Maintaining Good Nutrition with Flaxseed Oil

Maintaining Good Nutrition with Flaxseed Oil

For years, health experts have been touting the benefits of flaxseeds and flaxseed oil.  They harvested flax in ancient Egypt from the time of the pharaohs.  This ornamental plant, known by its botanical name of Linum usitatissimum, was used to make cloth, paper, and even furniture finishes in the form of linseed oil.

Later, scientists and nutritionists discovered that the seeds of the plant have a lot of nutritional value and can be used in a variety of foods to provide ever-important Omega-3 fatty acids to the daily diet.

To get the full benefit of the nutrients found in flaxseeds, they have to be ground up just before you eat them. If they are ground too soon before being eaten, they can lose some of their efficacy. When eaten this way, flaxseeds help provide necessary dietary fiber and can even aid in weight loss because you feel fuller longer.

Another approach to getting many of the benefits of flax seeds into your diet, however, is by taking flaxseed oil supplements every day.

Here are just a few of the potential health benefits that flaxseeds and flaxseed oil can offer.

Flaxseed Oil is Packed with Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Our bodies and brains need Omega-3 fatty acids to function properly. Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) is an essential nutrient in our daily diet. Our bodies take the ALA from flaxseed oil and convert it into other types of fatty acids. These additional fatty acids include docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

As humans, we need ALA for our brains to function effectively, to boost our immune system, and support good eye health. Omega -3 fatty acids also act to balance emotional health and can improve focus and alertness.

Scientists at the Linus Pauling Institute have found that flaxseed oil contains the highest concentration of ALA.  They found that a single tablespoon of flaxseed oil contains approximately 7.3 grams of ALA. That is more than enough. It is recommended that men should get 1.6 grams of ALA, and women require just 1.1 grams in their daily diet.

Flaxseed Oil Is An Excellent Source of Plant-Derived Protein

With more people leaning toward reducing their regular consumption of meat and animal products, keeping enough protein in their daily diet is especially important. Flax seeds contain more than 18% protein and can help to maintain your body’s strength.

Flaxseed Oil Can Help Reduce Cholesterol

Both flaxseeds and flaxseed oil can act to lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol. According to a study conducted at the University of Tokushima Graduate School in 2015, researchers found that LDL cholesterol was significantly reduced in participants who consumed flaxseed oil once per day.  Those in the study who used corn oil instead, however, saw no lowering of cholesterol levels.

Flaxseed Oil Might Aid Heart Health

A research team in Costa Rica conducted a study involving some 3.638 people which found that those who had higher levels of Omega-3 fatty acids or ALA in their diets had significantly reduced their risk of heart attack or stroke by as much as 14% than those who consumed less Omega-3s.

Flaxseed Oil May Reduce the Risk of Some Cancers

Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil contain phyto-compounds that have both antioxidant and estrogenic properties. These compounds, known as lignans, are higher in flaxseeds and flaxseed oil than any other foods. Lignans may act to reduce some forms of cancer, including cancer of the breast, colon, and skin cancer.

Flaxseed Oil Can Help Reduce Diabetes

In 2015, researchers in India found that after 12 weeks of consuming Omega-3s such as those contained within flaxseed oil, participants reduced the onset of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.  The study focused on women who were going through menopause, and both men and women men who were considered obese.  The Indian study concluded that those who took flaxseed oil could also reduce their diabetes risk.

Flaxseed Helps Maintain Healthy Hair and Skin

In a double-blind study conducted by researchers in Basel, Switzerland, researchers found that after 12 weeks, participants saw decreases in skin sensitivity, hydration, and trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). Switching to safflower oil supplementation showed an increase in roughness, and hydration was not as significant. The study concluded that a daily intake of flaxseed oil helped to moderate skin condition and potentially reduced the incidences of contact dermatitis and eczema.

Flaxseed Safety Concerns

Consuming flaxseeds or taking a daily flaxseed oil supplement is something that is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and they don’t currently regulate it.

Even though it is safe for most people to take, like any herb or supplement, it’s an excellent idea to speak with your doctor or healthcare professional. We advise caution when taking flaxseed oil for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.  Certain health conditions and medications may also be considered contraindicated. 

If you are scheduled to undergo surgery, your doctor may also recommend that you discontinue using flaxseed oil for a period before and after the procedure.

Putting the Power of Flaxseed Oil to Work for You

Sir Jason Winters devoted much of his life to researching these kinds of herbs and foods that are potentially good for the body. Because flaxseed oil has some of the highest levels of antioxidants and Omega-3’s, we wanted to offer it directly to our customers.

Each flaxseed soft gel contains 1,000 milligrams of Lignan flaxseed oil. That’s at least 500 milligrams of ALA Omega-3, 110 milligrams of Omega-6, AND 110 milligrams of Omega-9.

Each bottle contains 100 soft gels. Three are to be taken each day, one per meal. Regularly priced at $16.85 per bottle, you can enjoy our Flaxseed Oil supplement that is now just $8.50 per bottle!

To save an additional 5% on each bottle, why not take advantage of our convenient subscription service? You will have your products delivered directly to your home every two weeks or once each month. Because this is such a substantial discount, we are limiting quantities to just five bottles per subscription.

Give yourself or someone you love a special gift by ordering our flaxseed oil supplement today!

Resources

“The Healing Power of Flax: The Definitive Guide” by Herb Joiner-Bey, N.D., 2007, Freedom Press, Topanga, CA

“Flaxseed Oil and Diabetes: A Systemic Review by Kshitij Bhardwaj, Narsing Verma, R.K. Trivedi, and Shipra Bhardwaj, 2015 Journal of Medical Sciences

Flaxseed Oil Intake Study,” compiled by  the Department of Clinical Nutrition and Food Management, University of Tokushima Graduate School, Japan, 2015, Nutrition Journal

The Power of Psyllium

It may come as a surprise that one of the most common plants that we see growing almost everywhere is a particularly powerful herb in its own right.  Plantain, known by its botanical name of Plantago major, might be viewed as a weed because it grows in between cracks in the sidewalk or spreads its influence in an otherwise perfect lawn, but it is revered by traditional healers around the world.

According to herbalist Matthew Wood, this plant began in the Old World of Europe and Asia and then later spread to the Americas and the South Pacific. In the Americas, plantain is often referred to as “Whiteman’s Footprint.”   Once established in the places where it was introduced, plantain was quickly embraced as being useful in several Native American and folk remedies.

Plantain grows low to the ground, usually no higher than one foot in height. Each plant has a rosette of ribbed leaves that grow around a central grouping of long, slender, densely flowered spikes. The leaves are thick and resemble a spoon or spatula.

Applied externally to cuts and minor wounds, plantain acts to stem the flow of blood.  The same plant is equally effective in reducing the pain of stings, irritation from insect bites, or when coming into contact with poison oak, poison ivy, or a patch of stinging nettles (Urtica dioica). A poultice of chopped plantain leaves can draw even the most stubborn splinter to the surface of the skin so it can be easily removed.

Psyllium for Gastro-Intestinal Health

While there are roughly 200 different species and subspecies of plant that make up the Plantaginaceae species, Plantago psyllium has been used since the time of the Anglo Saxons. This member of the Plantago family is perhaps better known as Psyllium or Psyllium Seed. These seeds of this plant are highly water-soluble and naturally produce a mucilage that is often used as an additive to thicken breakfast cereals, baked goods, ice cream, sauces and other foods.

In addition to its uses as a natural food thickener, fiber is found within psyllium seeds. When this fiber passes through the small intestine, it is resistant to digestion, making it an excellent and completely natural laxative.  Psyllium seed husk is often used in the treatment of symptoms of constipation and diarrhea.

Some of the potential benefits of Plantago psyllium include:

Regulating Bad Cholesterol in the Body – According to a recent study conducted by a group of researchers in Australia and New Zealand, the fiber found in psyllium bound itself to fat and bile within the body and reduced LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels. Even during a short, 8-week course of taking psyllium seed supplements, the research team found that LDL cholesterol was reduced. In contrast, HDL or “good” cholesterol levels increased in those participating in the study.

Normalizing Blood Sugar Levels – The fiber found in psyllium seed husk can reduce the blood sugar levels after meals by slowing down the digestion process. This, in turn, helps regulate the body’s glycemic response and can act to lower blood sugar levels for those with Type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetic symptoms.

Assists in Weight Management – Taking psyllium supplements can actually help to lose weight by making you feel full and reducing the appetite so that you eat less and take in fewer calories.

Relieves Constipation – The naturally produced mucilage in psyllium seed husk binds itself to partially digested foods as it makes its way through the digestive and intestinal tracts. It retains moisture, increasing the stool size, which makes it easier to eliminate them from the body.

Can Relieve Diarrhea – Because of its moisture absorption properties, psyllium seed can also help to slow down the digestive process enough to make stools less frequent and bring relief.

Lowers Blood Pressure and Promotes Heart Health – Along with lower levels of LDL cholesterol and helping to manage a healthy weight, psyllium has an additional side-benefit of being a heart-healthy supplement. The fiber within psyllium seed husk can be useful for lowering blood triglycerides and lowering blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure levels can also act to reduce the chances of a heart attack or stroke significantly.

Acts as a Preventative Against Some Forms of Cancer – Several research teams around the world have found that there may be a benefit of taking psyllium seed and some forms of cancer such as colorectal cancer. The natural cholesterol-reducing properties of psyllium seed coupled with the wound healing properties from most plants within the Plantago species, this can assist in healing damage to the intestinal tract in the form of polyps, which can have the potential to later develop into cancer.

Putting the Power of Plantago Psyllium to Work for You

Sir Jason Winters was a firm believer in the saying coined by the British Medical Association: “Death begins in the colon.”  Drinking enough water, getting enough exercise, and maintaining a healthy diet is crucial to staying healthy.

While most plantain species, including psyllium, are generally considered safe for anyone to use, we always recommend you speak with your doctor or other healthcare professional before embarking on any natural health regimen. 

Sir Jason formulated our Colon Cleanser / Fiber Supplement Powder using only the highest quality psyllium as the chief ingredient.  Our supplements contain no added sugar or artificial colors or ingredients. You may take 1 to 3 servings daily or as directed by your doctor.  Simply mix a heaping teaspoon of our Colon Cleanser into 12 ounces of cold water, juice, or any other cold beverage that you wish. 

You can get a 12 oz. canister of Sir Jason Winters Colon Cleanser / Fiber Supplement for just $11.50 each. That’s almost 50% off our regular price of $22.50!  If you want even greater savings, be sure to sign up for our subscription service and save an additional 5% off by having it delivered directly to you either on a monthly or bi-weekly basis.

Sir Jason Winters International is also offering all the benefits of its Colon Cleanser / Fiber powder in a convenient capsule form. Our Fiber Formula Supplement comes in capsules of 725 mg of psyllium in a 120 count bottle. Regularly priced at  $14.85 each, you can now get it for $7.50 per bottle.  This amazing formula is also available at an additional 5% off signing up for our convenient subscription service.   Of course, with savings this good on all of our Sir Jason Winters teas and supplements, we do have to limit quantities to just five bottles or canisters each per subscription.

Resources

“The School of Natural Healing” by Dr. John. R. Christopher, 20thAnniversary Edition, 1996, Christopher Publications, Springville, Utah

“The American Dispensatory” by Dr. John King, M.D., 1898, Moore, Wiltstach, & Keyes, Cincinnati, Ohio

“Secrets of the Sacred White Buffalo: Native American Healing Remedies, Rites & Rituals” by Gary Null, Ph.D.,  1998, Prentice-Hall, New York, NY

“The Book of Herbal Wisdom: Using Plants as Medicine” by Matthew Wood, 1997, North Atlantic Books, Berkley, California

The Amazing Health Benefits of Burdock

The Amazing Health Benefits of Burdock

If you’ve ever gone hiking in the fall months and came back home covered in burrs, chances are you’ve met a burdock plant.  What some might consider a weed is actually one of the most powerful herbs in every modality around the world

Arctium lappa, also known as the cocklebur, has been widely used both as a food and as medicine throughout Europe, India, China, Japan, and other portions of  Asia since at least the time of First Century Greek physician, Dioscorides.

This herb’s botanical name comes from the word Arcteion, meaning “Bear Plant,” while the second term, lappa, comes from the Greek word meaning, “to hold fast.” It seems an apt description because of the furry appearance of the plant’s seed pods and their tenacity when sticking to everything it comes into contact with.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM, burdock goes by the name of Niu Ban Zi, Gobo, or Wu shi in traditional Chinese medicine. In China, the leaves and roots are often cooked and eaten as a vegetable. Medicinally, burdock acts to both cool a fever or heat parts of the body that are affected by cold and damp. Because of this latter action, it is traditionally used in China as a treatment for pneumonia.

It was in the latter part of the 17th Century that European immigrants introduced it into the Americas.  Interestingly, the Native American Indians also considered it to be “bear medicine.”

Plant Description

Burdock is a widely distributed plant which grows biennially. It has broad, rough-looking leaves and thistle-like flowers that grow from a center stalk that can reach a height of up to six feet.  In the fall, the flowers become seed pods that attach themselves to passing animals or humans.

The roots are dug in the fall within the first year of its growth or in the early spring of its second year. Mature burdock seeds can be harvested in the fall of either its first or second year.

The Amazing Benefits of Burdock

Herbalists around the world acknowledge the many potential health benefits of burdock. Burdock seeds, leaves, and roots are used medicinally in the form of a tea, tincture, or ground and taken in capsule form.  Here are just some of the ways that burdock might help promote good health within the body.

Strong antioxidant properties – Burdock contains powerful antioxidants that can help to prevent stresses in the body that can lead to colds and flu.

Blood Purifier Extraordinaire – Burdock root is rich in iron and can act as strong blood and lymphatic purifier that has been used to treat hepatitis and other liver diseases.

Anti-Cancer Properties – Over the centuries, burdock has shown strong efficacy in helping to inhibit the growth of cancerous and pre-cancerous growths in the skin, throat, cervix, uterus, breast, liver, pancreas and the gastrointestinal system.

Pain Reducer – Burdock can act to reduce joint pain and the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Potential Diabetes Treatment – According to a study conducted at Université Montpellier in France in 2014, researchers found that burdock contained compounds that helped to reduce insulin complications in diabetic patients.

Fights Infections in the Bladder and Urinary Tract – By increasing the flow of urine, burdock root acts as a potent diuretic that can address chronic cystitis and bladder infections.

Lowers & Normalizes Cholesterol – Burdock has shown great promise in reducing levels of LDL or bad cholesterol within the body.

Helps to Lose or Normalize Weight – Burdock has shown that it can help to promote healthy, gradual weight loss. It has also been used to address symptoms of excessive weight loss like anorexia nervosa.

Antiviral and Antibiotic Properties – Researchers in China and Germany have found that burdock root is an effective antibacterial and antiviral against a broad spectrum of illness-causing pathogens.

Treats Hair Loss – As a wash, a decoction of burdock seed has been used to reverse mild conditions of the scalp, including alopecia or hair loss in both men and women.

Treats Skin Conditions –  While all parts of the burdock plant have been used to treat those who have been exposed to poison ivy, poison oak, and help ease the pain of exposure to stinging nettle (Urtica dioica.) Used externally as a wash, burdock has been used to alleviate other skin conditions such as acne, contact allergies, hemorrhoids, psoriasis, bruises, and chronic sores.

Promotes Healthy Digestion – Because of the alterative nature of this herb, it acts to restore the body back to health gradually. Because burdock is a bitter herb, it works to stimulate the digestive juices, particularly the bile.

When used with other herbs such as Red Clover (Trifolium praetense) and Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officianale), it can act as a tonifying agent to help organs within the body reach a more normalized state. It stimulates the metabolism through the liver and the lymphatic system so that waste and toxins can be more effectively eliminated from the body.

Burdock Safety Considerations

As with any herb, you should always consult your doctor or healthcare professional before taking them. Though generally considered safe, it’s essential to take burdock wisely and in moderation.  There are some conditions, however, where it is probably best to avoid burdock. For example, if you are currently, or are trying to become pregnant, it is best to avoid taking burdock root.  If you suffer from anemia.

Burdock is a member of the same botanical family as daisies and chrysanthemums. If someone is allergic to these types of flowers, they may also be allergic to all parts of the burdock plant as well.

Putting the Power of Burdock to Work for You

In his many years of studying herbs and traveling around the world to learn about them, Sir Jason Winters became well acquainted with the effectiveness of the burdock. He then added burdock to five more of the world’s most powerful herbs to create his supplement formula, The Ultimate Combination or TUC. 

Each capsule contains a formula of Burdock Root, Cayenne, Elecampane Root, Gotu Kola Herb, Herbalene, and Indian Sage Leaf.  One or two capsules taken with food each day, and you can experience the power of burdock for yourself.

Each bottle contains 60 capsules. Regularly priced at $17.50 per bottle, you can save on our TUC formula and order it for the price of just $15.95.

Or, if you want to save an additional 5%, take advantage of our convenient subscription service and have your supplements delivered to your doorstep every two weeks or once per month. Because this is such a great deal, we are limiting quantities to just five bottles per subscription.

Give yourself or someone you love the gift of good health by ordering our TUC formula today.

Resources

“Herbs for Hepatitis C and the Liver” by Stephen Harrod Buhner, 2000 Storey Books, North Adams, MA

“The School of Natural Healing” by Dr. John. R. Christopher, 20thAnniversary Edition, 1996, Christopher Publications, Springville, Utah

Breast Cancer? Breast Health! The Wise Woman Way” by Susun S. Weed, 1996, Ash Tree Publishing, Woodstock, NY

“The Book of Herbal Wisdom: Using Plants as Medicine” by Matthew Wood, 1997, North Atlantic Books, Berkley, California

Cayenne Pepper: Powerful Herbal Ally of the Americas

It may come as somewhat of a surprise that one of the most powerful culinary and medicinal herbs in the world was discovered relatively recently. 

Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum Annuum), is from the family of plants known as the Solanaceae, or nightshade species. This species of plants cover bell pepper as well as tomato, eggplant, and other common vegetables. 

Though Indigenous peoples throughout the Americas had used it since around 7000 BCE, Cayenne didn’t reach broader use in Europe and the rest of the world until it was brought overseas in the Sixteenth Century by Christopher Columbus.

From there, it spread throughout Africa and was quickly assimilated into East Indian cuisine, particularly in the southern regions of the subcontinent. The use of the spicy fruit of this plant became so widespread in this portion of Asia that early botanists just assumed that it was indigenous to that part of the world.

Cayenne’s Long History of Healing

Soon after being adopted in India, it was incorporated into that country’s healing tradition of Ayurvedic medicine.  From there, it spread and was further brought into Traditional Chinese Medicine within many herbal formulas.

In the Nineteenth Century, American herbalist and botanist Samuel Thompson was looking for herbal medicine that would increase circulation of the blood, act on the muscles, and effectively hold heat within the stomach. During a house call at a farm in New Hampshire, he found what he was looking for in Cayenne.

As Thompson and other herbalists discovered, not only was it effective in keeping parts of the body warm that needed it, it was also most effective in addressing issues of pain. Later, other herbal and eclectic physicians found that Cayenne lent itself as a potential preventative when it came to the treatment of heart conditions.

 

Recent Cayenne Health Studies

In a recent report, researchers at the University of Saskatchewan believe that Capsicum may be effective against certain drug-resistant forms of cholera. It might also contain specific antioxidant and anti-aging properties that look promising for regulating diabetes and high blood pressure.

What Makes Cayenne So Effective

Capsaicin, the main constituent found within the fruit of the Capsicum plant, is what gives it heat and also lends the most potent medicinal properties. Whether used fresh, dried and powdered, or made into a tea or a wash, Cayenne is rich in carotene, Vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K and acts as a tonic on the digestive, circulatory and cardiac systems within the body.

Today, cayenne pepper serves as one of the most effective “activators” in any herbal formula because of its stimulatory action. It is most effective in getting the system moving and heading toward healing.

Here are several other health benefits of using cayenne pepper.

Aids in Digestion

Capsicum helps to stimulate the digestive process through the production of saliva and gastric juices within the digestive system. Herbalists across a wide variety of healing modalities have found that if used and monitored carefully, cayenne pepper added to the diet or taken as a supplement has shown significant efficacy in helping to address and even heal some digestive issues such as ulcers

Improves Circulation

Naturopathic doctors and herbalists have found that cayenne pepper acts to regulate and strengthen all parts of the circulatory system and normalize blood pressure.

Improves Heart Health

In addition to promoting improved circulation, Cayenne helps strengthen the heart muscle to pump blood and actively works to help prevent blood clots. It does this by clearing away the dilating blood vessels and clearing away lipid deposits that can cause blood clots to form.

Provides Potential Allergy Relief

Because cayenne works as an anti-inflammatory, it is added to herbal allergy formulas. For those who suffer from food allergies, Cayenne can help address underlying conditions such as leaky gut syndrome, which can cause additional health issues within the body.

Relief for Joint and Nerve Pain

One of the active chemical constituents within the Capsicum species is a substance known as Substance P. This naturally occurring substance acts as a vasodilator. It helps the body to regulate pain signals it receives from the brain. It is especially useful in helping address pain within the joints and in the skin. There are many natural pain relief creams and ointments available on the market today which contain cayenne and can help address mild to moderate pain issues.

Additionally, Cayenne has shown great promise in helping those who suffer from migraine headaches/ Substance P acts to help reduce the pain of a migraine headache by tricking the body into thinking that the pain is occurring somewhere else within the body.

Help to Promote Weight Loss

According to a recent study conducted by scientists at Laval University in Quebec, Canada, participants who consumed cayenne pepper at breakfast felt less hunger and consumed fewer calories throughout the day.  Because of its stimulating properties, Cayenne also helped participants to better metabolize what they ate and experience less bloating after and between meals.

Potential Cold and Flu Preventative

Cayenne contains the beta carotene as well as other antioxidants, which can help to remove free radicals and toxins from the body, which weaken the body’s immune response. Because of its naturally stimulating action within the body, Cayenne helps to remove some of the excess mucous from the body.  This herb also acts as a febrifuge by raising core body temperature to encourage sweating.  Because Cayenne also contains a substantial amount of naturally occurring Vitamin C, it may also serve to shorten the duration of a cold.

Potential Cancer Preventative

In 2006, researchers at UCLA conducted a study which found that capsaicin showed great promise in inhibiting the growth and preventing the onset of some forms of cancer, particularly cancer of the prostate.  The  UCLA study also found that it showed potential in preventing lung cancer in participants who used tobacco products.

Cautions When Using Cayenne

Because Cayenne does act to stimulate the circulatory system, if you are pregnant or taking blood thinners or other medications, it can pose certain health risks.  Those with asthma or other respiratory conditions should also be careful as it can interfere with certain medications.

As with any type of herbal supplement, it is a good idea to always consult with your doctor beforehand.

Resources

The School of Natural Healing” by Dr. John R. Christopher, 1996 Christopher Publications, Springville, UT.

“Dangerous Tastes: A Story of Spices” by Andrew Dalby, 2000, University of California Press in conjunction with the British Museum Press, Berkely, CA, and London, United Kingdom.

“The Herbal Pharmacist” by Linda Rector-Page, N.D. Ph.D., 1991, New Page Books, Sacramento, CA

“The Book of Herbal Wisdom” by Matthew Wood, 1997, North Atlantic Books, Berkley, CA

Keeping Yourself Healthy With the Power of Vitamin C

Keeping Yourself Healthy With the Power of Vitamin C

Vitamin C, otherwise known as Ascorbic Acid, has long been regarded as an effective antioxidant and health building block to maintaining the proper function of the body’s immune system so we are less susceptible to colds and other illnesses.

This important vitamin accomplishes this by acting as a primary preventer of free radical damage.  We know that Vitamin C can have a protective effect against the free radicals found in our daily environment because of its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are compounds that act as a protective barrier against free radicals and prevent oxidative stress, which can affect our body’s immune system.

Many animals naturally produce their own Vitamin C within the body. Goats, for example, can produce 13,000 mg. of their own Vitamin C per day! As a result, goats are the least likely animals to get sick.  Of course, we aren’t goats, and that level of Vitamin C in the body is far more than the recommended daily dose for humans. 

Mammals that make their own Vitamin C or ascorbic acid are also far less likely to develop heart disease.  Unfortunately, while our ancient human ancestors also used to produce Vitamin C within their bodies, today, we no longer do. We learned how to get it through diet instead, and now through supplementation.

Vitamin C and Illness

Vitamin C plays an essential role in helping us to stay healthy. It can do some fantastic things to the body by seeming to boost our immune system so it is less affected by stress.

When we are under increased stress, that’s when it needs Vitamin C the most because it supports adrenal and iron deficiency. Taking a daily Vitamin C supplement can increase the absorption and utilization of iron in the body as much as 67%.

A deficiency of Vitamin C in the body, which is sometimes referred to as scurvy, can present symptoms in the body, such as:

  • Bruising easily
  • Bleeding and receding gums
  • Ulcers in the mouth
  • Pain in the joints and bones
  • Depression and irritability
  • Anemia
  • Increased allergies and lowered immunity
  • Dry and rough skin

Vitamin C and the Common Cold

While there has been a bit of disagreement among researchers about whether Vitamin C will help you in avoiding a cold, most scientific studies have shown that it is effective in helping to decrease the time that you are ill by as much as 18% and reduce the severity of a cold.

Vitamin C and Cancer

Over the last several decades, researchers have been looking at how Vitamin C may help in treating some forms of cancer.   In a recent study conducted at the University of Southern California in cooperation with the IFOM Cancer Institute in Milan, researchers found that intermittent fasting combined with taking Vitamin C supplements showed efficacy in treating some forms of aggressive or hard to treat cancers within the body

According to researcher Valter Longo. “We have taken two treatments that are studied extensively as interventions to delay aging — a fasting-mimicking diet and vitamin C — and combined them as a powerful treatment for cancer.” 

The research team found that they achieved even better results with a healthy, lower-calorie, plant-based diet along with Vitamin C supplementation.

Other Health Benefits

One sign of a deficiency of this vitamin is dry, rough skin. You can help defend your skin from the aging effects that free radicals can have on it by increasing your intake of Vitamin C. Some dermatologists have found that applying it externally can also be beneficial to keeping the skin looking young and radiant.

Other increased health benefits of taking Vitamin C include:

  • Assisting in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other eye diseases such as cataracts, for example, which can occur as we get older.
  • Helps to reduce high blood pressure. Vitamin C has been shown to reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
  • Potentially lower the risk of heart disease. Nine separate studies were conducted that included over 200,000 participants for 10 years. Researchers found that participants who took at least 700 mg of a Vitamin C supplement were 25% less likely to develop heart disease compared to those who took no supplementation of the vitamin at all.  The studies found that taking Vitamin C reduced the LDL or bad cholesterol in the body that could contribute to cardiovascular disease.
  • By increasing the amount of collagen produced in the body, Vitamin C can reduce painful joint inflammation. Vitamin C can also reduce the amount of uric acid in the blood and lessen the chance of developing gout.

Vitamin C is crucial in helping to form new collagen, which not only makes your skin look and feel younger; it is also essential in the formation of connective tissue for your muscles and joints so you not only look younger but that you will feel better, too!

Foods Rich in Vitamin C

When eating a healthy diet, we likely get a relatively decent amount of naturally occurring Vitamin C that we may not even be aware of. Among the foods rich in naturally occurring Vitamin C are oranges, kiwi fruit, Brussels sprouts, grapefruit, bell peppers of any color, serrano peppers, lemons, limes, strawberries, papaya, apricots, broccoli, cauliflower and a host of other fresh fruits and vegetables. When you get Vitamin C this way, it is a whole-food complex. 

Choosing the Right Vitamin C Supplement

Today there is an almost dizzying array of Vitamin C supplements and products on the market to choose from.  These products range from capsules and tablets to enhanced drink mixes, ready to eat foods and other items which can be purchased almost anywhere. With all of that choice, it’s difficult to determine which one to choose.

Most Vitamin C supplements that are on the market today are made of synthetically created ascorbic acid. While there is nothing wrong with taking a supplement that contains only ascorbic acid, the best Vitamin C supplements contain the bioflavonoids and other factors that make it a whole supplement. These additional compounds make it easier for our bodies to use the extra Vitamin C.

Sir Jason Winters Vitamin C supplements are a whole supplementation choice, and each tablet contains 1,000 mg of Vitamin C, Citrus Bioflavonoid Complex, Rutin, Hesperidin, Acerola, Quercetin, and Rose Hips. 

Taken 1 -3 times daily, they are an excellent source of Vitamin C and other phytonutrients.  Each bottle contains 100 tablets.  Regularly priced at $14.50 per bottle, right now, our Vitamin C complex is available now at just $9.95 each. 

At Sir Jason Winters International, we can also help you take the guesswork out of your Vitamin C supplements by having them safely delivered to your home at a regular interval that you choose. By taking advantage of our bi-weekly or monthly subscription service, you can save an additional 5% off of our already reduced price.

Resources

Vitamin C: The Real Story” by Stephen H. Hickey, Ph.D. and Andrew Saul, PhD., 2008, Basic Health Publications, Laguna Beach, CA

“Healthy Healing” by Linda Page, ND. PhD., 2000, Traditional Wisdom, Inc., New York, NY

“How to Live Longer & Feel Better” by Dr. Linus Pauling, 1986, Avon Publishing, New York, NY

“The Healing Factor: Vitamin C, How to Live Longer & Better by Irwin Stone, 2017, Amazon Books on Demand, Seattle, WA

Beat the Quarantine Blues by Hosting a Virtual Tea Party

There has been a renaissance of tea enthusiasts around the world. Unfortunately, taking tea with those outside of the people living with you is not something that will be happening for at least a little while. Most of us have been in isolation for weeks and sometimes months as most businesses are closed, and social interaction is limited to those that can be held online.

While you may feel like we’re endlessly stuck at home, sometimes it’s easy to forget that we are probably all safest there.  You can break up the monotony of quarantine life by hosting a virtual tea party with friends, and it may be just the thing to give you the social interaction you’ve been craving while still maintaining social distancing. 

A Digital Tea Party?

Yes! Believe it or not, virtual tea parties have been around for a while. As soon as people could do meetings virtually through apps such as Skype and other virtual meeting services, there have been digital tea parties.

Today, by using Skype, Zoom, Facetime, Facebook Live, Google Hangouts, or apps, which can be downloaded to your iPhone or Android device. Most are available either free or for a small fee. These will allow you and your guests to either act as host or take part in a digital tea party that can be the next best thing to getting together at a friend’s home or a local tea room.

Putting it All Together

  • Put together a guest list of all the people you’d like to invite to your virtual tea party. Decide on a time and date that works for everyone, then send out virtual invitations. You can let your creativity shine by using templates that are included in most word processing and email programs.  Use these or a graphics program to put together invitations that you can send out to the guests of your upcoming tea party.
  • Coordinate with your guests to get them set up to attend the tea. Most apps window that allows all attendees to see each other via their computer or smartphone’s onboard camera.
  • Make preparations on the day before your tea. This is the time to put together your tea service, make cookies, cakes, sandwiches, and gather all the trappings to make your virtual tea party a success.
  • On the day of your party, all you need to do is set out your linens, finger foods, and tea and then to sign in to your chosen app or service. Once you’re together online, you can start enjoying a bit of tea and sharing a virtual experience.

What to Serve

In an earlier blog entry, we posted recipes for traditional tea-time favorites like scones and a variety of sandwiches. These are light and delicious and would be perfect for sharing with others on your tea party guest list. 

Of course, no one says you have to go all out for a virtual tea party. You can serve up whatever you have on hand and still take part.  While some of us may have a somewhat limited kitchen pantry due to food and supplies being hard to find at this time, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with sharing pictures of your favorites instead.

Have a Themed Virtual Tea Party


Now would be an excellent time to host a themed virtual tea party.  Poll your guest list for ideas on what a theme could be.  Why not explore some tea traditions from around the world?  You could have everyone wear the same color, dress up for a masquerade, or have everyone dress up in vintage attire from the Edwardian Period or the Roaring 1920s. You may even end up feeling as if you’re taking tea with the Grantham family on the set of the BBCs Downton Abbey as you sit down to share the latest news and juicy gossip with your friends and family.

What To Wear

Not being able to go out due to shelter in place and social distancing orders can put a real crimp in your style, especially if you like spending time out with friends. Why not use your virtual tea party to get dressed up?  This may be the perfect time for you and your friends to hold a dress-up extravaganza.

Get out that new outfit that you’ve been dying to show off! Or unpack your favorite vintage clothing find or have a courtly virtual event with all of your closest friends without ever having to leave the comfort of home. Pull out all the stops, put on a new hat, your best makeup, and look like a million dollars for your online event.

Get the Kids Involved, Too!

For those who have children at home during quarantine – kids love tea parties, too!  Help them break up their day-to-day monotony by getting them involved.  Let them help prepare the food for the virtual tea party or even pick out the theme.  Why not play to their wildest fantasies and have everyone attending the virtual tea party come as their favorite comic book or movie character? That sense of wonder and excitement, even during quarantine, can be something that eases their boredom and stress and can provide them with a beautiful childhood memory.

Throwing a virtual tea party can give a sense of social interaction for everyone while allowing the participants to stay safe. Most importantly, it’s the kind of break that can provide the fun that all of us are needing right about now!

Resources

Modern Tea:” A Fresh Look at an Ancient Beverage” by Lisa Boalt Richardson, 2014, Chronicle Books, San Francisco, CA

“The Everything Healthy Tea Book:  Discovering the Healing Benefits of Tea” by Babette Donaldson, 2014, Simon and Schuster Digital Media, New York, NY

“Tea at Downton AbbeyBy 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, New York, NY

“Tired of Zooming? Try Throwing a Virtual Tea Party.” by Madeline Swanson, Vogue. Vogue, 27 Apr. 2020. Web. 28 Apr. 2020.

Easing Stress With Tea

With almost every part of our lives now on hold because of the Coronavirus pandemic, it’s only natural that so many of us are feeling more than a little stressed.  Because of social distancing and shelter in place orders around the country, many people have been stuck inside their homes or apartments. Being in quarantine can be a nerve-wracking experience, whether you live alone or share your living space with others.  Enjoying a cup of tea during these times can be the perfect thing to relax and refresh you and to help to ease stress. 

Tea and Meditation

One of the best ways to ease stress and help us relax is the process of meditation. Tea has also played a crucial role in the art of meditation almost since it was first discovered by Chinese Emperor Shen Nong in 2737 BCE.

The properties contained within the leaves of the Camellia sinensis or tea plant contain properties that help the body relax and let go, yet provides a sense of ‘relaxed attention’ that is conducive to assisting the mind and body enter a state of contemplation and reflection. 

According to international peace activist and Zen Buddhist Master Thich Nhat Hanh, drinking tea is a natural part of meditation,

“When I drink tea, there is only me and tea. The rest of the world dissolves. There are no worries about the future. No dwelling on past mistakes. This is the act of living in one pure moment, and the truth of the world becomes suddenly revealed. There is only the tea and me converging.”

The traditional Japanese tea ceremony, for example, is a highly formal and ritualized form of meditation. Every aspect of a tea ceremony, from how and where the water for the tea is drawn, to how it is prepared, served, and consumed is focused and meditative.

Of course, you don’t need to perform a tea ceremony to understand that there’s nothing like holding a cup of hot tea in your hand on a cold or rainy day.  Just by absorbing the warmth and aroma that rises from steamy depths of a cup of tea can ease away the stresses of the day.   Tea can provide you with just the right amount of space to reduce stress and help you feel more relaxed at any time of the day.  Countless scientific studies conducted around the world have shown that when there are fewer stresses in the body, we are less susceptible to illness and can keep us more healthy overall.

Taking Tea Beyond the Cup

After you’ve enjoyed your cup of tea, the loose green tea leaves or tea bags can be used again to help further relax you. 

  • Take the loose tea leaves and place them in a muslin bag that can be draped over the spigot in your bathtub. The hot water running through the tea leaves will go into your bathwater. The antioxidant properties contained within the tea leaves will help soften skin and ease inflammation and irritation.
  • Because many of us are now working from home and spending a lot more time in front of computer screens, eyes can get tired and sore. Help soothe them by getting into the habit of saving your used tea bags. After squeezing out the excess moisture, place them in a small dish in the refrigerator to be used as a cold compress. Put one on each eye, then lie back and relax for at least 10 minutes or as long as you like.
  • If you’ve been using the time away from the office and are on your feet catching on work around the house, soak your feet in green tea to reduce swelling.  The antifungal properties that are naturally occurring in the tea leaves can act to help eliminate the bacteria that can cause foot odor or athlete’s foot fungus.
  • Take the time to pamper yourself by using green tea leaves to make a facial or body scrub. Just add some green tea leaves to a bit of water, sugar, or kosher salt.  Gently scrub your skin and then rinse off thoroughly before gently patting dry. It can be just that simple to make a completely natural beauty product. Make it a part of your daily routine to clean and exfoliate your skin and leave it glowing.
  • Stress is the time when many of us get stress-related breakouts on our skin.  To help put the kibosh on acne, make a mask using green tea leaves and water. After allowing the mixture to dry completely, rinse the leaves off of the skin, then gently pat dry. The mildly-astringent properties contained within the tea leaves will act to draw out impurities and dry up acne.
  • Being cooped up inside can make things smell a bit musty. You can sprinkle the tea leaves used in your tea to help refresh your carpets, appliances, and pet beds. After allowing the leaves to thoroughly dry, sprinkle them on your carpets and let the leaves to sit for at least 10 -15 minutes, then vacuum. Both your carpeting and your vacuum cleaner will smell a lot fresher.You can use the dried tea leaves in the same way for pet beds, too. Sprinkle them over the dog bed for at least an hour or longer. Then take the pet bed, leaves and all, and shake them off outside. The dog bed will smell much cleaner, and the leaves can act as a natural pest deterrent, too.

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:  Discovering the Healing Benefits of Tea” by Babette Donaldson, 2014, Simon and Schuster Digital Media, New York, NY

“The Story of Tea: A Cultural History and Drinking Guide” by Mary Lou Heiss, 2007, Ten Speed Press

“The Book of Green Tea” by Diana Rosen, 1994, Storey Books, Toronto, Canada

“20,000 Secrets of Tea” by Victoria Zak, 1999, Random House Publications, New Yor, NY

Can Drinking Tea Improve or Even Lengthen Your Life?

Everyone wants to improve the quality of their life by increasing their lifespan and their health if they can. We do this by developing effective daily habits. We watch what we put into our bodies, try to get enough exercise and rest, and make sure we drink enough water.

What if something as simple as drinking a cup of tea one or more times each day could not only potentially improve your life but could help you live longer, too? Let’s see what the latest research suggests.

The Latest Research

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that over 610,000 people in the U.S. will die from heart disease each year.  To reduce these numbers, researchers from around the world have been looking into the health benefits of drinking tea.

Since ancient times, tea has been viewed as both an enjoyable and even healthy beverage. Now, scientific research is backing up the idea that drinking tea can benefit your heart, mind, and body when you regularly consume it.

According to a recent study released earlier this year by the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, scientists believe that frequent consumption of tea can help heart health.  Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences in Beijing found those who drank tea at least three times per week were less likely to develop heart disease, heart attack, or stroke.

The Beijing study was conducted over a period of a little over seven and a half years with over 100,000 participants and included both men and women. This study showed a significant reduction in heart-related health issues among tea drinkers because of a type of cardioprotective function.

The same Beijing researchers conducted a second study over an extended period of over eight years, which included 14,000 participants who were in the initial research. The extended research model found that those who maintained their tea-drinking habit for the extent of the study had 39% lower risk of stroke or heart attack and a 56% lower risk of fatal heart disease.

Dr. Dongfeng Gu, who is a member of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and the principal author of the report, said in a statement to the press that most of the participants in the studies drank green tea.  The research, according to Dr. Gu, seems to suggest that the protective effects of the tea that were cardioprotective were most pronounced in those who consumed it over an extended period. 

While both genders took part in the studies, the research suggests that men responded slightly higher than did women. This may have been attributed to a lower risk of heart disease in women. While the study has produced some rather promising results, the project about the health benefits of tea and longevity being conducted by Chinese researchers is ongoing.

More Tea Research in Japan

Another research team from the Japanese Department of Public Health and Forensic Medicine recently released a separate report in March, which confirmed what researchers in China had found–that the regular consumption of tea might extend life expectancy.

Their research was conducted with 40,530 people with no previous history of heart disease, cancer, or stroke and took 11 years. The studies in both countries found that tea consumption helped in maintaining healthy blood pressure, maintaining heart health, assisted in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, and reduced incidences of some forms of cancer.

Drinking Tea Every Day For Good Health

Here at Sir Jason Winters International, we’ve often written about how antioxidants like Epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG found in green tea can improve overall health.  Antioxidants can help to detoxify your liver, potentially reduce your risk of cancer, improve your body and mind, including possibly warding off neurodegenerative diseases,  give a boost to your immune system, and help in your quest to lose weight.

The EGCG found in green tea has shown to reduce LDL or bad cholesterol and prevent the breakdown of HDL or good cholesterol in the body. This may help prevent the buildup of plaque within the arteries that can lead to stroke or heart attack.

Besides these health benefits, the antioxidants found in tea can act as a barrier to fight off free radicals that surround us in our everyday lives.  We are constantly exposed to pollutants such as exhaust, cigarette smoke, and other toxins that we may or may not be aware of. These free radicals can be damaging to our bodies and can increase signs of aging that show up on our skin in the form of fine lines and wrinkles.

Green Tea for Tooth Health, Too

Having healthy teeth and bones is also instrumental in living a long and healthy life.  You only have to experience the discomfort of a toothache once to understand just how much it can affect how well you feel. When regularly drinking green tea, the EGCG and other antioxidants act to benefit both strong bones and teeth. Again, researchers in China determined that the antioxidants EGCG and catechin might play a significant role in preventing bone loss or the development of osteoarthritis.

Further, those who drank green tea regularly had fewer mouth bacteria.  This mouth bacteria can lead to tooth decay or cavities, gum recession, or even tooth loss common with many forms of periodontal diseases.   In recent years, doctors in the United States and abroad have found a direct link between dental diseases and increased risk of stroke or heart attack.

The research shows that by enjoying a cup of tea each day, you can live a longer and healthier life overall. So start a tea habit! Your body will thank you.

Resources

“The Book of Green Tea” by Diana Rosen, 1994, Storey Books, Toronto, Canada

“Tea Drinkers Live Longer” EurekAlert! European Society of Cardiology, 9 Jan. 2020. Web.


“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

A Message From Sir Raymond Winters Regarding Covid-19

We know many of you are relying on JW Products worldwide and we want you to rest assured, even in this troubling time, we’ve worked hard to ensure our factories are still open for manufacturing and USPS is still shipping packages to you!

The demand for Jason Winters Products throughout the world has always been high. We realize many thousands of people rely on JW Products as a part of their daily ritual for health and well being, for both body and mind, and in a time like this when people are doing even more for themselves and others, the demand has increased. Therefore, there is a quantity limit on certain items to meet demand and ensure everyone can get the products that they need, but all items are currently in stock.

We are of course practicing Social Distancing and Best Sanitization Practices, not only in personal life, but in business and manufacturing as well. So though demand for our product is ever so high and manufacturing continues, we will never compromise the health and safety of our employees and our customers.

From the start, we implemented new and stronger cleaning and disinfecting protocols in our factories and offices to ensure a clean and safe work environment, and clean and safe finished product. We’ve been practicing only the strictest of safety and sanitation measures to ensure JW products are manufactured, packed, and shipped in the cleanest environment possible.

We are fortunate that our factories producing JWT Products are currently deemed “essential business” and have been permitted to stay open and continue manufacturing. Even though we currently have no issues from our vendors regarding our material supply chain, we have made sure to have ample supply of tea and ingredients already here in America for production. These are unprecedented times, and things are changing day by day, but everyone at Tri-Sun and Jason Winters International is dedicated to doing everything we can to continue the safe production of JW Products through this difficult time, as we understand how many people worldwide depend on our products on a daily basis.  

These are extraordinary times, and I passionately believe that at such times we must all come together and do our very, very best to help one another, to contribute, and make a difference.  At Jason Winters International our mission is simple – It is about people. It has always been. It’s about ensuring that JW Products are accessible to everyone, especially those who are the most vulnerable, and especially at a time like this. We are absolutely determined to make a difference in this regard.

I do believe that the human experience – indeed, life is all about having resilience in the face of adversity and also having the tenacity to just keep going.

This is what we are doing. This is our motto.

We are resilient and tenacious. We are committed to doing the right thing. We are ready to serve. 

Best regards,

Sir Raymond Winters KCSJ 

President – Tri-Sun International / Jason Winters International
Sovereign Order of St John Knights of Malta

In Continual Service to Humanity for over 970 years

How Tea is Processed:

How Tea is Processed:

What Goes Into Getting Your Tea to You

Since it became the height of fashion during the Tang Dynasty in China  (618–907 AD), the growing and harvest of tea has spread throughout Asia and the rest of the world. For thousands of years, growing tea as a crop has spread to other countries, which include Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Iran, Kenya, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.

Even though there are four classifications of tea, they all come from the Camellia sinensis plant. Most tea plants thrive in high altitudes and in climates that are both warm and wet. There are some subspecies of the plant that prefers an environment that occasionally gets a little colder.  The difference between each classification of tea is how and when they’re picked and processed before being brought to market.

Tea Terroir

The term terroir comes from France’s Appellation d’Origine Controlee (AOC), which oversees quality and regional designation of wine, cheeses, and other agricultural products within the country. Terroir applies specifically to the regions and conditions where the wine grapes are grown. The same factors surrounding the conditions where tea grows and how it is harvested and processed also affect tea.  Soil, altitude, weather, climate, water, and sunlight all play a part in the terroir of the tea, which determines its quality, aroma, and flavor.

Harvesting & Processing the Tea Leaves

For the best quality teas, the plants need at least 3 to 5 years before they are ready for their first harvest. It takes between 7 and 15 days for a new harvest of buds or a “flush“ to grow. The spring tea harvest is called “first flush tea,” while the tea harvest in the fall is called “second flush tea.”

Tea leaves are picked by hand rather than by machinery because tea leaves are easily damaged. When workers harvest the tea on the tea plantations, it is only the top two inches of the tea plant or the second and third leaves of the bud which produce the finest teas. Tea farmers keep a very close eye on the growth of tea leaves. If there is too much growth, the quality of tea will go down. During any year, a single tea plant can produce a few thousand leaves.

After picking, the tea leaves move to processing.  The leaves are dried for 8 -24 hours on average before they move on to the next step. This initial drying of the tea leaves, known as withering, causes most of the moisture within the tea leaf to evaporate.

Green Tea

In the production of green tea, the next step of processing tea leaves is steaming. Steaming helps to prevent the tea leaves from losing any of their flavor. 

In some green teas, the leaves are stir-fried.  Traditionally this is done using a large wok. Both the processes of steaming or stir-frying seals in the aroma and will ensure that when the green tea is brewed, it will have a good color.

After steaming or frying, the tea leaves are shaped or rolled.  Rolling releases any of the remaining moisture. From there, the green tea is sorted according to size and quality before being brought to market. By the time the process is finished, the leaves have very little moisture.

Black Tea

For black teas, the process is a little different. After harvest, the tea leaves are withered and rolled, but there is an extra step after this.

After rolling and cutting, the leaves are spread out and left in a cool and damp room. This exposure to moisture and coolness causes the tea leaves to oxidize. Oxidization causes the green leaves to turn a light brown and gives black tea its flavor.  To stop the oxidization process, hot air is piped over the leaves. This darkens them further. The tea is then left to cool before it is sorted, graded, and sent to market for distribution.

Oolong Tea

Oolong, or “Black Dragon” tea, has a process between green and black tea.  Depending on the region and the methods used, it can have a sweet, fruity, woody, or smoky flavor. The significant difference is the amount of time that oolong tea is oxidized. Like black tea, oolong is withered, rolled, and dried; however, temperatures and timing are more closely monitored to preserve oolong’s complex range of flavors.

White Tea

Perhaps the rarest type of tea made from the Camellia sinensis plant is white tea. In Imperial China, this tea was only available to members of the nobility because it can only be harvested just two days out of the year before the buds on the tea plant are fully open.  It has only become more widely available outside of China just a little more than a decade ago. The oxidation process of white tea is stopped very early after its harvest to preserve its smooth, delicate flavors.

As you can see, each type or style of tea, whether green, oolong, black, or white, is processed differently.

Herbal Teas

Ask an herbalist or tea connoisseur, and they will tell you that herbal “teas” are not teas at all, but a tisane or an infusion. Herbal tisanes can contain leaves, flowers, seeds, bark, that are infused or boiled in hot water. Each plant within an herbal blend will offer its own set of tastes and health benefits when brewed. Some herbs have their own set of antioxidant properties, while others can relax you, aid in your digestion, or give you a boost of vitamins that can help you feel better if you’ve got a cold.  It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor beforehand to make sure the herbs won’t interfere with any medical conditions you may have or medications you might be taking.

Here at Sir Jason Winters International, we take great pride in offering only the finest quality teas and ingredients from around the world.  We believe in our products so much that if you are ever unsatisfied with any product you purchase from us, you can return the remaining portion to us within 90 days for a full refund of your purchase.

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 Babbette Donaldson, 2014, Adams Media

“ The Story of Tea: A Cultural History and Drinking Guide” by Mary Lou Heiss and Robert J. Heiss,  2007 Ten Speed Press, Berkley, CA