What is Tea?

Many people in the West think of tea as any plant or herb steeped in water. When we speak of tea, we are speaking specifically about the Tea plant - Camellia Sinensis, Assamica, and a small number of other sub varietals. It is this plant, and how it is grown and processed that gives us Green Tea, Red Tea (known in the west as black tea), Oolong Tea, Pu'erh Tea, White Tea, and Hei Cha (black tea).

Known in Chinese medicine as the "Queen of all Herbs," the Tea species of plants have been used for thousands of years throughout Asia as a medicine to balance the elements within the body, bring spirit back to the eyes (shen), and as a quintissential tool in monasteries for meditation.

What is Qi?

Qi (Chi) refers to the vital life force energy that flows within all living beings. When Qi is balanced and flowing smoothly, a person experiences good health, vitality, and a sense of well-being.

The energetic effects that drinking tea has on the body and mind are described as the Tea's "Qi". The quality of Qi differs uniquely from tea to tea- from the properties of the leaves, the quality of the environment it was grown in, to the way in which the tea is processed, aged, brewed and consumed, all influence the flow of Qi in the body and promote a sense of balance, vitality, and harmony.

The Qi from tea is best experienced through slowing down, tuning into the sensations in the body, and drinking in a meditative way. This is the ancient path of Cha Dao, or the Way of Tea.

Wild Tea, Clean Qi - Are our teas Organic?

The biggest problem that Tea faces today is the mass use of agrochemical fertilizers and pesticides. These chemicals harm the environment and pollute the waters, mountains, forests and delicate ecosystems where Tea is grown.

Grown without care for the Earth, Tea's properties as a medicine are lost- chemically grown teas can scratch the throat, poison the body, and lose the vital Qi that was once present when it was grown in a natural, harmonious way.

We seek out Tea for it's subtle energetic qualities as a plant medicine. We are always searching for tea that is growing in wild forests, biodiverse or abandoned gardens, seed grown plants as opposed to clones, and especially old growth trees- the older the better!

While Wild and Ancient teas represent the ideal- the reality is that there is not enough wild leaves to support the entire world's tea consumption. At the very least, all tea should be grown organically and in harmony with the Earth and it's ecosystems.

Some of our tea comes from small plantations and gardens that are unable to afford organic certification.

While organic certification is important, what is more important to us is that our Tea was grown in a harmonious way, and that no pesticides or chemical fertilizers were used, preserving the essence and subtle Qi of this plant medicine and teacher.

What is Cha Dao?

Cha Dao (茶道) is a term in Chinese that translates to "The Way of Tea." It refers to a set of practices and principles that are associated with the preparation and consumption of Tea, which have been developed over millenia in China and other countries in East Asia.

At its core, Cha Dao emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, simplicity, and respect for the natural world. It involves a range of rituals and techniques that are designed to bring out the best qualities of Tea, and to create a sense of harmony and connection between the tea drinker, the tea, and our environment.

Cha Dao is more than just a way to prepare and drink tea. It is a way of life that emphasizes slowing down, being present in the moment, and finding beauty and meaning in simple things.

Is there Caffeine in Tea?

All Camellia Sinensis, Assamica, and it's sub varietals contain caffeine. Any tea referring to caffeine free is referring to herbal teas.

Tea also contains many properties that promote calmness and relaxation, especially well aged teas. This feeling of calm and awake has been used as an aid for meditation for thousands of years.

The effects of tea are much different than the effects of coffee or other caffeinated beverages. This is due to the synergistic effects of all the compounds within Tea. Tea also releaes it's caffeine in a much slower way over multiple steepings.

Tea can improve focus and alertness without creating tension on the nervous system. It harmonizes the body and can create a deep sense of peace and wellbeing.

Does Tea go bad? What is the shelf life of tea?

There is a reason why teas that have been aged for many years often are the most premium price- many teas age well, adding depth and complexity to flavor, aroma, body, as well as the qi, especially with puerh and oolong teas. Traditional green teas are best drank sooner than later, and many Red Teas again gain in complexity, flavor and qi with time.

The key is how the tea is stored. Typically, tea likes a moderate, dark place, such as a cupboard or drawer. Tea is a sponge for other smells and oils, so keep tea away from other herbs, unless you want your tea to taste like oregano! The absolute best way to store tea is in a clay pot or jar, but otherwise tea will keep well in a dark, cool location. If you live in a very humid or tropical environment, it would be best to store the tea somewhere dry, or keep it sealed in plastic or mylar.

Our biodegradable bags are okay for storing tea long term, but it would be better to transfer the leaves to a clay jar, or fully seal airtight, or between 60-68% humidity for ideal storage conditions.