Categories
|
 |
| |
|
|
Archives:
|
|
| |
|
|
Meta:
|
|
| |
|
|
|
May 23, 2010
We have just updated our tea menu – You’ll find several new additions
Our 2010 First Flush Darjeeling will arrive next Month – we tasted a variety of samples with a group of customers and Picked a Gopalhara Estate
We’ll add an Organic Green Nilgiri FOP in July – This is an Indian green tea reminiscent of a Dragonwell – A nice addition
Tropical Sunset Returns in June – This black tea has notes of South Sea fruits.
A Souvia Exclusive Blend Pear Helene arrives in June – A Green Tea based blend with hints of pear.
A summer bestseller – Sencha Pina Colada lets you enjoy the taste of the islands
Another Souvia exclusive is Quiet Mind a caffeine free blend with lavender and coconut notes. Look for it in July.
 The Powerful Adaptogen Organic Astragulus joins our growing line up of loose herbals.
We say goodbye to
Mousse au Chocolat
Lemon Drop
Kukicha
They are available until June 30th or when they run out.
May 10, 2010
Latin Name: Crataegus oxycanthoides
Parts used: Leaves, Flowers, Berries
Contra-indications: According the European Commission E, there are no known contraindications. It is however recommended that children and pregnant women don’t take Hawthorn.
Drug interactions: Hawthorn may increase the effects of the heart drug “digoxin”. Consult with a healthcare professional before combining hawthorn with any heart medication.
Hawthorn, also called Mayflower, is a small to medium-sized tree with umbrella-shaped clusters of white or pink flowers and dark shiny green leaves. In Europe, Hawthorne has been know for centuries as a heart tonic and is nowadays widely used as a treatment for heart disease.
Hawthorn preparations are the among the most popularly prescribed botanical medicines in central Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, but has also gained in poplularity here in the U.S.
Hawthorn is used to treat heart irregularity and palpitations, atherosclerosis, angina as well as hypertension and nervousness. It is also used to support and strengthen the heart. Among herbalists, it is recommended as a tonic to steady the heartbeat, increase blood flow to the heart muscle and to strengthen the blood vessels.
Dosage: For an infusion take 2 tsp of leaves/fruit per cup of boiling water and steep for 10-15 minutes, depending on the desired strength. Drink up to 2 cups daily. Alternatively, it can be taken in tincture form; take 30-40 drops in a small glass of water or juice twice daily.
As with all herbal supplements, always check with a professional health care provider before taking Hawthorn medicinally.
April 29, 2010
Tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts. They are more potent than infusions and deliver a more consistent amount of the plant’s healthy chemical compounds. They are best taken diluted in warm water or juice.
How to Make Your Own Lemon Balm Tincture
Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis is a great herb to use if you need a little relaxation or have a nervous stomach. It helps those frayed nerves to calm down.:
What you need:
- Fresh or dried lemon balm
- Cutting board, knife or food processor
- A clean glass jar (mason jar )
- Solvent of choice (grain alcohol (e.g. vodka), glycerin)
- Funnel
- Labels
Step 1: Chop the herbs either by hand or in the food processor. Often dried herbs are already cut and sifted and don’t need to be ground any further.
Step 2: Place 1 part of the herb to 5 parts liquid in the jar. Liquid needs to cover the herb well. Label the jar (name of herb and date) and place the jar in a warm, dark place for at least 4 weeks. The longer the herb sits in the solvent, the more potent the tincture will be. Shake the jar daily and add more liquid if necessary.
Step3: Strain the tincture through a fine wire-mesh strainer lined with a cheesecloth or coffee filter, in to a measuring cup.
Step 4: Pour the liquid carefully into dark bottles, using a funnel and label these with the name of the herbal and date of preparation.
April 8, 2010
Name: Urtica dioica
Parts used: fresh or dried leaves
Use: Internal and external
Contraindications: None known
Side Effects: None known
Drug Interactions: None known
Character: cool, dry, astringent
Actions: astringent, diuretic, tonic, nutritive, circulatory stimulant, promotes milk flow, lowers blood sugar levels,
,
It is the season……Allergy season that is! Eveything is in bloom and many of us have a difficult time seeing nature blooming and blossoming out of our watery and itchy eyes. Allergies are rampant this time of year and many of my customers have asked me if there isn’t a way to treat allergy symptoms naturally. There is indeed!
Nettle is one of the most effective natural treatment for allergies, especially itchy eyes and sneezing. The reason for this is that stinging nettle contains natural antihistamines and anti-inflammatories which can open up constricted bronchial and nasal passages and thereby reducing unpleasant allergy symptoms.
Dr. Andrew Weil, Director of the Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, uses and and recommends this herb for seasonal allergies and in 1990, the National College for Naturopathic Medicine in Portland Oregon was able to scientifically support what herbalists have know for a long time. There, a double-blind study was conducted to explore the efficacy of a freeze-dried preparation of stinging nettle on allerigc rhinitis. The study showed that the group treated with the nettle preparation showed moderately better results than the participants in the control group which were given a placebo.
As with any medication, botanical or otherwise, before pursuing a course of self-treatment, always consult your physician if you are pregnant, nursing a baby, or being treated for any serious condition.
In addition to helping relief allergy symptoms, stinging nettle has many other benefits and makes a deliciously tasting infusion:
- Nettle leaf is a blood builder
- It is rich in calcium and Vitamin C (which aids iron absorption)
- It is used to reduce uric acid and to treat gout and arthritis
- Acts like a light laxative and diuretic (high in potassium)
- Used to treat skin conditions (eczema)
- Builds adrenal and kidney function
Infusion:
1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves per 6oz water, steep anywhere from 5-15 minutes. (The longer the steeping time the more potent the medical properties of the infusion)
March 11, 2010
Spring is in the air and with the sunshine, warm temperatures and flowers in bloom, many of us feel the urge to sweep winter out the door and give our homes a thorough cleaning. Why stop there? After the (over-) indulgences of the holidays, our bodies could use a little help as well, getting rid of waste and maybe some unwanted weight. A gentle herbal cleanse is easy and can support the body’s natural detoxification process.
In order to deal with toxins, the body produces excess mucous or fat and traps them in there temporarily. Eventually the mucuous breaks down and the toxins seep into the bloodstream where they can cause tissue damage. Storing waste in such a manner means that in many cases, people may be carrying up to 10 pounds of unhealthy, mucous harboring toxic waste. The result is that we feel sluggish, have PMS, digestive disorders, headaches, joint pains, bad breath, allergies, skin breakouts, poor memory, depression …the list goes on and on.
How does detoxification work?
Detoxification means cleansing the blood. This is done by removing toxins from the blood in the liver where toxins are processed. The toxins are then eliminated through the kidneys, instestines, lungs, lymph and skin. While our body is equipped to rid itself very efficiently of waste, our world has become such a toxic place (air pollution, chemical cleaning products, food additives, etc.) that it is important to support this naturally occurring process from time to time. A fast, for example, can give the body a rest so that it can focus its energy on elimination and cleansing. Other steps in lightening the toxic load are to:
- eliminate alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, refined sugars, and saturated fats
- minimize use of chemical-based household cleaners and personal care products and substitute with natural alternatives
- include some meditation, relaxation exercise or simply an nap to de-stress
- eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruit and fiber
Drinking herbal infusions which stimulate the liver to process toxins faster and more efficiently, is something we can do daily. Mother nature provides some wonderful herbals that are not only very effective, but also tasty and easy to prepare. My favorite cleansing herbs are Nettle (Urtica dioica) and Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale). Nettle is a popular spring tonic since it cleanses the liver and builds blood. It is rich in calcium, iron and vitamin C. Dandelion complements nettle in that it also targets liver and kidney cleansing, but it also tones the stomach, gall bladder and intestine, improving absorbtion of nutrients. It is a very safe diuretic due to its high content in potassium and iron
To maximize benefits, blend the two herbals together and maybe add a little mint or lemon balm for flavor. For an herbal infusion, use 1-2 tsp of herbs per 8oz of boiling water and steep anywhere from 5-15 minutes. Drink 2 cups per day.
March 7, 2010
 Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has been used by herbalists around the world for thousands of years. From China, where it has been used to heal sore throats, treat respiratory and digestive problems it made its way westward. Hippocrates, the Greek physician Dioscorides as well as the German abbess/herbalist Hildegard von Bingen all swore by the powerful healing properties of this sweet tasting root.
The plant itself is perennial, reaching 2 meters in heigt from a root system of taproots and branch roots. It can be found in southern Italy, Spain, Russia and other countries east of the Mediterranean. While it still grows wild, it is now extensively cultivated to meet global demand and to protect the plant.
The materia medica of the American Botanical Council indicates that licorice is in the FDA ’s list of herbs generally regarded as safe.
Parts used are the rhizome and root.
Licorice has widely been used to
- relieve coughs, sore throats, break up congestion
- soothe the digestive tract
- support adrenal function and combat stress
- fight disease-causing bacteria and the fungus responsible for vaginal yeast infections
- stimulate and strenghten the immune system
- strenghen and balance the female reproductive system
Licorice is 50 times sweeter than sugar and is added to chocolate to extend the sweetness of sugar. It is also used by brewers to give body and color to porter and stout. Did you know that licorice is an ingredient in the Irish ale “Guiness” and used to flavor the Italian liqueur “Sambuca”? It is used in the make up of many other products, but interestingly the popular candy “licorice” does not contain licorice root but gets its flavor from a distant cousin “anise”.
To make a decoction that can be taken for coughs, colds and to soothe stomach ulcers, put 1 1/2 oz of licorice root in 1 1/2 pt of water, bring to a boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain and drink as required.
While licorice is considered safe, it is not recommended during pregnancy and for those with liver conditions, severe kidney disfunction or suffering from hypertension. If taking prescription drugs, it is always advisable to consult with your physician first before taking any herbals medicinally.
December 15, 2009
Kerstin just finished making a ton of great cookies and sweets for Christmas. I absolutely love German goodies and look forward to them every year. I really enjoy something a little sweet after dinner. While my kids can eat sweets without any outward signs, I have to spend more time hiking the mountains or on the treadmill to counteract the effects. Fortunately, there are some alternatives that satisfy but don’t pile on the calories. Teas and Herbals can provide the sweet treat without the guilt – Teas like Pumpkin Pie, Tiramasu Marscapone and Gingerbread House are examples of very low calorie teas that even when not sweetened, curb the cravings.
Kerstin was recently on Sonoran Living Live here in Phoenix to talk about this and even gave a recipe for a Chai Latte that has less than a quarter of the Big Chain’s calories with no compomise in flavor.
While I plan to occasionally indulge with the home baked goodies, it is nice to have a alternative for days when I don’t have the time to work it off.
Have a great Holiday time whatever your tradition!
November 12, 2009
| |
 |
|
| |
|
Contents
New Website
Sage
It’s that time of Year
|
|
Featured Items
Gingerbread
House
Just in time for cooler
temps – smooth and
aromatic – Caffeine
Free
We have lots of
great, personal
gifts for the tea
Tea Tools Basket
This kit has all
the tools needed to
dive into the world
of tea
Be our Fan!
Cold Chaser
Savory and soothing
this German Blend of
herbs can naturally
boost one’s immunity
and shorten a cold
|
|
|
What’s New?
|
|
 Just as we are updating our physical presence, we have updated our virtual one this month! We launched our new website this week with:
Take a look and tell us what you think!
Check out the events section below for the tea sale, free back rubs and music.
Trick or Tea has come and gone. However, for a Limited time we can get it by the pound. It will take about 6 business days from time of order – Can only be ordered in one of the stores.
Cranberry-Peach (black), Nutcracker Suite, Gingerbread House(rooibos), and Harvest Moon(green) are in the stores. Look for Ambrosia White in December.
Tea Word of the Month: High Tea [hy tee] –noun : a meal usually with breads, meats and cheeses served after 6pm often confused with Afternoon Tea but more of a meal than a social diversion
|
|
Herbal Corner – Sage – “all is well”
|
|
 Sage (Salvia Officinalis) was the first herb my grandmother introduced me to. I still remember the honey sweetened, aromatic tea she gave me to soothe my sore throat when I was sick.
The generic name for sage, salvia, is Latin and means “to heal” and in ancient Rome and Greece Sage was believed to heal everything, from snakebites to colds. It was also attributed to have memory enhancing properties. Every country’s herbal healers, from China to Europe, recommended Sage and, because of its many medicinal properties, it became known as the herb that could extend life to the point of immortality.
It is true that sage has very powerful antibacterial and antioxidant properties, and was therefore used by the Greek and Romans as a meat preservative. Even today, it is no accident that we are so fond of adding a little sage to that Turkey stuffing!
Medicinally, sage is a wonderful digestive remedy. It stimulates the flow of digestive enzymes and bile and helps settle the stomach and relieves indigestion.
Sage is also known to be a tonic to the nervous system, enhancing the body’s strength and vitality.
Its antiseptic properties have been relied on in wound healing and the mild estrogenic effect may help relieve menopausal problems, especially hot flashes.
The French call this herb “toute bonne”, which means “all is well”. Indeed, Sage has many healing properties and should not be missing from your herbal remedy kit.
|
|
It’s that time of year!
|
|
No, we’re not putting up Christmas decor just yet but we are thinking about it. Some upcoming events -
-
We will have our “after Thanksgiving sale” on Friday and Saturday, November 27th and 28th – In Phoenix, we will have free chair massages for everyone spending $20 or more
-
We’ll open Sundays, 12pm-5pm on December 6th, 13th and 20th
-
On Fridays – December 4th, 11th, and 18th , music returns to Souvia from 4pm-6pm with some soothing Recorder to de-stress for the Holiday
-
In January, “Souvia Saturdays Community Forum” begins. These will be held in the Phoenix location from 10am-12pm on certain Saturdays. We have three speakers already lined up, See the topics on the calendar or Blog. Ideas? Send them to info@souvia.com
|
| That’s it for now… |
|
It was great to see so many of you at the Local First Festival – If you missed it, pencil in the first Saturday in November for next year. For those with an eye for detail or design, please send us feedback on the new website – I will draw two names to receive 50 grams of any of our Holiday teas!
We hope to see you in the stores but if not, remember we ship everyday, locally and nationwide!
|
|
Meet the Author
|
|
 Meet Author and Speaker Greg Petersen at the Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe on Monday, November 16th at 7pm. Greg will be talking about a new and unique series of mini books designed for the busy, fast-paced life we live. The series, called The Urban Farm’s Simple Sustainability Series – The first two are out My Extraordinary Yard and Fowl Play
|
|
 |
|
|
| |
 |
|
|
November 9, 2009
Thanks to Bella Donna of BHealthyBHappy LLC, (and a guest Souvia Instructor) for the nice note and great recipe that follows
“Dear Souvia,
I have been using your teas as a base in my healthy smoothie drinks for years now. There are
so many different flavors and I appreciate the quality of products that you offer. I have recently
discovered your Angel’s Kiss tea and must say that the smell alone is ‘heavenly’. The flavor
is absolutely delicious and am going to start using it in one of my smoothies that I offer to
clients who come for detox treatments.
I thought I would share my recipe in case you could pass it on to your customers and I think
they would appreciate it as my clients do. It offers many health benefits and is especially good
now with flu season upon us. Enjoy, share, play with the ingredients.
Bella”
www.BHealthyBHappy.com
IMMUNE ENHANCING SMOOTHIE
Mix in a bowl:
4 T. yogurt with 2 T. organic flax seed oil
Mix in a blender:
1 t. honey
1 t. bee pollen
1 T. cinnamon
1/4 cup fresh lemon or lime juice
2 T. freshly ground flax seed
5 soaked and rinsed almonds
5 soaked and rinsed walnuts
1 apple with seeds and skin, remove top and bottom of core
1/4 cup organic grapes
1/4 cup fresh cut pineapple including core
2 T. Brewer’s yeast
½ cup any flavor kombucha
1 cup green tea
5 spinach leaves
Add yogurt and flax seed oil mixture
Re-blend and serve immediately.
September 16, 2009
?
| ? |
 |
? |
| ? |
|
Contents
? ?
Early or Late
?
Immunity
?
All about Tea
|
|
Featured Items
?
Banana Split
?
Smooth black tea with
? a rich banana taste –
As yummy as the
dessert without the guilt
- Great Iced!
?
?
?  ?
?
Souvia on TV
?
Check out our most
? recent TV appearances
?
August 11th on
?
?
and see us August
12th? 9-10am on
?
?
? Jiaogulan
?
?
Jiaogulan is best known
as an herbal medicine
reputed to have
powerful? antioxidant
and adaptogenic
effects that increase
longevity.? It has a
pleasant Oolong like
taste and color.
|
|
|
Early or Late…
|
|
 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
As many? children head back to school the summer? spontaneity is exchanged for? more structured routines. Traffic? flow changes, stores are less crowded during the day, and other schedule patterns change.? Based on customer feedback, Souvia is making some schedule changes too:
?
Monday, August 17th? our Phoenix location will open at 7am – Monday through Friday
?
Our Scottsdale location will stay open until 7pm, Monday through Friday.
?
? Hopefully this will allow those needing an early cuppa or those who work later and a chance to visit.
?
With all the news about flu and illnesses transmitted in schools, we have invited Dr. James Moore, NMD,? back? to speak? about herbals that help boost and strengthen one’s immunity – naturally.? ? He is a popular speaker so be sure to register your seat early for the August 31st session.?
?
Watch for new teas as we move into Fall.
? ?
Tea Word of the month:? ? FTGFOP [eff-tee-jee-eff-oh-pee]? adjective?  ? ? Literally, Fine Tippy Golden, Flowery Orange Pekoe – A grading term based solely on how the tea leaves look, used primarily in India, Kenya, and Sri Lanka
|
?
|
Kerstin’s Herbal Corner – Staying Healthy
|
|
 ?
Staying healthy at home as kids head back to school.
?
While in Germany, we heard about the “Schweinegrippe” (swine flu) as it is daily? headline news.? Many German kids are in school until late July and the flu bug showed no mercy this summer in the US either, affecting camps across the country and sending many kids home sick with the flu.? ? While some of the stories are a bit hyped and overblown, no one likes to get sick.
?
Now that children are back in school and socializing with others, what’s the most natural way to protect you and your family?? ? Below are? five suggestions of what to do when your son or daughter brings home more than just homework!
?
-
Start by incorporating more black tea in your diet -? Black tea has been shown to have anti-viral properties and? it is also an immunity booster.
-
Consider herbal infusions: Elderberry, astragulus, lapacho, in addition to Cold Chaser are all great additions to tea to keep you healthy.? ? Elderberry can also be made into a syrup to help at the first sign of symptoms.?
-
Besides drinking herbal remedies, reduce stress to help ward off a bug.? ? Sitting down to enjoy a cup of tea is a great way to slow down for a moment.? Choose what works for you be it exercise, yoga, or whatever.
-
Consider infusions rich in vitamin C.? Hibiscus and fruit blends fall under this category.
-
Arm yourself with information.? Learn more about natural herbal medicine, or consult a Naturopathic doctor and learn how the body can heal itself.? ? ? Take a class
?
While natural remedies can shorten the course of an illness, it is best to take steps before symptoms appear.
|
|
It’s All about the Tea
|
|
 ?
We were invited in July to visit one of our suppliers in Germany.? As you know, we like the Germans due to the excellent flavorings and vigilance over things that do not belong in Tea,? ? We spent several hours tasting over 60 teas both flavored and Orthodox.?
?
Tasting this many teas requires that one does not actually swallow them but it is a great exercise and helps determine the relative tastes and quality of teas.? We tasted teas and herbals covering the price, flavor, and quality spectrums.
?
The result?? You’ll be seeing some new teas in the fall some not currently available from any other source in the USA.? ?
?
We continue to explore new ways of staying in touch.? ? Dozens of you? are following ua on Twitter – we are posting the teas of the days, interesting news items on tea and other items? that may be of interest.? ? We have recently also started a Facebook page.
? ?
? Our goal is always to educate and enlighten our customers about tea and herbals.? We hope the web based technologies enhance that.
? ?
Other news about our teas
?
-
Larger Tins – up to 250 grams of tea – keep it fresher, longer.
-
One Pound Size – an excellent value for teas you love
-
Key Lime Pie - back for a limited time and only while supplies last
|
| That’s it for now… |
|
Thanks for reading this month.? We hope you will stop by for a morning brew in? our Phoenix location or shop until 7pm in Scottsdale.? ? Question of the Month:? A European study indicated that adding something to black tea might reduce its benefits to the cardiovascular system.? What did it refer to?? I will draw a name from the respondents to get 50 grams of the black tea of your choice.? Send you answers to info@souviatea.com
? ?
We hope to see you in the stores but if not, remember we ship everyday!
~?
?
|
|
 |
|
? |
| ? |
 |
? |
|
Older Posts »
|
