March!

Spring Equinox is right around the corner! March 20, 2023 to be exact. So, for those of you experiencing crazy cold weather still, hang in there and enjoy these last bits of frost. Another poll went out for this months tea blend and it's exactly what I, myself needed to add a little oomph to my cup. Hope you enjoy this vibrant combination of fruit, berries, roots, and leaves.

Disclaimer: It is the policy of Blu Radical Apothecary LLC not to advise or recommend herbs for medicinal or health use. This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement of any particular medical or health treatment.

March's Monthly Tea Box Loose Leaf Tea

(Hibiscus, Red Raspberry, Goji, Peach, Licorice, Rosehips, Orange Peel)

HIbiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa): All Roselle are hibiscus plants, but not all hibiscus plants are Roselle. The species Hibiscus Sabdariffa is the Roselle plant. Common names include Roselle, Red Sorrel, Sorrel, Bissap. Native to West Africa, the plant is very versatile. You can cook the leaves or toss them in a salad. The calyx – a fleshy, cup-like plant structure at the base of each flower with a red color - contains the plant’s seeds, which can be roasted and brewed like coffee. The fruit-like calyx taste tart and sweet, similar to cranberries. The calyces are what are used in herbal tea.

Some but not all benefits include: May help provide relief from menstrual pain and hormone balance, rich in ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, boosts immune system (prevents cold and flu, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial propertie, helps to treat discomfort caused by fever, aids digestion, treats constipation, research studies have suggested that hibiscus extract lowers the absorption of starch and glucose and may help with weight loss, contains antidepressant properties like flavonoids, calms the nervous system, contains hibiscus protocatechuic acid which has anti-tumor and antioxidant properties, hibiscus tea can reduce blood pressure by up to 10 points, according to research done at Tufts University in Boston, rich in iron. 

Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus): Raspberry leaves taste much like black tea, without the caffeine. Raspberries are native to Asia and arrived in North America via prehistoric people, with the first records of domestication coming from the writings of the Roman agricultural writer Palladius in the 5^th century. The leaf was traditionally used in ancient times to prepare the womb for childbirth, to aid delivery and breastfeeding, and some farmers used it for their pregnant goats. Other uses were as a remedy for common ailments due to its abundance of minerals, vitamins, and tannins.

Some but not all benefits include: a tonic to improve fat metabolism and encourage healthy BMI levels, supports menstrual cycle, a source of protective antioxidants, helps support indigestion, bloating and diarrhea, fights gum disease. 

*Do not take in large amounts if close to childbirth 

Goji (Lycium barbarum): Goji berries (Lycium fruits) are obtained from two closely related plants, Lycium chinense and Lycium barbarum. They are usually found in Asia, particularly in northwest regions of China. Goji berries have been used in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) for centuries in soups and as tea. Goji berry translates to wolfberry. One theory as to the origin of the wolfberry name stems from speculation that Chinese farmers saw wolves sheltering among the dense goji berry vines.

Some but not all benefits include: high in amino acids - goji berries provide 8 essential amino acids, high in zeaxanthin a powerful antioxidant, high in vitamin A & C, rich in iron and potassium, can help lower blood pressure, goji berries regularly can enhance lymphocytes, which are the red blood cells that protect the body from harmful bacteria, full of immune-boosting antioxidants that help fight free-radicals and inflammation, improves depression, anxiety, and sleep. 

Peach (Prunus persica): The entire peach plant can be used in traditional medicine. The young branches and flowers, after maceration in water, yield a volatile oil, which is chemically identical with that of bitter almonds. The leaves, bark, flowers and kernels have medicinal virtue. Both the leaves and bark are still used to this day. They have demulcent, sedative, diuretic and expectorant action. Specifically used for irritation and congestion of the gastric surfaces, whooping cough, ordinary coughs and chronic bronchitis, the dose being from a teaspoonful to a wineglassful as required. 

Peaches originated in China, where they are native to northwest China. Origin name Tao zi maning peach fruit. Archaeologists believe that peaches in China were first domesticated along the Yangzi River, where they have found fossilized peach stones believed to be from 6000 BC. The fruit has long been considered a symbol of longevity and even immortality in its native China. Chinese mythology tells of a group of deities celebrating the everlasting life provided by the fruit every six thousand years, in an extravagant ceremony called the Feast of Peaches. The Ancient Romans referred to the peach as malum persicum ("Persian apple"), later becoming French pêche, whence the English "peach".

Some but not all benefits include: Peaches provide 15% of the daily requirement of Vitamin C for most people. Peaches also contain Vitamin A, E and K, niacin, folate, iron, choline, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, zinc and copper, in small amounts, rich in antioxidants and neutralize free radicals and preventing oxidative damage at a cellular level, antioxidants reduce the risk of developing a range of health conditions. I also recommended eating a peach :)!

Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra): In Chinese, licorice is called gan can, which means “sweet herb.” The earliest references to the licorice root—Glycyrrhiza glabra—date all the way back to 2300 BC, and its genesis was in China. It was said that Emperor Shennong classified more than 300 different medicinal plants, and one of the most important plants he classified was licorice. It was used traditionally for treating a variety of conditions, including lung, liver, circulatory, and kidney diseases. The ancient Egyptians used it as a pharmaceutical, and copious supplies were found in King Tut's tomb. Egyptian hieroglyphics record the use of licorice as a popular beverage among the men of the time. Manuscripts from 360 A.D. talk of licorice helping eye ailments, skin diseases, coughs, and loss of hair.The word liquorice, or licorice, is derived via the Anglo-French lycorys, from Late Latin liquiritia, itself ultimately derived from Greek γλυκύρριζα, glykyrrhiza (the Modern Greek spelling of the genus is γλυκόριζα, glykoriza) literally meaning 'sweet root' and referring to Glycyrrhiza glabra. 

Some but not all benefits include: Aids in digestion, contains anti-inflammatory properties, can help in relieving stomach ulcers, sore throat and cough remedy, anti-inflammatory and immune booster, helps relieve constipation, antiviral, good for adrenals, helps with depression, good for balancing hormones in male and female, helps relieve yeast infections, treats arthritis, good for oral health, helps push pathogens out of the body, helps with thyroid conditions, fibromyalgia, and shingles. 

Rosehips (Rosa canina L): The exact origin of rosehips still remains a mystery but we do know there were popular in Asia and were widely used during prehistoric times. there is evidence of use by Swiss lake dwellers in prehistoric times, to Mayans and Egyptians. The ancient Chinese, Persians, Romans and Greeks all appreciated the benefits of the fruit, sometimes called a hip or a haw. They used it as both, herbal remedy and nutritious food. Traditionally used to treat kidney stones, gastroenteric ailments, hypertension and respiratory problems such as bronchitis, cough and cold. Rose hips contain high levels of vitamin A, C, and are full of essential amino acids and well as polyunsaturated fats like ALA. Rosehips are also high in antioxidants. The term "Rosehip" possibly coming from the Greek word "kunorhodon" meaning "dog rose" referring to the properties attributed to the root of the Rosehip.  

Some but not all benefits include: Rich in antioxidants, supports healthy immune system, supports healthy heart, promotes healthy BMI, found to contain high levels of polyphenols, carotenoids, and vitamins C and E, all of which have powerful antioxidant properties, high in flavonoids that help reduce blood pressure, anti-inflammatory may help in aiding to reduce inflammation and pain. high levels of vitamin C promote collagen in skin, also contains the carotenoid astaxanthin, which may have anti-aging effects, as it helps prevent the breakdown of collagen.

*do not drink rosehips if taking lithium

Our Melody Tea Contains Rosehips Too!:

Orange Peel (Citrus x aurantium): Orange peels tend to be overlooked once the juicy bits are extracted. However, the peel has so many powerful benefits of its own that you might second guess tossing that peel next time around or at least be excited to know that there are orange peels in this batch of herbal blend. 

Some but not all benefits may include: helps reduce cholesterol due to pectin, helps lower blood pressure as an anti-inflammatory - traditional Chinese medicine has been using orange peels for thousands of years, contains hesperidin and polymethoxyflavones which are powerful anti-inflammatory agents that help with arthritis, joint pain, redness, and swelling, keeps blood sugar stable which help with diabetes, supports healthy gut related issues - pectin also plays a part in this, helps clear out mucus for coughs, helps fight indigestion, stomachaches, bloating, and heartburn, helps with constipation, soothes motion sickness

GET YOUR BOX

Aroma and Flavor

brisk, citrus, sweet

Tasting Notes PDF HERE: Print as many as you want when you get your box in! This is also fun to do with friends & family. 

GET YOUR BOX

New here? If you are on the fence about getting your box here’s what you can expect each month:

What You Get In Your Monthly Tea Box:

Small Batch Loose Leaf Tea & Seasonal Infused Honey!

Tea

Hand-crafted organic small batch loose leaf tea.

GET YOUR BOX

(Above Image: Variations of what our tea boxes may look like, small apothecary gifts may vary. Tea, honey, and reusable bags are consistent.)

16+ Delicious cups 

Your monthly tea box makes 16+ fresh cups! Or 32+ cups re-steeped.

Local Infused Honey 

The perfect pairing with your tea, infused with different healing ingredients to bring you different flavor profiles of honey. 

FREE Shipping 

Explore loose leaf tea, shipped for FREE.

More Details

Your tea will make 16+ cups or 32+ re-steeped cups. Your tea box also contains reusable muslin tea filters + healing honey + monthly herbal tea plant profile + downloadable tasting notes + steeping information.

ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS INCLUDE:

• Hand-crafted organic loose leaf herbal tea
• 1.5 oz. Jar of organic seasonally- infused honey
• Each Tea Box makes 16+ cups (32+ if you re-steep)
• Reusable and biodegradable filters
• Steeping guidelines and tasting notes
• Exclusive 15% discount on tea in the apothecary shop
• Small gifts from the apothecary - items vary, not specific
• 50% off MEMBERS ONLY portal (coming SOON!)

What Makes Our Tea Boxes Stand Out Compared To Store Bought Tea Boxes

-Loose leaf tea + combinations

-Biodegradable/Recyclable packaging 

-Small Businesses Support

-Freshness

-Detailed information about specific herbs

-Customizable 

-Shipped directly to you

Disclaimer: It is the policy of Blu Radical Apothecary LLC not to advise or recommend herbs for medicinal or health use. This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement of any particular medical or health treatment.

Steeping Guidelines/Directions 

1. 205 degrees F water
2. 1-2 teaspoons per 8 ounces of water.
3. Steep for 5-7 minutes
4. Strain.
5. Enjoy!

Note: Always store herbs in a cool dry place, feel free to transfer the contents to a glass jar. 

References: