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If you're like me, you drink tea at all hours of the day... right up until (and sometimes past) bedtime.  This post is about one of those nights...  I love to sit outside, while drinking my favorite cup (or pot in this case) of decaf or herbal, in the summer when the night bloomers are active and take in the aroma of night blooming jasmine... Some orchids, too, only emit their lovely fragrances at night.  One of my favorite night time specticals is the opening of my night blooming Epiphylum cactus flowers. 

It starts out like this...

Then begins to open...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As the bloom grows larger...

You can literally watch it move and open...

 

When it is fully open, it resembles an angel with glowing white skirts...

There are diiferent varieties... Some that grow upright, like thick trees with many blooms at once.  There are several of these blooming now in my neighborhood.  Mine is a vine with flat segments...

Whether it is packaged in tea bags or is loose leaf, all tea comes from the same plant, the camellia sinesis. So why do some people prefer loose leaf tea?

As it turns out, there is a world of difference between the product found in a tea bag, and that found in loose leaf tea.

First of all, loose leaf tea is typically hand-picked, whereas the tea found in tea bags consists of small pieces of tea leaves. The latter results in a quicker and therefore more convenient brew, but not quite as much flavor. Additionally, tea bags may tend to give a harsher taste than loose leaf tea due to the release of additional tannins. Furthermore, because the leaves are broken up, the essential oils and chemicals that give tea its taste may evaporate, leaving the drinker with a poorly flavored cup. 

Additionally, tea leaves need space to swell and unfurl. Obviously, this is not possible to any large degree in a cramped tea bag. Good water circulation is also important, and, again, this is much more easily attained by brewing loose leaf tea than in a tea bag.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, there are more flavor varieties available in loose leaf tea than in bagged tea.

Make your next cup loose leaf, and I promise you won't be disappointed!

I am lucky enough to live in a very outdoorsy city where the opportunity to hike, bike, run and picnic in lush, green surroundings is very accessible. As with most beautiful, lush, green places, allergies often creep into your day and wreak havoc on outside adventures. If you're like me, you'll do everything possible before taking antihistamines that leave many people weirdly wired and in no condition to enjoy the rest of their day. 

In search of a natural remedies and immune boosts to combat allergies, I came across numerous articles and studies supporting rooibos as a common cure for seasonal allergies. While the effects of the tisane are believed by many to eliminate or prevent symptoms of allergic reaction, it must be noted that the theory is not scientifically proven and may not work for some. If you're anything like myself and other allergy sufferers, you'd rather try drinking tea before many of the other options!

I've listed a few benefits of rooibos tisane that further support drinking rooibos to reduce allergy symptoms or prevent allergic episodes. After reading, you may decide to try this option for yourself. At the very least, you will end up with a delicious cup of rich, nutty, flavorful tea!

• Rooibos contains bioflavanoids that interfere with histamines, a chemical produced in your body. When too much histamine is released, it results in allergic symptoms including red eyes, wheezing, runny nose, itchy skin and sore throat.
• Rooibos is a natural, strong antioxidant that not only protects the body from damage but also repairs damage from free radicals and boosts the immune system.
• Drinking rooibos is an acceptable from of allergy relief throughout the day and evening since it is caffeine free.
• There is a theory that rooibos may block hormones which cause inflammation, a key cause of allergic reaction symptoms.
• Rooibos contains vital minerals for reducing inflammation and slowing aging: zinc, calcium, magnesium and iron.
• By inducing calm and reducing stress, rooibos may help you sleep more soundly. Adequate sleep and minimal stress are essential to boosing the immune system, fighting allergies and promoting overall health.

Are you trying to lose weight, maintain your weight, or lower your blood sugar or cholesterol?  If so, then I'm sure that at one time or another you have tried to accomplish your goals by skipping dessert.

But really, who wants to skip a sweet ending to a long day of work or school?

Fortunately, you can still have your sweet ending but spare yourself the calories and the guilt.

Instead of choosing a cupcake or other traditional sweet, indulge in one of the dessert teas produced by California Tea House. With such flavors as Chocolate Chai, Fruity Dream, Lemon Meringue Pie, Gingerbread Chai, and even Tiramisu, there's sure to be something for every sweet tooth!

These custom blended, dessert teas by California Tea House calories per cup range from 3 to 15. With that kind of guilt-free pleasure, why should you ever skip dessert!? 

Women have conquered unthinkable odds in the past few decades. We've  become multifaceted business moguls, competitive athletes and supermoms who fight for rights and break glass ceilings. With the world at our fingertips, why then can it seem impossible to conquer our own hormones?

Herbal teas and natural herbs found in loose leaf tea blends may provide a basis for balance and promote your well-being. From PMS, through pregnancy and even menopause, you can find a useful tea in each facet of feminine health!

Pre Menstrual Syndrome: PMS

• A few herbs often seen in hot teas are known to ease symptoms of PMS. These include valerian root for cramping, dandelion to decrease bloating and stinging nettle which promotes healthy blood to relieve anemic type symptoms and fatigue.
• Bedtime teas are great if you're experiencing PMS as they often contain valerian root for pain, aide in relaxation and do not contain caffeine, which can make PMS symptoms worse.  
• Chamomile tea is another option for reducing discomfort as it soothes the stomach, reduces anxiety and calms the mind and body.

Pregnancy

• While some teas are safe to enjoy during pregnancy, it is important to avoid caffeine, carefully read tea ingredients to ensure they are all safe and always check with your midwife or doctor before ingesting any new product!
• Ginger teas are useful to any experiencing nausea or an upset stomach and especially usefull to women with morning sickness. Ginger is even safe during breastfeeding. **
• Peppermint tea also calms nausea, settles the stomach and has a cooling factor and delicious taste~
• Red rasberry leaf is an ingredient in many pregnancy teas that is rich in iron and believed to not only reduce nausea as well, but also promote uterine health. **

Menopause

• With many menopausal symptoms occurring simultaneously, many women find ocmfort in natural cures. Tea is a healthy supplement to a routine targeted toward menopause discomfort.
• Teas with mint, black cohosh or sage in them can significantly cool and reduce hot flashes.
• Licorice root found in many tea blends eases fatigue and mood swings and chamomile tea settles anxiety and helps combat menopausal insomnia.
• In addition, drinking tea daily, especially green tea, may slow the visible and physical effects of aging and can have an impact on reducing bone loss!

Personally, I love peppermint teas and blends with chamomile and dandelion to be some of my favorite additions to a hot tea routine aimed at bringing balance and promoting health. Find your own combination that best benefits your needs so that you can live each day happy, strong and to the fullest!

**represents information approved by the American Pregnancy Association