Why This Oolong
I collaborated with the Idaho History Museum to create a 3 tea group that would represent the three sections of Idaho depicted at the History Museum. I named this group “The Idaho Collection.” The last blog if you haven’t read it was about the North Woods tea. Of course representing the Northern Idaho region of forests and lakes. The reasons for choosing the Plum Oolong for the Central Idaho Tea Is that there are so many of our Asian sisters and brothers that helped forge the history of central Idaho and Plum Oolong is a wonderful representation of this culture since the oolong is a product of the Fujian area of Taiwan. Through contacts with the Polly Bemis historical archives I was able to get and use a picture of Polly’s bronze in front of her cabin for our label.
There are other reasons as well. As a master herbalist I love blending teas that offer huge benefits to the health and well-being of my tea loving customers. In the next chapter we explore the attributes and health benefits of the Plum Oolong.
Oolong
Oolongs are made from leaves buds and stems. The tea is slightly fermented and semi-oxidized, which gives it it’s unusual sweet and sometimes smoky sweet flavor profile and aroma. In the case of this oolong there is a very specific person involved in controlling the timing and treatment of each batch.
The health benefits of Oolong are amazing and vast however most studies show that oolongs are most healthful when consumed regularly and in moderation. So there is really no need to go overboard on drinking to get great benefits. Oolongs are packed with antioxidants combined with catechins and caffeine to fight free radical damage.
10 big benefits of Oolong Tea
1.Oolongs boost you metabolism which may spur weight loss as fats burn faster for a couple hours after drinking your tea. There also is a polyphenol in oolong that is able to block the enzymes that build fat. Caution if you drink your tea with milks of any kind and sweetener you will have undone this benefit.
2. Lowering Cholesterol levels: Oolongs are known for reducing levels and promoting heart health. Its all in the fact that Oolongs are semi-oxidized. This produces the exact polyphenol molecule that is able to activate the lipase enzyme which in turn is known to dissolve fats.
3. Mental Alertness: Oolongs can revitalize alertness and performance naturally. This is primarily from the caffeine. However there is also L-theanine present. Which actually lowers reactive stress and anxiety, creating a more level alertness. Caution don’t over due! Caffeine can be disruptive if over consumed.
4. Aide with Digestion: Tea alkalizes the digestive tract, reducing inflammation. Oolongs are mildly antiseptic so they can help to clear bad bacteria. It is most effective when consumed hot. If you are caffeine sensitive you will want to limit the amount you consume to one cup a day.
5. Healthy Hair: This benefit requires making a pot of tea and using it to rinse your hair after shampoo. You may notice an increase of volume as well as more shine and luster. Drinking regularly will enhance your hair quality as well.
6. Better Skin: If you hope to access healthier younger skin Oolong tea can help. Oolongs are thought to suppress skin allergies, sensitivities and even eczema as it combats free radicals. This is a healing property of antioxidants found in Oolong.
7. Stabilize Blood Sugars: The antioxidants in Oolongs which come from the polyphenols do wonders for metabolizing sugars. They also reduce insulin resistance, which makes Oolong a must for those struggling with blood sugar issues. However there is not enough support to totally rely on the tea for complete care.
8. Enhancing Bone Strength: Oolong can be part of a bone support plan because it may help protect your bones and prevent osteoporosis. Drinking Oolong consistently along with a nutritious diet will prevent loss of bone density and help retain minerals. there is a good amount of magnesium and calcium found in the leaves.
9. Prevent Tooth Decay: Both Oolong and green tea protect teeth from acid produced by certain bacteria in the mouth. Oolong tea inhibits the growth and production of bacteria, which means it is effective in preventing tooth decay and the build up of plaque.
10. Strengthen the Immune System: Oolong tea is known for assisting in the maintenance of a healthy Immune system. The antioxidant flavenoids found in Oolong have been found to prevent cellular damage. Those who drink Oolong regularly, have a much higher production of anti-bacterial proteins that fight infections.
Accentuate The Positive
The 4 Companion Herbs
Plums: Everybody knows that plums and prunes prevent or aide in constipation, but there is so much more to the humble plum. Plums were actually one of the fruit tree choices for homesteaders when Idaho was delving out land to pioneers. To homestead they were required to plant orchards to prove they meant to stay and work their new property. Which is the main reason I chose this tea as part of the Idaho Collection. The health properties are amazing in plums. Plum protects against cellular damage and lowers the risk of chronic disease. It lowers and regulates blood sugar by the increase of a specific hormone that plays a role in that process. Plum also promotes heart health due to the role it plays in lowering blood pressure when it is too high. You can’t overdo plum though or you will give yourself diarrhea.
Rosehips: The addition of this herb is so great because rosehips are very high in vitamin C and fatty acids which are great for skin cell replenishment. There is also potential of relieving arthritic pain. Rosehips reduce abdominal fat in subjects with obesity. New findings are showing potential in the reduction of high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Hibiscus: Since ancient times hibiscus has been used for ailments and refreshment. Hibiscus is high in the antioxidants that protect against cellular damage. It also has the ability to fight inflammation which plays a huge role in many chronic diseases. Hibiscus has been found to lower cholesterol as well as blood pressure. Promotes weight loss and supports liver health.
Schisandra Berry: An herb that has been used in Asia for many hundreds of years and is known for its tonic action on the liver, kidneys and stomach to improve vitality. The berry also protects the liver and the nervous system and aides in improving strength and stamina. In some instances has been reported to improve lung problems, gastrointestinal issues and reduce excessive sweating in menopausal and other hot flash situations. All pointing back to improving the liver function improving all systems in some way.
BONUS – Vanilla: I love Vanilla bean and it has much potential as a medicinal. Mostly in the arena of inflammation. Findings are not complete but for me, Its the flavor and aroma. How we receive messages from our olfactory system is very important. What we get pleasure from also is healing so basically the vanilla is in this tea for me and anyone else that enjoys the experience of vanilla.
Final Closing Important Comments
I hope this information has enriched your tea experience in some way. However do not expect to use this tea solely on it’s own to heal your ailments. A good healthy lifestyle is a partner here as well as advice from your health care provider, especially if you have had a diagnosis. That said, certainly any of these herbs and the tea as a whole can be beneficial as a health practice.
My favorite way to travel with tea.
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