The extensive history, contained in a single cup of loose leaf tea, is an exciting story that belies the gentle and relaxing nature of this mild beverage. Millions of people around the planet begin and end their day with a fresh cup of hot green tea or black tea.
Tea’s origin began in China, the birthplace of the first cultivated tea gardens along Yunnan’s southern border. Awareness of tea spread first from Yunnan, throughout China, then to the rest of Asia, and finally to the West.
By the time of the Shang Dynasty (1766-1050 BC), green tea was being consumed in Yunnan Province for its medical properties. For any given ailment, tea leaves were boiled with a host of other forest plants, seeds, barks, and leaves to concoct healing herbal remedies.
As the popularity of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Daoism spread throughout China, so did an awareness of life-enhancing tea. Each of these religious embraced loose leaf teas for its healthful virtues and powers of rejuvenation
The Tang dynasty (618-907 AD) brought a sophistication to tea drinking. This was a time of high art and culture. Tea drinking became an attractive, relaxing pursuit, and it was the Tang who first enjoyed formal tea gatherings that were designed to find delight in this delight beverage. Tea was consumed differently by various members of the social classes during that time. Many tea drinkers favored adding onion, ginger, orange peel, cloves, and peppermint to their tea. Mixing salt into the tea became popular choice in the western provinces. Ladies of the court sipped tea that was mixed with the delicate extracts of fruits and flowers.
During Ming dynasty (1369-1644) the secrets of oxidation ( the process by which fresh tea leaf is turn into black tea) were discovered. They recognized the importance of the discovery and the potential value that oxidation had for improving the condition of tea that would be traveling long distances over land or sea. Now, brick tea exported to the border regions of Tibet and Mongolia could be send as black tea, which would allow the tea to arrive at its final destination in better shape. Over time the Chinese refined and perfected the production of black tea, and for many years these teas were produced in the Wuyi mountains of northern Fujian Province.
The first porcelain teapots also appeared in China under Ming rule. Tea was still costly, so these teapots were intentionally made small. This allowed the loose tea leaves in the teapot to be reinforced several times by successively adding more water, a method of tea brewing still followed in China for green and oolong tea. Small Zisha clay teapots also become the favorites of the tea literati (see “Artistic Yixing Teapots). Many styles of teaware were created, which was subject to change with every successive emperor, who had his own idea of fashion, glaze color, style, and whether to use incised or applied designs.
Loose leaf tea was then and now regarded as a healthful tonic that would impart peace, harmony, and happiness. Spiritually, tea was believed to be an “elixir of immortality”, an embroidered ideal that suggested its uplifting nature.
VATA DOSHA BALANCING – AYURVEDIC TEA
The ancient science of Ayurveda believes in three different doshas or dynamic energies – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha – as sustaining the human body. The entire system of Ayurveda medicine is based on the theory that all diseases emanate from lack of synthesis of these three doshas. In other words, any imbalance in the doshas is what provokes the disease in the human system. Ayurveda aims at restoring any imbalance through the regulation of the doshas.
The Ayurveda treatment of diseases predominantly consists of balanced food intake, herbal preparations, yoga, meditation and forms of a
lifestyle applicable to each individual constitution.
Vata Dosha is identified as the principle of physical movement in all living beings and is reportedly a mixture of the two elements – air and space. Vata Dosha is also intimately connected to the nervous system.
People belonging to Vata Dosha are distinguished by certain physical characteristics and mental traits. People who are of Vata constitution are generally lean, either very tall or too short with flat chests and pronounced veins and muscle tendons. The skin color complexion is invariably brownish and quite often dry. The hair is sparse and curly and the eyes may be less prominent and without the spark. They have bent nose and the nails are fragile and brittle.
As regards food preferences, people of Vata category are fond of sweets and items that are sour and salty as also
hot beverages, like herbal teas. The urine output is often meager and the stools are dry, solid and scanty. They sweat less even in humid conditions and sleep for fewer hours.
Vata tea would be very beneficial to balance the Vata dosha and for other doshas the
Ayurvedic herbal tea would be very beneficial.
They are usually physically agile and mentally alert but with limited memory powers. They are devoid of willpower, short-tempered, intolerant and are mostly diffident and lacking in courage. Vata people earn money quickly but are extravagant and thus in constant need of money.
Some of the common ailments people of Vata Dosha category are – frequent headaches, stress, throat problems accompanied by dry coughs, earaches, erratic heart beats, muscular spasms, lower back or hip pain, irregular bowl movements, flatulence, nervous disorders, menstrual cramps in women, premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunctions, arthritis etc.
As regards general health and well-being, Vata type people must learn to develop regular food and sleep habits and maintain systematic daily routine. They must cultivate good personal relationships and create suitable ambiance work and movement. It is also equally important to control impulses, stay calm and reorient mental attitudes, emotional reactions, and overall behavior pattern.
Whenever possible, associate with people who are known to be calm and subdued. Make it a point to walk briskly during early mornings, meditate every day for a few minutes and practice deep breathing.
Vata dosha is said to exacerbate and get worsened during autumn and early winter months. During these periods, Vata types should stick to the prescribed types of food and eat less of other types.
People of Vata Dosha type will do well to remember that the imbalance caused by excess Vata Dosha can get aggravated by undue mental stress, excessive physical exertion, irregular daily routine, lack of sleep, intake of raw, cold or dry foods, undertaking long travels, consuming coffee, tea and other aerated drinks and use of tobacco.
Drinking healing herbal
Vata Balancing Tea will help one to balance the mind body and spirit and to stay happier and healthier.
Sarah Wakefield –
As soon as you take the first sip of this tea, you will notice a complete taste altogether from the other teas. Primatea has done a good job by offering the world famous Darjeeling Earl Grey tea. The leaf is in dry form and black in color. You will also notice olive leaf and green leaf as well. The aroma is simply outstanding which will lure towards it every time you smell it. The taste is awesome and better than the other Earl Greys that I’ve tried before. I think people should try it once and I’m sure they will love this tea for sure.
Dave Simpson –
I totally agree to this tea being the champagne of teas. The most famous Darjeeling teas are Darjeeling Earl Grey. Made with the traditional black tea and flavored with the oil from the rind of the Bergamot orange, it is my most favorite tea. A very robust tea which works wonderfully as a morning cup of tea. This tea taste great without milk or any sweetener. But if you prefer you can add a little sugar to add just a little sweetness.
Steve Reno –
I was never a fan of tea. I was very nervous when I got a small tea sample from one of my friends. I decided to try this in order to try something new and in my very first attempt, I was taken aback by this Darjeeling Earl Grey. I was glad that I came across this wonderful tea. The subtle and a little floral taste worked pretty well with the citrusy bergamot giving it a unique flavor. This was the first time that I tried a tea with such an awesome taste. I had a touch of sugar and a little milk in my tea since I don’t prefer black.
Katy Loveland –
So when I followed the directions correctly and brewed the tea according to it, I had a cup of tea ready to taste present before me. The tea had compact, dry leaves and a strong aroma of cardamom. The aroma mellowed tea had a classic bergamot flavor which lingered in my mouth for a long time. I had similar experiences while trying out Earl Grey’s, however I tried this tea just for flavor and for experience. The taste isn’t bad but certainly makes your mouth come alive. This tea is recommended for Earl Grey lovers.
Marla Benn –
I have always been an avid tea drinker. Unlike coffee I have always found it refreshing and light. For years I have been favoring Earl Grey Tea. But I have been looking for a source where I could get my monthly supplies of good quality tea, instead of just picking it of the shelf at the grocery store. I came across primatea, where I found the Darjeeling Earl Grey Tea which has a wonderful flavor and aroma to it. It almost feels like a fruity lemony and a citric flavor that makes it stand out than the rest. I love this tea and would not want to change now that I have found my steady source of supply.
Anne Machio –
Named after a king, this tea tastes exotic. It has a gentle floral flavour blended with zesty citrus bergamot and cornflower petals. It’s a pleasure watching its leaves and petals unfurl as it is brewed. I love it with a slice of lemon. It is absolutely recharging after a long, tiring day. Making me a strong, punchy cup of this tea is the first thing I do after returning home from work.
Josh Lovett –
Just love this tea with my breakfast. It’s light and love the famous bergamot flavor. This tea works best with a slice of lime in it. I am an avid tea drinker. This is one brand of tea that I have been loyal to for years. I try to source the one that is the best in quality and works great when it comes to flavors. You will love this tea, if you are looking for tea that is robust in flavors, and not to leave out, the taste.
Tony Kilmer –
This particular tea has a lovely aroma of the tea leaves of Darjeeling that would just pinch your nostril. The Darjeeling Earl Grey Tea is a bold and rich flavored tea that will be loved by earl grey lovers who need a distinct flavor with the very much familiar bitter finish. This hearty tea gives me a slight full feeling since I’m having the fourth tea of the day. Darjeeling Earl Grey Tea is one of the best teas that I’ve tasted and I suggest you to give it a try. You can unwind yourself by having the tea after dinner.