re-brew 3 – 4 tea bags and allow this to cool to room temperature. Wash your hair with your favorite shampoo, and then use the infusion from the tea bags to rinse your hair. Allow your hair to air dry.
  • Hectic schedules, lack of sleep and overall stresses from every direction can leave you susceptible to fatigue and even infection. Tea provides natural nutrients and antioxidants both inside and out. Once you have steeped your cup of tea for the desired amount of time, you can take the used bag and apply them to your eyes to help provide relaxation. If you are suffering from pinkeye, a sty, canker sores, or other minor infections of the skin, the tannins in the tea can help to alleviate pain and the antioxidants can help to draw out the infection.
  • Make it a regular practice to apply the tea bag you have just used to your face as a part of your beauty routine. Squeeze out the excess moisture from the tea bag then immediately apply it to your skin. This removes dirt and impurities from your pores. The catechins within the tea are naturally antimicrobial and can prevent acne-causing bacteria from gaining a foothold which can result in blemishes. The tea also helps to tighten pores and further prevents acne so you look and feel wonderful!

As you can see, there are almost endless ways to use tea to help relax and revitalize you. What better time to start incorporating these healthful habits than after the holiday rush?
When you partake of the ritual of enjoying a cup of tea, you are connecting to every aspect that makes up the tea – from the natural elements of the water and heat, to the land where it was grown and harvested to the many centuries of history that tea has been a tradition around the world. Once you get started you will see all of the reasons why tea is the most popular and most consumed beverage on earth.

Resources

“The Way of Tea” by Master Lam Kam Chuyen, Lam Kai Sin and Lam Tin Yu, 2002, Barron’s Educational Series, NY
“The Everything Healthy Tea Book: Discover the Healing Benefits of Tea” by Babette Donaldson, 2014, Everything Publishing, New York, NY
“The Tea Book” by Linda Gaylord, 2015, DK Books, London
“The Story of Tea: A Cultural History and Drinking Guide” by Mary Lou Heiss and Robert J. Heiss. . 2007, Ten Speed Press, Berkley, CA
“The Book of Green Tea” by Diana Rosen, 1994, Storey Books, Pownal, VT

Michael Austin

Chaparral: Ancient Desert Healer

/in / / Michael Austin

Indigenous healers throughout the Americas have used the potential healing properties of chaparral (Larrea tridentata) for millennia. Also commonly referred to as the Creosote Bush or Grease Bush, this plant is an evergreen shrub that grows in abundance in very dry and arid areas in the Southwest United States and in Mexico. Chaparral is a tough plant that can survive in altitudes of up to 3000 feet. There is even a chaparral ‘mother’ plant that is growing in the Mojave Desert that is believed to be an astounding 12,000 years old!

Chaparral grows to approximately 2 -9 feet tall and has beautiful bright yellow flowers atop olive green leafy branches. The flowers generally bloom in the early spring with the seeds falling in the late springs. The branches and aerial parts of chaparral tend to be brittle yet resinous. After a light rain or in the early morning hours before the dew evaporates, hikers frequently can catch the scent of creosote which has a smoky smell similar to that of a well-established campfire.
While chaparral can be gathered as it is needed, the medicinal properties seem to be at their peak if the plant is gathered in the spring once the seeds have matured or in the fall.

Many Uses of Chaparral

Chaparral has been used for addressing a number of illnesses and afflictions. The properties of chaparral are used to address issues of urinary and respiratory infections, as well as to help speed recovery from colds or flu.

The indigenous tribes of the Southwest and settlers also found that using the flowering tops of the chaparral plants is an excellent coffee substitute.

Chaparral is considered by some to be an excellent blood cleanser and purifier. The Native Americans used it to address skin irritations such as acne, eczema, sunburn, psoriasis and chicken pox. Chaparral has been used to treat these health concerns as well as to address:

  • Diarrhea
  • Chronic flatulence
  • Jaundice
  • Menstrual cramps and irregular menstrual cycles
  • Constipation

In addition to all of these wonderful things, this herb also contains pain relieving properties which have been long acclaimed to assist in the treatment of arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome when used topically. Chaparral is also recognized as a pain reliever and has been found to increase ascorbic acid in the adrenal glands and the immune system overall. Chaparral also has properties that can help prevent tooth decay when used as a mouthwash.

Chaparral Studies

Some traditional healers and herbalists have found that chaparral may be quite useful in addressing some forms of cancer. It does this by assisting the body’s lymphatic system and helping it to work more efficiently.

This powerful herb contains antioxidants which are also antibiotic and antifungal in nature. According to the American Herbalist Guild (AHG) professional herbalist, Michael Tierra, one of the primary constituents found in chaparral, nordihydroguariaretic acid or NDGA has long been recognized for its anticancer and antioxidant effects.

According to a recent study published in the Journal of Chromatography, NDGA shows great promise for inhibiting the replication of HIV agents in patients. Another earlier series of studies which had been conducted at the University of Utah strongly indicated that NDGA almost completely inhibited both aerobic and anaerobic glycolysis and respiration found within certain types of cancer, yet left normal cells unaffected.

Dr. John R. Christopher of the School of Natural Healing asserts that NDGA is effective against molds and funguses such as salmonella and Penicillium. In one study conducted in 1959 by the National Cancer Institute, and then later replicated at the University of Utah several cancer patients noted improvement in their conditions after regular consumption of chaparral tea.

In 1968, an 85-year-old man with a malignant carcinoma on his neck and cheek had undergone three separate surgeries to remove it. It was not until under the advice of a Native American herbalist that he began consuming chaparral tea. Eight months later he returned to the University of Utah where researchers noted significant regression of the cancerous growth.

Not so well known is that chaparral even has properties that can help to prevent metals from rusting! That shows how powerful its antioxidant properties are.

Chaparral as a Tea

Chaparral on its own can have a bitter flavor. Putting together a tea that tastes great as well as being formulated in a way that makes the optimum use of the herbs was important to Sir Jason Winters when he formulated his Classic Blend Tea with chaparral.

While there have been concerns raised about chaparral and its potential to contain certain compounds that can be toxic to the liver, as we have stated elsewhere here on our blog, Sir Jason wouldn’t have included this herb in his formula if he didn’t know that there were benefits to it! We’ve made certain to put in just the right amount of chaparral for our teas and supplements to ensure that they are safe.

With that in mind, however, those who do have liver or kidney disease or who are pregnant may want to avoid using chaparral until discussing it with a physician or other healthcare professional.
Ideal times to enjoy teas containing chaparral are in the morning before breakfast, before lunch or before bed. Ideally, 2 -3 cups of tea containing chaparral per day is generally considered a good amount.

When using loose leaf tea, use two teaspoons to one pint of boiling water. Allow the tea to steep 15 minutes before drinking. If you wish, you may add a bit of stevia or raw honey to sweeten. If you wish, you may also use Sir Jason Winters formula with chaparral as a sun tea. Simply add two teaspoons to each pint of water.

Why not give Sir Jason Winters Classic Herbal Tea with Chaparral a try today? Or if you prefer, try Sir Jason Winters Tea in tablet form with our Tribalene with Chaparral formula. They are made with the same formula as our tea as well as Capsicum added to activate the healing properties of the herbs. Either is perfect to enjoy whether you are at home or on the go!

Resources

“The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants” by Andrew Chevallier, 1996, Dorling Kindersley Limited, London
“School of Natural Healing” by Dr. John R. Christopher, 20th Anniversary Edition, 1996, Christopher Publications, Springville, Utah. (p. 77 -80)
The Complete Writings of Dr. John R. Christopher (http://online.snh.cc/files/2100/HTML/100hs_chaparral__larrea_tridentata.htm), web.
“Herbal Medicinals: A Clinicians Guide”, Lucinda G. Miller, PharmaD, BCPS, and Wallace J. Murray, editors. 1998, Pharmaceutical Products Press, Binghamton, NY
“The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine: How to Remedy and Prevent Disease with Herbs, Vitamins, Minerals, and other Nutrients” by Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D., 1986, Keats Publishing, Lincolnwood, IL (p. 53-56)
“Mosby’s Handbook of Herbs and Natural Supplements” by Linda Skidmore-Roth, 2001, Mosby Publications, London
“Planetary Herbology” by Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., 1988, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, WI

Michael Austin

Detoxing Your Liver with Green Tea

/in / / Michael Austin

“Tea is like the sweetest dew from heaven.” – Lu Yu, from “Cha Ching, the Classic of Tea, Origins and Rituals” (c. 780 a.d.)

Green tea, by far, is the most popular and most consumed drink on earth. There is nothing like a delicious cup of hot green tea to relax and revitalize you! Since its discovery in medieval China by Emperor Jing during the Han Dynasty in the 2nd Century BCE, green tea has shown itself to have many potential health benefits.

Over the centuries, tea masters, traditional herbalists, and modern scientists have found that green tea is loaded with antiviral, antifungal, and antioxidant properties which can offer potential natural protections against a number of diseases including liver cancer.

Green Tea and Liver Health

Our bodies are wonderfully effective at warding off the toxins that we encounter every day. We are being constantly bombarded by toxins of all kinds and our skin, our body’s immune, respiratory and glandular systems all work help keep us healthy.

The liver is not only one of the hardest working organ in the human body; it’s also one of the most amazing, too. Modern medical studies have shown that up to 75% of the liver can be removed without harm. Within a period of just 2 – 3 months, it will regrow to its former shape and size. Even the ancients knew that the liver has the ability to completely regenerate itself.

The liver is considered the largest gland in our body and the one that does the majority of the work at eliminating toxins in the body. It works with the kidneys to eliminate them through the urine. These toxins may come from pollutants, consuming foods that are more taxing on the liver, medications that we take to maintain our health or other stresses on the body.

How Green Tea Can Assist the Liver

It’s important to note that green tea doesn’t detoxify the body on its own. The phytochemical constituents within the leaves of green tea assist the body’s natural actions in eliminating toxins. Green tea is an excellent supporter of liver function because it contains lots of natural polyphenols. Polyphenols have been shown to support the body’s normal detoxification processes. The polyphenols especially work with the elimination processes which are mostly handled by the liver and the kidneys. These polyphenols along with a number of antioxidants found within green tea help the body to fight off unstable cells known as free radicals before they can harm healthy cells within the body.

Antioxidants known as catechins are also found in green tea. These work to lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure and have a liver-protecting or hepatoprotective effect. A number of studies over the past 20 years have shown that the antioxidants within green tea are antihepatotoxic, which helps to maintain healthy liver function. Green tea also works to enhance the immune system by providing antiviral, antifungal and can provide additional protection by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.

Specific Antioxidants in Green Tea

All true teas which include green, black and white teas are derived from the plant, Camellia sinensis. However, according to the American Herbalist Guild (AHG) recognized professional herbalist, Stephen Harrod Buhner, these antioxidants found in green tea are up to four times higher than those which are found in black tea.

In 2007, the USDA determined that 1 gram of green tea leaves contains 200 milligrams of catechins. A cup of tea generally uses approximately 3 grams of tea leaves. The following antioxidant properties are at their highest concentration within green tea:

  • Epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG, which makes up about half of all catechins. This antioxidant has been found to be twice as powerful as resveratrol, the antioxidant which is most commonly found in red wine. EGCG is also more powerful than the antioxidants BHT or, butylated hydroxytoluene and BHA, butylated hydroxyanisole.
  • Gallic acid is another powerful antioxidant which is commonly found in the leaves of plants, including green tea.

The antioxidant compounds and phytochemical action within green tea also block the influenza virus from adhering to normal cells, which can also cause stress to liver function. Green tea also contains supporting phytochemical compounds which also assist the antioxidants. These include chromium, manganese, selenium, glutathione, L-theanine, zinc and Vitamin C.

In addition to offering a pick-me-up when you’re feeling fatigued, the caffeine in green tea has also been shown to have anticancer and antitumor properties. Studies over the past decade have also shown that the low levels of caffeine that are found within green tea actually boost the immune system. This will also act to increase the cytotoxicity (ability to fight cancer) of chemotherapeutic drugs that are often used to treat liver cancer. Caffeine also acts as a diuretic and can stimulate the liver to eliminate toxins from the body through the kidneys and bladder.

It is important to note that when drinking green tea it is not advised to add milk to the tea. This is because milk will bind itself to the antioxidants and other beneficial constituents within the tea and lessen its detoxifying properties. (Buhner, p. 87- 88)
Research has also shown that green tea works to significantly reduce serum cholesterol and LDL or bad cholesterol while at the same time increasing HDL or good cholesterol levels.

How Much Green Tea

As you can see, drinking green tea every day can definitely help the liver to do its job and to can keep the body healthy. But how much green tea should you drink? While it is true that too much of a good thing probably isn’t a good thing, drinking green tea is generally considered safe– so you can drink what you like. Herbalists and health experts, however, generally believe that for health purposes drinking four to five cups is ideal.

When you drink green tea regularly like this, you’re doing your body a tremendous favor. You can help it heal itself. So stop drinking all those bubbly beverages and go back to the flavored drink that actually aids your health, not harms it! Pick up some Sir Jason Winters tea for the holidays.

Resources

“Herbs for Hepatitis C and the Liver” by Stephen Harrod Buhner, 2000, Storey Books, North Adams, MA
“Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine” by David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG, 2003, Healing Arts Press, Rochester, VT
“The Way of Tea” by Master Lam Kam Chuyen, Lam Kai Sin and Lam Tin Yu, 2002, Barron’s Educational Series, NY
“The Book of Green Tea” by Diana Rosen, 1994, Storey Books, Pownal, VT
“Green Tea and the Question of Reduced Liver Cancer Risk: The Dawn of Potential Clinical Relevance” by Rolf Teschke and Johannes Schulze, Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Klinikum Hanau, Hanau, Academic Teaching Hospital of the Medical Faculty, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany