Grandfather Herb

Glycyrrhiza glabara or Licorice Root, is known colloquially around the world by many names, including Grandfather Herb. And it's use can be traced back as early as the time of ancient Egyptian civilization! The Egyptians believed that this herb, much in the same way a grandfather would care for his grandchildren, helped soothe and ease a variety of complaints and issues. So fond of the root were the Egyptians, that when Tutankhamen was entombed, licorice root was placed near his sarcophagus in the great pyramid at Giza!

Traditional Chinese medicine also believes that licorice root has great healing power as well. In traditional Chinese medicine, licorice root was ground into a powder which was said to help heal the spleen, liver and kidneys. Ancient Chinese medicine practitioners believed that healthy internal organs helped increase spiritual and mental harmony.

Licorice root was commonly used to help ease cough, sore throat and other respiratory tract ailments. Not only that but licorice root is believed to possibly help various digestive ailments as well; stomach ulcers, colic, heartburn and even chronic inflammation of stomach lining. Some gargle licorice root tea as a way to soothe canker sores and some even use licorice root as shampoo to help reduce oiliness in the hair!

However, licorice's possible health benefits are best seen when consumed in moderation. It is advised to limit consumption; avoid consuming large amounts for more than four weeks, or smaller amounts long-term. It is also recommended that pregnant women avoid licorice root all together.

Licorice lovers rejoice! You can feel good about enjoying this ancient and widely used herb.

A Tea Fit for a Royal Garden Tea Party!

It's almost May, spring has sprung and that means that we are nearing the time for the Queen of England's royal garden party at Buckingham Palace. We can assure you it's quite the affair; the Queen invites between 3,000 and 4,000 guests. Delightful nibbles are served, such as: cucumber and watercress sandwiches on white bread, smoked Scottish salmon paté, delicately flavoured Earl Grey cakes and most importantly, tea!

The invited are guests from the far flung reaches of the British Empire. The common thread is that they have all made contribution to the British Commonwealth of Nations. Guests rub

shoulders with lords, ladies, earls, dukes and duchesses from the aristocratic British society! At around 3:00 pm the Royal Family makes their entrance, mingling and chatting with the guests.

The tea served at this royal event is a long time favourite and a delicious and harmonious medley of high grown pure Ceylon Earl Grey, with malty notes of Assam black tea from the Borengajuli estate in India, as well as notes of soft and floral jasmine from the Fujian Province of China. And to top all that off is a bit of flavourful Dimbula Ceylon from Hatton and golden East of Rift Kenyan tea from Kambaa and Kagwe. And there you have one of the most delightful, flavourful and diverse teas known to the British Isles!

Become a part of the annual tradition that takes place in the west gardens of Buckingham Palace by getting yourself some of this wonderful blend of tea. Visit our online shop to pick up some of our Buckingham Palace Garden Party tea.

Add Some Pep-permint to Your Life!

Refreshing, soothing and uplifting, it's no wonder that after thousands of years it's still being used in everything from chocolates and sweets to toothpastes and mouthwash! Peppermint has been around for so long we still aren't sure how it came about;

it is believed to be a hybrid species that evolved from spearmint and watermint, but it's unclear if this is actually the case.

It has been reported to have been used as a stewing herb by ancient Hebrews, cultivated for menthol by the Japanese two thousand years ago and even found in 3000 year old Egyptian tombs! These ancient civilizations had good cause for being so fond of this wonderful herb; it's many healing properties along with it's refreshing fragrance make it highly desirable.

Peppermint has been used as a primary ingredient to remedy gastrointestinal complaints such as: heartburn, nausea, vomiting, morning sickness, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), cramps of the upper gastrointestinal tract and bile ducts, upset stomach, diarrhea, bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine, and gas. Peppermint's digestive healing properties coupled with the fact that it is naturally caffeine-free makes it an excellent, digestive system soothing, after-dinner beverage.

The minty herb has also been used to relieve the common cold, cough, inflammation of the mouth and throat, sinus infections, respiratory infections, headaches, toothaches, muscle aches and pains and even nerve pain!

Peppermint may even help during those hot summer months, when temperatures are high and mosquitoes are abundant. Adding a handful of peppermint leaves to bath water is said to help cool the skin, and a little bit of peppermint oil is said to help repel mosquitoes!

There are so many reasons to give peppermint a try, so why not?

Get yourself some peppermint herbal tea here.