Janelle Iaccino

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The Alchemy of Tea

Ever since I was an infant, tea has been part of my life. I have a deep appreciation for tea for its various benefits and the power it packs. Herbal plants that transform into natural warming elixirs is just such a cool concept.

ALCHEMY: a seemingly magical process of transformation, creation, or combination.

My mom used to give me chamomile tea for just about everything when I was growing up: sleep, upset stomach, comfort. The presence of tea was almost like a ritual as far back as I can remember. It still is.

The Alchemy of Tea

I love studying herbs. To me, the process of researching and combining herbs for specific benefits is just as ceremonial as brewing the cup of tea. I feel strongly connected to the tea blends I create. Especially when I grow the ingredients myself.

Raspberry Leaves grew super strong on the family farm this year!

Harvest Bounties

Every September, my family and I visit a local apple orchard. It’s one of my favorite times of the year with all of its cinnamon-spicey goodness. This year, I discovered Pink Lady apples. They’re not only super pretty, but they’re even crunchier and sweeter than honey crisp apples. The pie I made with them came out amazing. But I saved a couple to slice super thin and dehydrate for my Harvest Moon tea blend.

There are a couple of books I love referencing when it comes to herbs and teas. I’ve used the Alchemy of Herbs book so much that the spine is busted. It’s fine. Totally fine. LOL.

So the Harvest Moon Tea blend has some really amazing healing qualities to it.

African Calendula: strengthens the heart, liver, kidneys, eases menstrual tension, expels toxins , eradicates skin problems and is an anti-inflammatory

Raspberry Leaf: contains high amounts of Vitamin C, promotes bodily functions, maintains health, increases energy, prevents/diminishes muscle spasms, cramps and nerves, good for upset stomach, fever, colds, flu, canker sores, and prevents heart disease

Cinnamon: mildly thins blood, increasing circulation, warming, antimicrobial, good for preventing dehydration, soothes sore throats, and eases indigestion

Nutmeg: great for anxiety reduction, sleep issues, indigestion, colds, flu, hypertension

Cardamom, Clove, Star Anise, and the Pink Lady Apple Chips give this blend an Autumn Hug.

As with any herb or supplement, check with your doc before consuming certain teas. Certain herbs in this particular blend may induce menstruation, so it’s a no go for pregnant ladies. <3

Standing in the sunflower fields at Kuiper’s Apple Orchard

Cheers! *clinks tea glasses with you*

Be well, my friends.

Some of these beautiful burgundy sunflower petals behind me in this photo adorned the Harvest Moon soap that debuted earlier this month, too. It’s available in a bundle with some home fragrance products. All organic. All handmade by yours truly. <3

Harvest Moon Charcoal Soap