Tea has been enjoyed by humans for about as far back as our recorded time goes. Some reports say tea was first discovered in China some 5000 years ago. Whether true or not, tea has inspired great changes in our history and evolution, because without tea, many of the medicinal benefits of plants may have gone unnoticed. In herbal medicine, tea is among the finest applications for introducing the medicinal benefits of plants into our bodies.
I’m an fourth generation herbalist who practices making plant-based medicines and natural body care, and I employ tea often for various ailments and conditions. Why? Because when boiling hot water is paired with plant matter, the plant’s flavor, aroma, nutrients and minerals, and the plant’s general essence is infused with the water, and so, when ingested these molecules and compounds enter the body and have a wide range of effects. For instance, lavender is very calming and sedating while ginseng is quite invigorating and energizing, so when a need arises, there’s almost always a plant that can provide benefits toward everyday wellness.
One of the latest crazes in the tea world is Matcha, which is a green tea from Japan. Matcha.com describes this tea as such, “More than 1,000 years ago, tea farmers in Japan began crafting matcha, a powdered green tea made from the whole leaf and renowned for its health benefits. Zen monks celebrated it for its ability to help them focus during long periods of sitting meditation. Samurai warriors partook of it before battle to gain mental alertness and clarity. And today, many people from around the world enjoy a bowl of matcha for the pleasure it provides as well as its positive effects on mood, energy, and general health.”
Medicinal benefits of matcha are reported to include powerful antioxidants and an overall detoxifying effect, as well as boost metabolism, calm the mind, ease anxiety, enhance mood, improve focus and creativity, prevent heart disease and type 2 diabetes, encourage weight loss and some people use it to prevent cancers (but further scientific study is required before such claim can be guaranteed). Side effects are rare since matcha is considered safe when consumed in small amounts, but since it’s a green tea and does contain caffeine, in excess amounts, one might experience headache, insomnia, irritability, diarrhea, and heartburn.
Matcha is a vibrant green powdered tea that has a special preparation… Heat water until steam first appears then pour 1/2 cup of hot water into a matcha bowl to warm it. Discard the water and dry the inside. Scoop 1 teaspoon of sifted matcha powered then pour 2 ounces of hot water. Use a special matcha tea whisk and stroke it through the mixture back and forth and then agitate the mixture to a froth with quick strokes. Viola, and now you have a proper cup of matcha tea.
One of the latest crazes in the tea world is Matcha, which is a green tea from Japan. Matcha.com describes this tea as such, “More than 1,000 years ago, tea farmers in Japan began crafting matcha, a powdered green tea made from the whole leaf and renowned for its health benefits. Zen monks celebrated it for its ability to help them focus during long periods of sitting meditation. Samurai warriors partook of it before battle to gain mental alertness and clarity. And today, many people from around the world enjoy a bowl of matcha for the pleasure it provides as well as its positive effects on mood, energy, and general health.”
Medicinal benefits of matcha are reported to include powerful antioxidants and an overall detoxifying effect, as well as boost metabolism, calm the mind, ease anxiety, enhance mood, improve focus and creativity, prevent heart disease and type 2 diabetes, encourage weight loss and some people use it to prevent cancers (but further scientific study is required before such claim can be guaranteed). Side effects are rare since matcha is considered safe when consumed in small amounts, but since it’s a green tea and does contain caffeine, in excess amounts, one might experience headache, insomnia, irritability, diarrhea, and heartburn.
Matcha is a vibrant green powdered tea that has a special preparation… Heat water until steam first appears then pour 1/2 cup of hot water into a matcha bowl to warm it. Discard the water and dry the inside. Scoop 1 teaspoon of sifted matcha powered then pour 2 ounces of hot water. Use a special matcha tea whisk and stroke it through the mixture back and forth and then agitate the mixture to a froth with quick strokes. Viola, and now you have a proper cup of matcha tea.
It may sound a bit nitpicky, but this is indeed the best way to prepare this particular tea. I also find that I enjoy it more with a bit of raw organic honey and cane sugar. I recently teamed up with Matcha.com and asked to test and feature their Matcha Tea Set, which includes bowl, scoop, whisk, sifter and Morning Ritual matcha tea, as well as including their First Harvest tea. Upon first impression, Matcha Kari present their products in an eye catching gift set, with each product looking very professional. I was giddy the moment I opened it, seeing all the matcha goodies. I immediately ran to the stove and began heating a pot of hot water.
I found the teas to be very invigorating and delicious. They have a unique semi-green tea taste that grew on me with each sip. I started with the Morning Ritual tea. The taste could be described as crisp, sweet and subtly grassy. I found the effect to be a sort of balancing within myself which evolved to a sharp focus and stimulated mind. First Harvest sipping matcha has an attractive aroma with a bit more of a silky texture to the frothy tea. The taste is mellow, but it became a taste I craved almost everyday since. Overall, I was very impressed with Matcha Kari’s professionalism, quality of products, visual presentation and packaging, and with their knowledge and enthusiasm for all things matcha. I’ve been converted, and start most mornings with a cup of frothy green matcha.
If you would like to learn more about Matcha, click here.
I found the teas to be very invigorating and delicious. They have a unique semi-green tea taste that grew on me with each sip. I started with the Morning Ritual tea. The taste could be described as crisp, sweet and subtly grassy. I found the effect to be a sort of balancing within myself which evolved to a sharp focus and stimulated mind. First Harvest sipping matcha has an attractive aroma with a bit more of a silky texture to the frothy tea. The taste is mellow, but it became a taste I craved almost everyday since. Overall, I was very impressed with Matcha Kari’s professionalism, quality of products, visual presentation and packaging, and with their knowledge and enthusiasm for all things matcha. I’ve been converted, and start most mornings with a cup of frothy green matcha.
If you would like to learn more about Matcha, click here.
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