Juniper berries are often used in the culinary world as a spice to enhance meat, stuffings, sausages, stews, and soups and marinades. As an herbal remedy juniper berries are used in an herbal infusion by herbalists for urinary tract and bladder infections and inflammations and to to reduce water retention.
You can make juniper tea by adding 1 cup of boiling water to 1 tablespoon of juniper berries, covering, and allowing the berries to steep for 20 minutes. The usual dosage is 1 cup twice a day.
At Starwest Botanicals, we enjoy making herbal teas and infusions and wanted to share this video on making your own Juniper Berry Infusion. We stock high quality wild-crafted juniper berries and organic juniper berries for use in your own remedies and preparations.
Juniper should not be taken internally by pregnant women or by individuals with kidney problems. Juniper contains a potent volatile essential oil, oil of sabinal. Not for use exceeding four to six weeks in succession; contraindicated in inflammatory kidney disease. Before taking for a medical condition, it is best to consult with a physician.
Essiac herbal tea is thought by practitioners of alternative medicine to be a potent natural herbal formula used to fight cancer. Well-known for over 90 years, the proponents and critics of Essiac herbs are constantly going back and forth about the true efficacy towards our health. Essiac tea is recommended by herbalists as an alternative healthcare means of treatment for various forms of cancer and is used to alleviate symptoms and side effects of conventional cancer therapy, such as chemotherapy.
Buy Essiac Tea » All natural Essiac tea offered by the pound in certified organic and conventional blends. Blended according to Rene Caisse’s recipe using only the finest quality ingredients.
If you are new to drinking tea, you will want to understand what your options are in terms of selecting and preparing teas. Organic, fair-trade certified, black, green and flavored teas come available in tea bags or as loose tea. Tea bags offer a convenient way to enjoy this tasty beverage; they are even transportable so that you can keep some in your purse or briefcase to take to the office. Loose tea, however, offers you a world of flavor options because you can mix your own blends and choose the right amount of tea in order to bring your cup to the intensity you prefer. When you are using loose tea, a tea infuser makes preparing the tea much easier, whether you use a simple cup or make an entire pot. By using a wide mouthed infuser, your leaves will have more room to expand and the flavor will be deeper.
For tea afficianados, it is a thrill to take part in the amazing cultural event known as the Japanese tea ceremony. At the basis of the ceremony, certain types of green tea are prepared and served to guests in a highly ceremonial fashion. With Starwest loose green teas, you can enjoy the comforts of Japanese green tea easily in your home.
A little background is in order at this point. Green tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, the leaves of which are used in the production of Green tea. The leaves are processed using minimal oxidation in order to provide the unique flavor that has come to be expected from green tea.
You can find Japanese Green Tea in bagged and loose varieties. Loose green tea offers you the opportunity to make your own custom blends, and is a popular choice with fans of Japanese green tea.
New studies are following the use of Hibiscus in the fight to lower high blood pressure
Hibiscus tea is the infusion made from Hibiscus sabdariffa flower, an herbal tea drink consumed both hot and cold by people around the world. Hibiscus tea has a tart, cranberry-like flavor. It contains vitamin C and minerals and is used traditionally as a mild medicine, as it’s believed to reduce cholesterol. Certain health authorities have been working to build awareness around the diuretic properties of the tea, and its effectiveness in the treatment of urinary tract infections.New studies are following the use of Hibiscus in the fight to lower high blood pressure. Read the rest of this entry »
The European Observatory On Fair Trade Procurement defines “fair trade” as:
“…a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and
respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade…[contributing]
to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to,
and securing the rights of, marginalised producers and workers” (www.eftafairtrade.org, 2006).
Such produce (not limited to loose teas) is purchased either directly from those who raise it or from community co-ops in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The result is an improved standard of living for those who would otherwise be forced to deal with a number of intermediaries, each of which would be taking a cut – and typically, leaving the actual producer with little or nothing. Fair trade teas are brought to you directly from the families who actually work the land and process the goods – your assurance of a healthier, higher quality product raised in a sustainable and environmentally-friendly fashion. Read the rest of this entry »
Tropical Herb Tea
A fruit and herb tea that you will need to let steep in the fridge overnight, so prepare to make this recipe the day before you want to enjoy this exotic and tropical drink.
PREPARATION:
In 2 quarts water, bring herbs to a boil and let steep for 20 minutes. Strain out herbs. In a large jar or bowl, mix the fruit and pour the tea over top. Let refrigerate overnight. Serve chilled, with or without the fruit.
From Guest Writer: Sean Paajanen
