Sisters Leap Tea 101

Tea Production

There are 39 tea-growing countries around the world, producing six separate classes of tea.  The common factor of all tea produced is the tea plant known as Camellia Sinensis, however there are several varieties of this plant that are named for where they are cultivated and harvested, for example var. sinensis (China Bush) and var. Cambodi (Java Bush).  The tea plant produces all of the types of tea we have come to know: green, oolong and black.  The fine teas that Sisters Leap retails come from a high quality leaf, and consistent manufacture process.  On most plantations, this means tea leaves have been plucked by hand.  However, notable exceptions are Japanese plantations where tea leaves are harvested mechanically and from tea gardens where the tea is processed by the cut-tear-curl method (also known as CTC).   There is a basic formula to tea manufacturing  - plucking, sorting, cleaning and drying are common to most tea plantations.  After the initial drying cycle, the tea is then manufactured according to the classifications of green, oolong and black.  We will be happy to discuss the particular methods with you, so please contact us if you want to know how your tea was produced!

Sisters Leap Sourcing Methods

Sisters Leap Exceptional Teas is committed to retailing only the finest and highest quality black, green, oolong teas, Rooibos, Honeybush and herbal tisanes available on the market.  Our loose- leaf tea products come from established gardens and plantations where there is a history of consistent production and quality.  Many of our products are farmed organically or naturally without the use of pesticides or other chemicals.  In some cases, as in Kenya, the plantations are at such a high altitude there are no naturally occurring pests that target the tea plants. This ensures that quality teas are farmed using inexpensive natural methods, and the benefits are passed on to consumer.  Rooibos, also known as Red Tea, is a naturally caffeine free bush native to South Africa.  Rooibos is often farmed using organic methods, ensuring a sustainable tea plantation future for South African farmers. Honeybush is an indigenous shrub native to South Africa and is a naturally caffeine free source for brewed beverages, delicious hot or iced and receives it’s name from the sweet  smelling yellow flowers which cover the bush during flowering season. Honeybush is traditionally harvested from ‘wild’ plants; however, due to rapidly increasing demand for larger and consistent orders, several honeybush nurseries have been established in South Africa with the assistance of Rutgers University and the Herb Research Foundation of Colorado.

Health Benefits of Tea

There is continual and ongoing scientific research into the health benefits of tea brewed from the Camellia Sinensis plants and their variations.  Brewed tea has a complex chemical structure, including caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, polyphenols, catechin and catechin-derived antioxidants.  An amino acid known as theanine is also present and is believed to induce a sense of relaxation to offset the presence of caffeine.   Most tea consumers are interested in the polyphenol compounds of tea.  Polyphenols are antioxidants, and scientists are studying these compounds to understand their potential for boosting our immune systems, maintaining healthy bacteria in our intestinal tract and preventing or delaying the onset of disease.  Polyphenols found in brewed tea are important as they stop the damaging effects of oxidations and negative effects of free radicals in the body.  A diet high in antioxidants can include several cups of tea daily. Green tea is an especially high source of antioxidants, and has been reported to be a 100 times more effective than vitamin C and twenty-five times more effective than vitamin E in protecting our immune systems.   In addition to boosting your antioxidant intake, tea is a good source of hydration and helps to maintain a healthy metabolism.

However, teas that contain caffeine and higher levels of tannins (which interfere with iron absorption) may encourage tea drinkers to look towards Roobois and Honeybush herbal brews, which contain no caffeine and little tannin but a substantial number of benefits.  Research into Rooibos tea shows that it contains anti oxidants, flavonoids and has 50 times more Superoxide Dismutase (an enzyme which is prevents free radical damage) than green tea.  As an anti-spasmodic, Rooibos tea has been widely reported by mothers to help with stomach cramps and colic in infants.  It also contains Quercetin, which is a natural anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory compound.  It is reported to have a calming effect on the central nervous system and can aid in minor sleep problems. Honeybush tea also contain a wide variety of isoflavones & coumestans (anti-fungal, anti-viral properties as well as reduces the risk of osteoprosis and some cancers), xanthones (anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-depressant properties) and flavones (anti-oxidant and anti-aviral properties) just to name a few.

Red Raspberry Leaf

Pregnancy

 (This is not intended as medical advice - please contact your health professional before using if you are pregnant, nursing or plan to become pregnant as every woman is different!)

Rich in iron, this herb has helped tone the uterus, increase milk production, decrease nausea, and ease labor pains. Some studies have even reported that using red raspberry leaf during pregnancy can reduce complications and the use of interventions during birth.
There is some controversy about whether this should be used throughout pregnancy or just in the second and third trimester, so many health care providers remain cautious and only recommend using it after the first trimester.

 The leaves contain high concentrations of Vitamin C and Vitamin E, as well as Vitamin A and some B Complex. Increased Vitamin A intake in the form of the carotenoids of red raspberry leaf can aid the women’s immune system as well as facilitate healthy skin and bone development for the baby. Vitamin E serves to promote better circulation in the mother who is dramatically increasing her blood volume during pregnancy. The Red raspberry leaf also contains many essential minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, and an easily assimilated form of calcium. An increased availability of calcium is necessary in controlling nerve response to pain during childbirth and in aiding bone development in the fetus. It also contains fragrine, an alkaloid which helps tone the muscles of the pelvic region including the uterus. This allows the uterus to contract more powerfully and effectively during labor. Also, many midwives report that it aids in focusing the pre-labor contractions that help a woman’s uterus to prepare for delivery. The high vitamin and mineral content help replace those lost via blood loss during delivery. Also, the alkaloids will continue toning the uterus as it returns to its usual size. In some women, the high mineral content may even help their milk to come in. Some people believe it is not recommended for breast feeding and use of the leaf should conclude with in 6 weeks of birth. However, according to Every Woman's Herbal, raspberry leaf tea will enrich the mother's milk, especially during periods when the baby is going through a growth spurt. Continuing to consume raspberry leaf after the baby is 6 weeks old is not dangerous to the mother or the infant and may be beneficial.

Medical Ailments

The leaves are described as astringent in use, due to tannins found in the plant. Astringents can be effective in soothing inflammation and constricting the tissues of the intestines to prevent water loss. Tannin content in red raspberry leaf may provide an effective treatment to soothe diarrhea or intestinal inflammation, especially in children. It can also be used as a mouth- wash to soothe mouth and throat irritations.

Raspberry leaf tea also acts as an astringent on irritated skin by tightening the top layers of skin or mucous membranes effectively reducing secretions, relieving irritation, and improving tissue firmness.

Preparation

Raspberry Leaf Tea can be made by the infusion of 15 grams of the dried leaves in two cups of boiling water. Often taken cold, the tea can give immediate relief to mouth and stomach problems.

Disclaimer:

Sisters Leap Exceptional Teas cannot be held responsible for the results of misuse or use of any tea or implication of health benefits contained within this document or website as a whole.
The information outlined in the website and in particular, the Tea 101 information page, should not be used to treat any ailment or imply in any way that tea or its use is a treatment or prevention for any health or medical condition. This is a quick informational review and is not intended to diagnose or treat any health condition.  If you take medications please consult your health practitioner if you plan to drink teas or herbal tisanes to ensure there are no contraindications.