Author: tealcreektea

Elder flowers (roughly two dozen species, depends on the region

I hadn’t realized this herb had become trendy because I’m completely out of the trendy loop. Truth be told I’m not sure I was ever in the trendy loop. I just love the simplicity of the white flowers, they are beautiful to me. I also love the flavor of Elder flowers which is more complex than you would think given the size of the flower. It’s flavor is a combo of citrus and vanilla while also tasting the way you think a sweet flower should taste. 

Traditionally, this little flower was used as an antiseptic, an anti inflammatory, for cold and flu, as an antibacterial, an antiviral and to help alleviate some allergies and boost immune system functioning. Elder flower, small but mighty. Now science can back up some of these uses because this beautiful flower is rich in bioflaviods, chlorgenic acids, and triterpenoids. A word of caution though, the flowers and berries are good for you. Everything else (leaves, branches, roots) is toxic and should not be consumed in any manner. 

Get on board with the Elder flower drink trend, you won’t be disappointed. Also, if you want to check Elder flower’s flavor out in a tea try our Ruby Mint Iced Tea. 

I stand face tilted upward basking in the lemony color of your warmth. My world is twinged with fiery orange and roasting red but my favorite is the lemon yellow. I take a sip of my iced tea enjoying its cold ruby red color. The trees sway in the slight breeze their bright green leaves mirroring the verdant mint in my tea. I sip again observing the azul of the sky, sharp and crisp. As I stand the there the colors of nature swirl around me on vivid display. I sigh in pleasure and continue enjoying my Ruby Mint Iced Tea.    

Honeysuckle Flowers Lonicera japonica

Honeysuckle Flowers are my favorite why to sweeten a blend yet. It’s floral, sweet, mild and contains just the barest hint of vanilla. Traditionally its been used to assist with digestive disorders, upper respiratory tract infections, viral and bacterial infections. Honeysuckle also contains anti inflammatory and pain relieving properties and can help lessen cold and flu symptoms. Please note Honeysuckle does come with a medication interaction caution: Medications that slow blood clotting (anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs) interact with honeysuckle. 

I used honeysuckle to bring sweetness to my Spring Trio and it is a star ingredient in Honey Licorice. Sweetness and system support in one package.

Heavy, I feel heavy, my spirit is heavy, my body is tired.

These weights, these energies are dragging me down.

I try to stay about but its too much, coming from too many directions.

Even the simple things seem ridiculously hard most days.

I go on because I must, dragging these weights behind me.

I want to put the weight down and run free but that not the world I live in.

I’m carrying weights my ancestors carried with more being added by the minute.

Weights designed to break me but I won’t be broken.

I may be bowed but I continue, just as my ancestors continued.

I will continue. 

Calendula Flowers Calendula officinalis

Calendula Flowers are often called the Poor Man’s Saffron for their color and their flavor. Their flavor can range for spicy to bitter, tangy to peppery but its over sharp taste resembles that of saffron. Calendula Flowers in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are considered energetically neutral and drying. It is used to treat sore throats or wounds in the mouth, menstrual cramps, cancer and stomach and duodenal ulcers. North American Indigenous Cultures has also used Calendula Flowers for upset stomachs. The flowers are rich in flavonoids shown to exhibit anti inflammatory, anti thrombogenic, anti diabetic, anti cancer and neuro protective activities in ongoing research. Calendula flowers also contain triterpene saponins and triterpene alcohols.

I used Calendula Flowers in my Spring Trio for their color and their kick. They balance the sweet flavors beautifully and the anti inflammatory properties are beneficial system wide.

There’s chattering, whispering, snatches of convos and thoughts happening deep inside my soul

I don’t know what these whisperings are about but my spirit is unsettled

I can’t fine a thread or an open door to bumble my way to understanding

It’s all locked up deep inside but causing me disquiet all the same

I want these disquieting things to make themselves fully known this way I can pull them out one by one, examine and process

Only then will my soul be settled

Only then will my spirit know quiet. 

Ingredient Highlight:

Chrysanthemum Flowers  Chrysanthemum morifolium

Chrysanthemum flowers are mildly sweet with herbal honey notes and the lightest undercurrent of mint. It’s used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat respiratory problems, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, reduce inflammation and calm nerves. Chrysanthemum provides a mildly cooling energy and its has a special affinity to the energetic channels that lead to the lungs, liver, spleen and kidneys. It is also recommended for reducing fever and cold symptoms in the early stages. I used Chrysanthemums in both my green teas (Secret Garden and Spring Sunrise) to accentuate the minty herbal notes and inject a bit of sunshine and calm.

Hey Everyone,

We have solidified which of our tea blends will be year round and which will be seasonal.

Moving forward we will be offering Hug in a Mug, Down n Dirty Daily Detox (4D), and Go Go Ginger Root Nutritive Tea year round.

Our blends for the summer are Ruby Mint Iced Tea and Cool Down.

We will be revamping/updating our website and Etsy store and will let you know when those changes have gone live.

Thank you for coming on this adventure with us.

The green leaves of the trees, sun dappled with wishes opening to the wind secrets we humans can not ken. Branches gently swaying, interesting shadow shapes floating by, telling stories we couldn’t begin to dream. Birds twitter, squirrels chatter, the stream burbles and gurgles, the song of nature long forgotten begins again.

Hops Flowers Humulus lupulus

Hops flowers are usually used to impart bitterness in a blend but depending on the strain they can provide floral, fruity or citrus flavors as well. Hops contains flavonoids and essential oils believed to helps with sleep, restlessness, anxiety and tension. Alternative medicine practitioners also believe the compounds found in hops have anti inflammatory, anti anxiety, analgesic (pain relieving) and anti cancer properties. Hops is currently being researched to see if it can assist with insomnia, hot flashes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and depression. 

I use Hops in both my green tea blends to provide a counterpoint to the sweet and inject an element of relaxation.