Showing posts with label Herbal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Herbal. Show all posts

January 25, 2011

Product Review: It’s Moringa

It’s Moringa is an nutritional supplement made from the pulverized leaf of the Moringa Tree.  Had I not been given this sample to test out, I probably would never have heard of this product, which in my Internet research is being touted as the super hero of the health world. This nutritionally-packed product hails from Africa and is slated to have (per tablespoon) 46 antioxidants, protein, iron, calcium, amino acids, plus a wealth of essential vitamins and minerals. Lose Weight, Feel Great!  It’s Vegan & Gluten-Free!

It’s Moringa is not the only company starting to market this product – so chances are we will be hearing more about the Moringa plant in the near future.  Perhaps I am ahead of the curve then on knowing about this and you can say that you read it here first.

Review:  Despite the fact that they are calling their product the It’s Moringa Superfood Tea, it is not a tea.  It is an herbal product, but has no camellia sinensis.  Much like Matcha, this product is a powder.  The powder is so fine that it diffuses right through the teabag that they sell it in.  Should you choose to buy any Moringa, I suggest purchasing the canister, as it clearly doesn’t work cleanly in teabag form. 

For lack of better description, the taste of Moringa is extremely green and leaf-like.  It tastes similar to Nettles. Again, as a “tea” (or infusion) it’s not my favorite taste but this product is versatile.  Their website suggests using it in soups and stews and shakes, so I tried it out as part of my morning breakfast shake. I added a tablespoon of Moringa to my usual recipe of soy milk, bananas and wheatgerm.  It was a fast and easy way to boost the nutritional content of shake.  I am considering buying a canister, because I’ve been looking for a whole foods supplement and I hate taking pills. Or maybe their cookies!

About the Company:  With 2/3rds of the world suffering from either undernourishment or malnutrition, It’s Moringa has partnered up with Vitamin Angels and Nourish America to help end this crisis.  A portion of each product goes to these organizations, so you don’t just nourish yourself, but you help to nourish others at the same time.

February 26, 2010

Recent Reviews: Steepster

I was surprised to find that I had received some reviews on the tea-tasting journal/social site Steepster. Only 1 of the 4 reviews on Steepster are of PersonaliTEA blends for which I am known. The other three are the simpler Christmas blends that I made. As I was not expecting to find myself on this site at all, I was overjoyed that someone had taken the time to review my blends. I thank all of you who have sipped and given feedback.

So here are some recent reviews for Mad Pots of Tea!

Harvest Dreams (aka: California Harvest) -- this herbal concoction is like running through a field of sunflowers. There's a taste of Autumn, of sweetness, of hiking through a forest.

NOTE: This review written by the person for whom it was designed. It is the only blend on Steepster that reviews a PersonaliTEA. She has since ordered a half-pound of her blend because she felt it was just that damn good. [excuse the blatant self-promotion, but I am extermely proud of this tea]


Peppermint Dreams
-- a surprisingly refreshing minty blend of white tea, candy canes & peppermint. This is strictly a holiday blend and is not currently available.

Silent Night - I call it my liquid chill pill. Made of 5 organic herbs all known for their soothing properties. This is by far the most relaxing blend I have ever made and it has been one of my most popular holiday blends two years running. Also a popular blend with kids, especially as it has no caffeine.

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Have you sampled a Mad Pots of Tea! Blend - please share with me your review.

If you have not sampled a Mad Pots of Tea! blend and would like to review it for your website/blog, email me!


December 04, 2009

Catch Madam Potts LIVE: December 11th

Tis the season to share the warmth of friends and family -- and what better way to do that than with a pot of tea? As many of you know, my company only sells custom blends of tea. Obviously, as a tea artisan blender, these PersonaliTEAS are not the only blends I have, in fact I make many many blends of tea. So anyone hoping to find other Mad Pots of Tea! blends must seek me out in person. It just so happens that those local to the Jersey Shore region will have their chance next Friday, December 11th.

Just in time for the Holiday Season,
Mad Pots of Tea! is releasing 3 Seasonal Blends
~


* Silent Night: This herbal mix of soothing, relaxing, caffeine free herbs will help your find your calm amidst the holiday rush. Great before bedtime too!
* Peppermint Dreams: This minty white tea mixed with candy canes and peppermint will have you dreaming of a white Christmas... and
* Chocolate Orange Spice: Chocolate and spice and everything nice in a black tea blend! Yum!

These 3 Teas will be featured at the Ocean Avenue Holiday Bazaar!
Come and Meet Madam Potts
When: Friday, December 11th
Time: 6-9pm
Where: Ocean Avenue PTA Holiday Bazaar
Address: 235 Ocean Avenue,
North Middletown, NJ
See Map

Now if you would like any of these teas (loose, bagged or in Mad Bags) and you don't live in the New Jersey area, email me and I will ship your order anywhere in the world!

November 02, 2009

I Love Lavender!

It grew slowly.

My fascination....my preference...my love... of Lavender.

I cannot say with great authority who or what influenced or introduced me to the intoxicating floral scent, but indeed I have become quite find of its pleasant, clean aroma.

Be it powder, body wash, lotion, tea, satchets, incense or essential oil (in all its many applications), Madam Potts is simply Mad about Lavender!

So it only increased my heart's flutter to have received a lovely package from my "Tea Ami" from Paris, France...featuring none other than Lavender.

Was it the tea cup shaped, hand-sewed satchet, stuffed with Lavender as grown (as the note explained) from a garden in Provence.....or perhaps (what I detect as being:) the Earl Grey with Jasmine Flower & Lavender tea blend, "Espirit du Bouddha"...or the card depicting tea pouring in a lavender themed tea cup....

If I was not already planning to go to Hawaii in March, I would be headed to France. Delayed perhaps, but this trip will happen. And I shall frolic in the fields of French Lavender.

....merci pour l'inspiration!

May 27, 2009

All in the Family...

Not too long ago, my sister stayed with me for a few weeks. As you cannot enter my kitchen without acknowledging the overt presence of tea, it didn't take long before curiosity took over.

She had decided she would try her hand at blending some herbs. I came home and she asked me to sample her new blend. I was delighted that she has taken a recent interest in my teas, as I do not come from a tea/herb drinking family. I never push what I do on my friends and family. So for her to decide to give it a whirl I couldn't have been happier. The blend she created, Slow Ride, was a relaxing blend with a hint of spice to it. Steep 4-5minutes.

I thought I would share this with my readers, as a reminder to never be afraid to try your hand at blending.

Slow Ride
White Tea
Sage
Ginger Root
Damiana

March 06, 2009

New Blend: Lemon Trance



Solidly proving my point that tea is for everyone and that it is far from stodgy, my latest PersonaliTEA creation is based on a metal rock band called Spiral Trance.
These 4 guys are a dedicated group of rockers, touring the country from Milwaukee to New Hampshire and areas in between, living the rock-n-roll lifestyle which, indeed, includes lots of tea. After all, you can't be on stage every week singing and not take care of your throat!

And now, they have their own tea: Lemon Trance.
Now, I don't listen to hard rock. But in the same way I hear people tell me, "I don't drink tea" there is something inherently gained in trying it out anyway. You never know when you will be pleasantly surprised. After all, I have surprised a lot of "non-tea" drinkers by having them sample some true quality brew. So I am happy to report that Spiral Trance got my pot rockin' and I have been playing their new CD non-stop in my car...and that it made for a lively tea party last week.

Even if Spiral Trance's music isn't your cup of tea, I encourage you to try their new blend: Lemon Trance. This energizing, throat comfort tea is sure to go the distance to keep you going. In the yerba mate based blend is a spiral of lemon-y herbs and a touch of echinacea.

Own Spiral Trance's new CD -- click to order: www.ratpakrecordsamerica.com/spiraltrance.

October 29, 2008

Herbal Spotlight: Lemon Grass

I have been utterly addicted to Lemongrass.

I've been using it cooking, I've been adding it to my massage oils, and I've been blending like MAD with it....face it, I want to be on a exotic tropical island locale, and lemon grass takes me there.

With its lemony scent and hint of rose aroma, lemon grass is an essential ingredient in Thai and Indonesian cooking. Lemon grass grows wild in Indonesia, Indochina, and tropical Australia, and it is cultivated in southeast Asia and Sri Lanka as a culinary herb and in India as a medicinal herb.

Medicinally (as a tea or the essential oil), it is used a digestive tonic, as it promotes the digestion of fats and stimulates the liver. With its warming aspects, it is an all around immune stimulant and is unique in its stress reduction capabilities - which I can believe, because if I was in Thailand, I'd be eating well and would be very happy...

Drink it, eat it, breathe it....
I'm sure you could even bathe in it, and I may just have to...

If you have not taken a trip to Thailand in a teacup,
I would invite you to do so.

I will share with you some of my favorite blends as of late...

Mad Pots of Tea! BLENDS INSPIRED BY LEMONGRASS

Kick Back & Relax:
Lemongrass, Oatstraw & Lavender

Autumn Spiced Hug:

Lemongrass, Fennel Seed & Ginger Root

Thai Chai:
Darjeeling Tea, Lemongrass, Orange & Lemon Rind, Ginger Root, Kava Kava, Black Peppercorn, Cardamom, Cloves and Tumeric-encrusted Coconut Flakes


February 23, 2007

MAD Grounded

Meanwhile, I have been drinking MAD pots of roots....burdock, astragulus, echinacea - all good for the immune system....even tried dandelion this morning (detoxes the blood, good for the liver but VERY bitter).

Each time I take half an ounce of root to a pint (2 cups) of water - steep 8 hours for true medicinal brewing. I prepare this before I go to bed. I wake up, strain the infusion and drink.

What with the wacky weather changes, I've made sure that I pumped up the immune system this time. I get sick at the drop of a hat - heck - I've lost my voice for sitting in air conditioning!

And so far so good. For 2 weeks now I've been drinking down the roots.

I'm starting to drink herbs in the morning and my teas at night. It varies..what I drink..but I seem to be following a new pattern. And its got me feeling very strong, internally, physically, mentally.

What with the massive changes I am making in my life, some grounding is Good.

September 26, 2006

Yum! Rooibos....

Fall is a great time of year - the crisp yet cool days offset by warm sweaters, the colors and trends that change to reflect a cozy comfort of life. Reds, oranges, browns... And so it is with teas too. I like to explore different tastes throughout the year. And now it is time that I switch my lighter greens and fruity herbals for richer blacks and my new favorite: Rooibos

(ok, so Rooibos falls more appropriately under Herbal, as it is not from the Camellia Sinensis plant)

I love the reddish-amber color of the te - reminiscent of autumn leaves. I crave the sweet and slightly nutty flavor and the crisp, brisk taste on the tongue, like a walk through the park on a cool September afternoon....everything about it screams AUTUMN!

In the last tea swap I received a number of different rooibos blends, and it's only been this last week or so that I started tasting and comparing them. I am finding that additives like mango makes it too sweet in my opinion. And it doesn't go well with peppermint (though again, every man for himself when it comes to taste preferences). I have liked the Caramel Creme and the Spicy Nuts from Essencha. They seem to understand the underlying warm and toasty notes of this tea.

I bought 4oz of organic Rooibos from my supplier and will be playing with some equally warm and toasty blends....to me Rooibos calls for blends that are creamy, spicy, warm, roasted, nutty, rich.... Just thinking about it makes me want to cuddle up with a good book and flannel blanket and a pot of Autumn's Tea.

April 04, 2006

After Meal Delight: Lemon Lift

The two things that I am sure to do everyday is to drink tea....the other is to eat. Yup. Everyday. Always happens... It is no surprise that the 2 are invariably connected. It is for that reason that I created a caffeine-free blend to soothe the stomach and aid digestion.

So, for your palate's pleasure I offer you:

LEMON LIFT
Lemon Verbana
Fennel
Lemon Rind

A simple blend - simply refreshing....


For prices and to place your order: email me at I LOVE LEMON

March 20, 2006

New Blend: Petal Pusher

Today is the Equinox, the time of year when the night and day are in balance.

While the cold air is still upon us (the better for drinking tea)...soon the warmer weather will bring the flowers and the colors and the sun.

In honor of this, I have created:

Petal Pusher Tea
Peach Black Tea

Rose Petals
Lavender
Chamomile
Chysanthemum petals
Calendula
corn flower

Available in white tea or straight herbal (no tea) too!

To order yours....I LOVE FLOWERS!

Check back for new blends

Keep Your Tea Cup Happy!

March 09, 2006

The Lovin' Herbful

It was my opportunity to take a one-night class with Robin Rose Bennett, my favorite teacher and herbalist....and during the course of the evening, we talked about herbs and spices that can be used to stimulate the blood, relax the mind and body, herbs that can be drunk or burned all in the name of setting the mood (both internally and externally).

Among the superstars of the evening was the herb Damiana. Prior to this class I was not aware of this herb. But alas, I am in love.

The fact that this herb was used by the Ancient Mayan and Aztec civiliazations as an aphrodisiac only added to the already alluring taste and fragrance. And with most aphrodisiac herbs, they tend to be anti-depressants - no coincedence I'm sure ;) Damiana is used for a variety of reasons, which I will not go into here. But having finally purchased and sampled it in a tea, I felt the discovery merited a blog entry.

I can't WAIT to start blending this one. I think my blend, My Sweet Love could use a make-over...and there's a few people I'm sure who will be very interested as well.

Naturally, everyone using any herb or botanical should do there own research. As I am not writing a college thesis paper, I have no desire to write out that research in this entry, but I will recommend a few web sites.

Read more about Damiana.
and
More Damiana.

Cheers to keepin' it Hot in your Pot...

January 31, 2006

Favorite of the Week: Oat Straw

I have been having a lot of fun with my new favorite herb: Oat Straw.

Full of minerals and vitamins, this soothing nervine does wonders for the mind and body. Tastes a touch grassy (as the name suggests), but synergizes nicely with other herbs for a relaxing blend and calming aroma. I'm even starting to steep my Oat Straw overnight and then heating it up again in the morning for a strong shot of the soothing pleasantries this herb offers.

I seem to be at no loss for Oat Straw blends. And everyone who has tried them has always asked for more. That's no surprise given that it is a nourishing herb and one that most people are not familiar with (and novelty has a unique effect within itself)

So, just reporting from the kitchen...

Stay tuned as I report on further ideas and herbs that I am using.
I'm looking forward to making my blends available for purchase in 2006.

Happy Sipping!

October 23, 2005

Herbal Spotlight: Calendula


Having read plenty about Calendula flower (for all its herbal health and cosmetic properties), I was eager to finally buy some myself. Most people have heard of it by its common name marigold - and is seen in many gardens across the US, known for its vibrant yellow petals.

From Greek mythology, it is said that these flowers were once love-struck wood nymphs, turned into flowers by Apollo's sister, Artemis because of their constant arguing for Apollo's attention. In the Roman times it was a sign of luxury and was traded in the Far East for black tea.

Marigold is said to ease digestive distress, soothing the stomach and bowels; relieving lymphatic systems; improves liver functions. As a first aid ingredient, it can be used as a remedy for any skin eruptions, cuts or sores. It makes a beneficial face wash and skin toner too! (you know Ill be experimenting with that!)

So last week, I was finally able to buy some from my favorite herb shoppe: Flower Power
I could spend countless hours studying, inhaling and playing with the wall of herbals in their store. In fact, I hope to work there in the near future. And while they have no openings at present, I'm keeping my petals crossed....

I found the mild taste to be a wonderfully synergetic in a tea blend and am looking forward to playing with this flower in more blends....in the meantime...Enjoy this tasty digestive blend :

Feeling Mari-Golden
2 parts Plantain
2 parts Calendula

1 part Anise

October 11, 2005

Herbal Spotlight: Rosemary

I've been doing a little research (ie: web surfing and flipping through my kitchen witch-ery books on herbs and teas), which I do from time to time.... And I am finding the most interesting things on Rosemary.

A popular scent in many a cosmetic formula, recently touted for anti-bacterial properties (anti-viral too, making it a great steam inhalation in the cold/flu season!). Rosemary has been used by herbalists to support the circulatory and nervous systtem, relieve muscle pain and spasm, stimulate hair growth, enhance concentration and improve memory.

It was the "improving memory and enhancing concentration" bit that caught my eye....

Then I read that combing 1-2 drops of Rosemary eseential oil in your hair every day would also be a boost for the ol' memory. I started doing that. Gives the hair a great sheen! Even the very smell of rosemary can awaken the senses instantly
(I love the smell of rosemary in the morning!)

So, naturally I thought, I should make a tea!

I then created a special "Brain Food" blend, that featured Rosemary as the prime ingredient, among a few other herbs that shared the same memory-enhancing properties. To be effective, one should drink 2-3 cups a day... every day.

When asked if I had any marked improvement, I had to admit:
No....because....I keep forgetting to drink it every day.

Irony rears its comic head.

March 08, 2005

Fun with Herbals!

So I went to Flower Power and bought new herbs!

*Dandelion Root
- Slippery Elm

*Elderflower
-Alfalfa

Can't wait to have the time to taste each of them individually and experiment with them after!

I've been reading about the effectiveness and usefullness of herbs, so this should be fun AND good for me!!

Watch for more Mad Pots!