Pots, Cups and Saucers.

In my best effort to live up to my one-tea-post a day during National Hot Tea Month, I am continuing our conversation on Tea Equipage.  I hope you will enjoy it and  I surely hope you are drinking Tea!

"The spirit of the tea beverage is one of peace, comfort and refinement."

~ Arthur Gray

Of all the Tea Equipage, this must the most crucial. Well, water, of course, so why don’t I start with that. It has been stated that filtered/distilled water is best for making a perfect cup of Tea. I have this to say about that: in case I haven’t said it before—the city water that comes out of the tap, makes a grand and glorious cup of Tea! Trust me, yawl. I would never, in good conscience, suggest that you buy water to make Tea. In my view, one must be a complete and total snob to do that. I imagine that many people do. I never will, mainly because I think there’s something ungodly about buying water, after paying the city for it.

Now I will pause for a moment at Water. I mean, it is necessary. According to various sources, the Japanese tell the story of the three stages of water boiling for tea. Fish Eyes [when there’s just a small bubble on the bottom of the water]; String of Pearls [when the water begins to boil upwards to the top, forming a pearl-like string from the bottom] and Turbulent Waters [also often referred to as a Roaring Boil]. Green Tea is said to be best suited to the second one. White Tea, does much better with the first one. I imagine because it’s a bit more delicate. We will next, take a look at

Pots. The Most Crucial of all Equipage. Stay tuned...

LiveWellToday/DrinkTea!

Sincerely, your friend

Sandra Teresa Davenport
TheHealthReverend

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All Things Herbal

I haven't abandoned my goal of Tea posts through the month, I am sharing with you the works of my hand [excerpted from my first eBook], hoping that it will help you in some way. Enjoy!

There is a wonderful science in nature, in trees, Herbs, roots and flowers, which man has never yet fathomed. [Back To Eden. Jethro Kloss. II]

Potions

It is important to remember that when using Herbals, many terms are interchangeable and may show up at any time. For example, Potions and Home Remedies are pretty much the same thing. It comes down to a matter of the person doing it [more on that in a later book].

When Herbs are blended, they offer a stronger benefit than one alone. Also, the properties of each item interact with all the others. Each item carries its own energy, resulting in what we call ‘synergy’. Herbs—fresh, dry, or powdered, all present a wondrous amazement of pleasure. Each one is a step closer to good health. My favorite blends are similar to my favorite hymn: I have at least 100. I could settle on one, if I had to. I’m glad I don’t.

I always begin with an ailment. For our purposes, I will use the simplest ailment/concerns/aggravations and go from there. They also happen to be the ones with which I have the most experience. Until I switched to a highfat/lowcarb diet, I had headaches rather often. But then, I was living a high-stress life. I don’t know more.:)

The following are some of my favorite. I love making Potions. It makes me feel more like the neighborhood ‘witchy’ woman of my fiction [EvieSmalls]. Every home should have one person who is familiar with Herbs. It is a very fine vocation.

Be encouraged to try your own combos and create your own Potions!

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For The Record...

64 Years Ago, This Was a Hospital
My BirthPlace

When I first heard of the Oregon stand-off, I just felt astonished. Then, after I thought about it, I felt disgust. Then a bit later, it was just comical. The over-reaching feeling that I have is: dam.

Really? This is what government does to defend itself, against enemies, both foreign and domestic? Wow.

Is the total count of men inside the armory equal to the number of black male CITIZENS murdered by white police officers this year, alone?

Is this the way government has decided to deal with its white male OUTLAWS these days?

Am I the only one who wonders this? What will it take for white people to punish white people? We already know it’s not when they kill us, steal from us, fire us, and whatever else. But a takeover of government property? Really?

And now, which of the presidential candidates will use this as a great new platform? Is this a matter of gun control? I think not.

Imagine this guy comparing himself to Rosa Parks, of all people.

Where Is It?

I just can’t get over the fact this guy and his followers are still alive, but they are. Really?

Does anyone remember when the city of Philadelphia [or, it might’ve been Pittsburgh] set fire to an entire city block, in search of one lone black militant? Somehow or other, they just don’t want these guys.

Wow.

Ok, now for the record, as I conclude my rambling: I give up! I give up on government. The voting process is a complete, thigh-slapping joke. I was about to develop some faith in process, but this is ridiculous. I can only shake my head.

This is what the ‘greatest county on earth’ wants to the world to know about it: We learn terrorism right here at home...What. A. Shame...

Thank you for your time in reading this post. Let me know if you can help me understand it all.

Until later livewelltoday/DrinkTea! 

Sincerely,

SandraTeresa Davenport

TheHealthReverend

 BTW my photos have nothing to do with my post. I just put them to prove that I, too, am an American! 

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A Few Tea Terms

Equipage... And it's All Mine!

Equipage is vital, indeed. When you become a true Tea Lover, you’ll be collecting all kinds of it, just as I do. [Don’t you just love that word: Equipage.  It just really means Equipment.] This includes everything you will need to brew, pour, serve, drink and enjoy a cup of tea. Read on:

Fannings.  Little tiny left-over pieces of tea after, bulk tea is processed. Some call it dust. Fannings are what you get when you buy a bag of tea.

Fermentation. The process of ‘aging’/oxidizing tea and breaking it down so it will release its properties and tastes.

Herbal Infusion. What you get when you steep a spoonful of tea or Peppermint or Sage in hot water. The water becomes infused with the properties and tastes of the item. The term ‘infusion’ is often interchanged with ‘tea’. Remember, they are entirely separate and different. An herbal infusion is most often referred to as tea. I guess if it comes in a bag, says tea on the box and brews in hot water, it is tea. Not. It remains an herbal infusion.

Infuser. They hold loose bulk leaves, inside the tea pot. They are often used in single cups. The best ones will have lids.

Pots. Look for the upcoming post dedicated to Pots, Cups and Saucers!

Spoon Rests. An entirely requisite piece of Equipage. I have had some really cool ones over time. Many of them are shaped like tea pots. I have one that is solid white porcelain, one that has Magnolia flowers on it. A few are just small, clear, round, two-inch saucers. They’re very good for holding infusers after use. They also hold used tea bags.

Steep. The process of extracting the properties of the herb by way of hot water. It may also be done in the sun over a long period of time or it may even be done through alcohol extraction. However, if you are drinking hot tea, just use boiled water.

Strainers. They look like spoons with holes. They are what you reach for when you use bulk tea in a pot. Otherwise, you will have to navigate the Tea leaves while you sip.

Tannins. What gives tea its taste and its properties of health. May be lighter or heavier, depending on the original tea.

Tea Napkins. It will come as no surprise to you, most of mine are linen Some of them are cotton and yet others are blends. A Tea Napkin is considerably smaller than a dinner napkin, as it is only used to remove crumbs from your lips.

Tea spoons are nothing new. There’s more to their story than an instrument of dry measure. You will be happy to know that they absolutely do have their origin in Tea culture. 

Timing. Someone is sure to tell you that there is a certain time to steep tea. There is not. The way to approach steeping time is: longer steeping extracts more flavor; longer time encourages bitterness and strength. If you like a stronger brew, then let your black tea sit for 5 minutes. China Green Tea starts to taste like medicine after more than 3 minutes. You decide.

Be Sure it's Hot Enough!

Water. This one likely needs no conversation. However, I will say this: I do not buy distilled water to make my Tea! I do not. I’ve ready several articles declaring that distilled water is required for good Tea. Not so. The City’s water right here in Cornelia, Georgia, makes perfectly good Tea. Trust me; I’m a Minister!

Thanks for sharing!

Livewell/DrinkTea!

Sandra Teresa Davenport

TheHealthReverend! 

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Tea Gifting.

Just a few members of my collection!

As you already know, I am The Health Reverend. Being so, I am always prompting, prodding, pressing people to livewell, or livebetter, in some way. During the month of December, the topic of my local radio show was gifting. Just for a moment, please allow me to don my preacher’s collar: A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children. The inheritance of good health is an incumbent duty upon us all. There is no substitute for good health. There are no excuses for bad health. So, when we speak of inheritance, we must remember that it includes more than property, homes, cars, wealth. Simply put: Health is Wealth.

Just a little something

Having said that, let us now continue our month-long discussion of Tea, this time with gifting in mind. While I [presently] accept that I won’t open a Tea Room, I continue to collect. And I must say I collect, because I have a lotta stuff. [Anything over five items of one thing, for me, is a collection.] In order to keep the flow moving, I decided to make gifts and give them away. I did! It was great. I gave away nearly three dozen Tea gifts over as about three months’ time. The original motive was just to pare down. Then, I started gifting and loved it so much, I just kept at it. Gifting is much more fulfilling than simply returning something to the thrift store from which it came.  

A Simple Gift.

Instead of an assignment this time, I want to suggest this to you: share your Tea experience with someone, anyone. It could be relatives, co-workers, in-laws, outlaws, friends, even enemies. The possibilities are endless. And it doesn’t have to be so much. You many even find that you have something on hand that could easily become a Tea gift. My best to you on the 9th day of National Hot Tea Month, 2016! 

Keepers!

No matter what happens, LiveWell/DrinkTea! 

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Sweeteners

Local Grown Honey and
BeesWax Candle

It is coming nigh to my bedtime but I must-needs post today! As you will likely recall, we are in National Hot Tea Month!. I have loved every minute of it thus far. I actually have reread some old TeaTime magazines with renewed interests. Just wait: I'll have a Tea Room of my own before you know it.

Okay, being that you, too, are embarking on your journey to the love of AllThingsTea, this is important. Sweeteners. Yes, Sweeteners. You have heard me say many times that Sugar is Not Your Friend. Not any in any of its 60+ forms. However, I want you to have a pleasant experience, so here we go.

If Tea is over-steeped [left in the hot water too long], it becomes quite strong and bitter. Even your favorite can become undrinkable. To avoid this, I suggest you first, do the obvious: Don't over-steep. If you do, just add honey. For sure. It won't take much to recover your brew. I do this sometimes, myself.

If you don't have Honey, you could Agave Nectar, Maple Syrup, Molasses or Stevia. You likely won't really dig the Molasses [although it has great health benefits]. It almost entirely takes over the taste of the Tea. Once [while on TheAtkinsDiet], I used Stevia. I disliked it so much, I took it directly and immediately back to Wal-Mart. You decide.

Also, I want to share tonight's final cup with you: Lavender and Earl Grey. Both are sedative. Lavender takes a bit longer to kick in but Earl Grey goes to work almost immediately. I had it with my dinner. It aids digestion. 

I trust you are today livingwell and surely, drinking Tea. Stay close! More to Come! 

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Today's Tea | Earl Grey.

Earl Grey. A Natural Winner!

Being that we are in National Hot Tea Month, and further being that Tea has such a plethora of health benefits, and even further being that, as The Health Reverend, I am duty-bound to always seek and share new health information, I am hereby making the supreme effort of daily postings regarding Tea, my most beloved beverage. I sincerely hope that you will ultimately find as much joy in the item as I do. I have no doubt that you will at least enjoy these entries, as I write them with you in mind and in heart.

Now, then, I have some new and yes, exciting information regarding Black Tea.  Earl Grey is a very popular blend of Black Tea. It takes its flavor from the Bergamot Orange. It is somewhat citrus and just a bit floral. Remember that Black Tea [all of, in fact] becomes very bitter when over-steeped. I feel this is even more important with this one. When you find a box of it [hopefully bulk] take a sniff of it. The scent alone is nearly intoxicating. But you me, I love all this stuff, anyhow.

As to the taste, however; it is really delightful. If you are new to Black Tea, I suggest you use only one half of a teaspoon. The general rule of use is one teaspoon for each cup and then one for the pot. This can result in some really stiff brews [liquors, they’re officially called: the liquids resulting from steeping Tea.].

In my current eBook, AllThingHerbal, I discuss the matter of certain Herbs having opposite properties. This blend is a great example. The Tea contains caffeine; the Bergamot is sedative. Now, I learned this when I was working 12-hour shifts. I decided that since I liked it, and since it was Black Tea, it would surely keep me alert. Wrong, again. I had a harder time staying awake that morning that I did sometimes on the over-night shift. You’ve been warned. Earl Grey also has a bit of a lingering aftertaste. There is only good that I can tell you about this blend. I suggest you start it with your breakfast. It accompanies toast, eggs and bacon quite nicely.

This morning's tea makes yesterday distant. ~Author Unknown

BTW: I never sweeten my Teas anymore, unless I am feeling like something for dessert. That doesn’t generally happen, as I’ve become LC/HF in recent times.

I trust you have enjoyed our Tea for Today. I’ll be back with you soon. Until then, LiveWell/DrinkTea!

Sandra Teresa Davenport

TheHealthReverend

amazon.com/author/sandrateresadavenport

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White Tea - The Harbinger of Good Health!

Just a Few of My Favorite Tins

You will never believe it, but White Tea has more of the health-enhancing properties than either the Green, Oolong or Black. Another thing you won't believe: it is lighter in color and taste that the other three. Okay, you might believe this one: it tastes even more 'grassy' than the Green. Really.

The first time I tasted real Green Tea, it reminded me of seaweed. That may sound strange but it did. Oh, 'real' just means that it was bulk, in a round tin can, with a light weight paper lining and it came from the Laotian Grocery Store, right down the street from the house [Does it impress you to know that Cornelia, Georgia, has a Laotian Grocery Store? Me, too.]. 

Everyone Needs A Simple White Cup!

The lift from White Tea is noticeable but just ever so subtle. No matter which one you choose, you always feel better after tea. It likely doesn't matter whether it's hot or cold. I just prefer it hot.

When I finish my local radio show, I always give an assignment, so think of this as yours: See if you can find some White Tea somewhere in your town or city. If you don't, just let me know and I'll send you some. I will. If you do find it, let me know how you like it.

Alas, Kind Ones, I have no photo of White Tea. I found a bag beside my laptop and I drank it. Please enjoy this photo of Tea Tins. 

Thanks for sharing my post for the 5th day of National Hot Tea Month, 2016. No matter what happens, Livewell/DrinkTea!

Sincerely, 

Sandra Teresa Davenport

TheHealthReverend

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Introduction to Tea in 503 Words!

Sign up! Now's Your Chance!

January is National Hot Tea Month. I don’t know who made that decision. I just know that that’s what it is I continue to search.

An Extra...too fine for every day use!

You may not know it, but Tea is a very, very, very popular drink.  In fact, it is the second most consumed beverage in the world. People drink hot Tea in the summertime. Sure, they drink iced tea in the summertime in the Tea has historically been popular in the East. However, on this side of this world, it is becoming more and more popular.  This is not only because it’s trendy, but also because of its health benefits. It has great appeal to people who want to keep control of their own health. 

Exegesis: Being that I am a Minister, I can’t really leave this part out. For the entire month, we are using the same foundation “Physician, heal thyself.”. For our purposes, however, we are going to say, ‘Health Guru, Heal Thyself!’. Remember, the goal is for each of to become our own Health Guru. The second pericope [extract from scripture] we’ll use is a simple question, “do you want to be healed, get well, be made whole? [Take your pick.] The point is that, before anything can happen we must first make a decision. We must want to. Oh that’s enough about that. Let’s talk Tea!

My Favorite Tin...

The freshness of the Tea depends on several things, including: how long since it was picked and how it is stored. The best storage for Tea is something that is dark and dry. Bulk Tea comes in tin cans [‘tins’] with some sort of inner wrapping. Otherwise, it may continue to oxidized lose its flavor, strength, etc.

So we have just started a very brief introduction to Tea. In the next post, we will go a bit more deeply into the health benefits of tea. Please remember that I have an eBook at www.kdp.amazon.com All Things Herbal. You will find some information on a host of other Herbs.

You are always invited and welcome to join me on line Sunday at 3:00 EDT, at www.blogtalkradio.com/thehealthreverend.

You have an assignment: begin your search tea cups. I mean you don’t have to be a crazy tea cup collect like I was. Just look around and see if you can find yourself some really cool tea cups. My favorite tea cup changes probably every six weeks. That happens because I’m always in and out of the thrift store and out always looking that tea cups and tea pots. I have bought almost as many tea cups from Habit for Humanities Re-Store as I have books, and that is a lot of books! You may even find some books on tea. Wouldn’t that be just grand.  

Pots. So, so many Pots! I love'em All!

By the end of month, I’m gonna see to it that you are prepared to have a Sweetheart’s Tea Party. Thank you for coming to Tea and I’ll see you again soon. 

Livewell/DrinkTea! 

Sandra d - TheHealthReverend

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