Magnolia

Family: Magnolioideae

Place of origin: North America, Central America, the West Indies, East and Southeast of Asia

Brief introduction:
Magnolia is a large genus consisting of 210 species in the subfamily Magnolioideae of the family Magnoliaceae, which is believed to be dating back to 95 million years ago. The Magnolia flowers may be white, pink or purple with fragrant. Magnolias have a rich cultural tradition in China where references to their healing qualities go back thousands of years. Certain magnolia flowers, such as the buds of Magnolia liliflora, have been used to treat chronic respiratory infections, sinus infections, and lung congestion. Recently, magnolia bark has become incorporated into alternative medicine in the west where tablets made from the bark of M. officinalis have been marketed as an aid for anxiety, allergies, asthma, and weight-loss. Preliminary studies have suggested that compounds found in magnolia bark might have antibacterial and antifungal properties. To this day, however, there has never been a large scale study on the health effects of magnolia bark or flowers (Wikipedia.com).

Efficacy:

• Improve metabolism


• Beauty skin, anti-aging, the aid for sensitive skin


• Treat chronic respiratory infections, sinus infections, and lung congestion


• Antibacterial and antifungal


• Allay tiredness

Meaning: Nobility, Dignity, Perseverance, and the love and respect of nature

Caution: Keep in cool and dry environment, and keep away from children

Matches: Green tea

Quantities & Steeping: 1 teaspoon into hot water for 10 minutes, you can also drink with brown sugar or honey

Lily

Scientific name: Lilium

Place of origin: Crete, Greece

Brief introduction:
Dating as far back as 1580 B.C., the lily was dedicated to the goddess Hera, the wife of Zeus. Roman legend has it that when Venus rose from the sea-foam she saw a lily and she became filled with jealous envy at the whiteness and beauty of it. Lilies are known to be the May birth flower, and the 30th wedding anniversary flower.
The non-bitter bulbs of lilies are grown at large scale in China as a luxury or health food, most often sold in dry form. Lilies contain enrich protein, starch, sugar, phosphorus, iron and several microelements. They are eaten especially in the summer, for their ability to reduce internal heat. They may be reconstituted and stir-fried, grated and used to thicken soup, or processed to extract starch.

Efficacy:

• Relieve cough, especially for chronic cough


• Reduce blood-streaked sputum


• Cure for insomnia & restlessness


• Great effect in neurasthenia
  

Meaning: Chastity, Virtue, Purity, Friendship and Devotion, Wealth and Prosperity

Caution: Please keep in cool and dry environment, and keep out of reach of children.

Matches: Honeysuckle

Quantities & Steeping: 2-3 grams into hot water for 10 minutes.

Lavender

Latin Names: Lavandula angustifolia

Place of Origin: the Mediterranean

Brief introduction:
Lavenders are widely grown in Provence, France and Furano, Japan. The ancient Greeks called the lavender herb nardus, after the Syrian city of Naarda. Lavender was one of the holy herbs used in the biblical Temple to prepare the holy essence, and nard is mentioned in the Song of Solomon.
Lavender is used extensively in herbalism and aromatherapy. Essential oil of lavender has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It was used in hospitals during WWI to disinfect floors and walls. A number of studies have reported that lavender essential oil may be beneficial in a variety of conditions, including insomnia, alopecia (hair loss), anxiety, stress, and postoperative pain. Aromatherapists also use lavender in inhalation therapy to treat headaches, nervous disorders, and exhaustion.



Efficacy:

• Slow the activity of the nervous system, improve sleep quality, promote relaxation, and lift mood in people suffering from sleep disorders


• Reduce agitation in patients with dementia


• Reduce nervous stomach irritations


• Treat headaches & exhaustion
  

Cautions:

• Oral use in children is not recommended


• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using lavender


• Ask your doctor before using lavender with narcotics such as morphine or oxycodone (OxyContin) for pain, and sedative and anti-anxiety agents such as lorazepam (Ativan), diazepam (Valium), and alprazolam (Xanax) and other sedatives
  

Matches: Rose, Mint, Marigold, Rosemary, Jasmine, Salvia

Quantities & Steeping:
Tea: 1-2 teaspoon whole herb per cup of hot water. Steep for 10-15 minutes and drinks, 1-3 times a day
Inhalation: 2 - 4 drops in 2 - 3 cups of boiling water. Inhale vapors for headache, depression, or insomnia

Jasmine

Other name: Jasminum (from old French)

Place of Origin: the Old World



Brief introduction:
Jasmine is a very popular flower around the world, with about 200 species, especially in tropics because of its unique fragrance. Jasmine is believed to have originated in the Himalayas in western China, which is one of the most widely served teas in China, where it is called jasmine-flower tea, with complex producing processes of seven times of absorbing fragrance and flavor for four hours each time, then must be refired to prevent spoilage.
Jasmine flower and the essential oil extracted from the flower are being used extensively in cosmetics and perfumery, and as a calmative (relaxing properties, sedative) and aphrodisiac (intensifies sexual desire). Jasmine oil contains benzyl acetate, terpinol, jasmone, benzyl benzoate, linalool, several alcohols, and other compounds.



Efficacy:

• Calm nerves & ease pressure


• Diminish inflammation


• Reduce blood pressure


• Anti-aging


• Good for chronic bronchitis


• Prevent halitosis
  

Varieties, meaning and usages:

Philippines Jasmine-----------Be used to adorn religious images
Arabian Jasmine--------------Be used to make jasmine tea
Jasmine in Indonesia----------Is the most important flower in wedding ceremonies for ethnic Indonesians
Jasmine in Syria--------------Is the symbolic flower of Damascus
Jasmine in Thailand-----------A symbol of the mother
Jasmine in India--------------Is worn in the hair of ladies for its beauty and fragrance, and is used for flower decorations

Caution: Person who has toxin-tendency and who is in pregnancy should not drink it.

Matches: Rose, Mint, Rosemary, Marigold

Quantities & Steeping: 1 teaspoon (for one person), or 2-3 teaspoons (for more than one) into hot water for several minutes. Sugar or honey can be added in for personal preference. Enjoy the sweet smell before drinking.

Gomphrena

Scientific name: Gomphrena globosa

Common name: Globe amaranth



Place of origin: Central America (Panama to Guatemala)



Brief Introduction:
Gomphrena grows one to two feet tall and about a foot wide with stiff, erect branched stems. The individual flowers are inconspicuous, but the stiff, papery bracts that form the bulk of the structure are colorful and showy. They are very easy to grow, with the colors of lavender, orange, pink, purple, red, white. These colorful heads can be collected and dried for use in dried flower arrangements. Globe amaranth contains amino acid, Vitamin C & E, and many microelements for human body. It is good for relieving Asthma.

Efficacy:

• Anti-aging


• Asthma relieving


• Cough relieving


• Improved blood circulation
  

Meaning: Endure love

Caution:

• Don’t mix with other tea


• Keep the tea in a cool and dry environment, avoiding direct sunlight


• May cause slightly mental inactivity for non-Asthma people


• Person who is in pregnancy should not drink it
  

Matches: Best taken without mixing other tea

Quantities & Speeding: 3-5 grams with boiled water speeding for 3 minutes

Forgetmenot

Scientific name: Myosotis sylvatica

Place of Origin: Europe

Brief Introduction:
There are about fifty species of the Forget-Me-Not flower, with much variation. It is common in blue and purple. Many myths and legends are attached to the naming of the Forget-Me-Not flower. There is a Christian religious legend according to which the child Jesus Christ created forget-me-nots so that the generations to come would be able to see him and his mother Mary, on whose lap he was sitting. The most romantic legend as to how the Forget-Me-Not gained its name is a medieval legend. A knight was said to be choosing some flowers for his sweetheart, who was walking with him, when he fell into the river, due to the weight of his armor; the knight is said to have thrown the blue flowers to his sweetheart on the river bank crying, "Forget-Me-Not".

Efficacy:

• Nourish skin ,enhance immunity and improve metabolism with enrich Vitamin C


• Anti-aging & anti-wrinkle


• Brightening & spot reduction

Meaning: Faithfulness, Enduring love, True love

Caution: Please keep in cool and dry environment under 68°F, and keep out of reach of children.

Matches: Rose, Mint, Marigold, Rosemary, Jasmine, Semen oroxyli

Quantities & Speeding:
1 teaspoon with hot water speeding for 10 minutes, better taste with brown sugar or honey

Chrysanthemum

Scientific name: Chrysanthemum morifolium, Chrysanthemum sinense
Chrysanthemum japonense

Varieties: Dendranthema, Wild chrysanthemum flower, Chamomile

Place of origin: Asia, Northeastern Europe



Brief Introduction:
Chrysanthemums were first cultivated in China as a flowering herb as far back as the 15th century BC. The flower was introduced into Japan probably in the 8th century AD, and the Emperor adopted the flower as his official seal. Then it was brought to Europe in the 17th century. Chrysanthemums occur in various forms, and can be daisy-like, decorative, pompons or buttons. (Wikipedia.com) Chrysanthemum was used in traditional Chinese dishes and drinks as medicine to treat hypertension, angina, common cold and fevers. In vitro and animal studies indicate anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and neuroprotective properties. Chrysanthemum is one of the eight components of PC-SPES.

Efficacy:

• Increased coronary vasodilatation and coronary blood flow


• Reduced the capillary permeability induced by histamine


• Antibacterial and antipyretic


• Good for liver and kidney deficiency resulting in dizziness, blurry vision, and pain
  

Meaning: Flower of November, Tenacious
Yellow----------Light love
White-----------The death of loved in China, purity & honesty in Japan
Dark Red-------Charming
Gerbera jamesonii /African Daisy----------Mysterious, Exciting
Daisy------------Happy, Pure, Peace, & Hope
Common cosmos-----------Pure Love

Caution:

• Patients allergic to ragweed should avoid this herb.


• Chrysanthemum has little effect on cardiac contractility or oxygen consumption.


• Adverse Reactions: Contact dermatitis, hypersensitivity reaction, photosensitivity
  

Matches: honeysuckle, medlar

Quantities and steeping:
5-8 flowers or 3-5 flowers with small amount of tea leaves
Steep with hot water for 10 minutes, better with brown sugar or honey

Carnation Flower

Scientific name: Dianthus carryophyllus

Place of origin: Mediterranean region, Eurasia

Brief introduction:
The carnation's history dates back to ancient Greek and Roman times, when it was used in art and décor. Christians believe that the first carnation bloomed on earth when Mary wept for Jesus as he carried his cross. The carnation is referred to one of the world’s oldest flower varieties with numerous colors and each color of carnation has a different meaning. Due to the fact that carnations last long even when cut, the carnation has throughout its rich history been one of the most popular in different occasions as well, especially Mother's Day and weddings.

Efficacy:

• Improved blood circulation and metabolism


• Anti-aging


• Adjusted internal secretion properties


• Spot reducing and anti-wrinkle


• Helped relaxing


• Stimulated appetite


• Curative effect in headache, toothache and cough

Meaning:

General color------Fascination, Distinction, and Love
Pink---------------Mother’s Love, Gratitude
Light Red----------Admiration
Dark Red----------Deep love and Affection
White-------------Pure love and good luck
Striped------------Regret, Refusal
Green-------------St. Patrick's Day
Purple------------Capriciousness, the death of a loved one in France
Yellow------------Disappointment, Dejection

Caution: Please keep in cool and dry environment, and keep out of reach of children.

Matches: Forgetmenot, Violet, Rose, Peony

Quantities and Steeping: 3-4 pieces into hot water for 3 minutes

Rose

Scientific name: Rosa

Place of origin: Northern Persia

Brief introduction:
Roses for the longest time have enjoyed the honor of being the most popular flowers in the world, which with over 100 species and come in a variety of colors, size, fragrance and other attributes. The Rose is most popularly known as the flower of love, particularly Red Rose.
Rose has a long history in its use in folk remedies, especially in the area of skincare. It is suitable for all skin types, but it is especially valuable for dry, sensitive or aging skins. It has a tonic and astringent effect on the capillaries just below the skin surface, which makes it useful in diminishing the redness caused by enlarged capillaries. The rose also offers a soothing property to the nerves and emotional /psychological state of mind. It is regarded as a mild sedative and anti-depressant. It is increasingly used in treatments for conditions of stress: nervous tension, peptic ulcers, heart disease, among others. There is indication that rose essence may also positively influence digestion, bile secretion, womb disorders and circulation. In addition, a tea made with rose petals (pour 150 ml of boiling water over 1 /2 grams of rose petals) often soothes a mild sore throat. Rose hips (the flowers which have swollen to seed) are an excellent source of vitamins A, B3, C, D and E. They also contain bioflavonoid, citric acid, flavonoid, fructose, malic acid, tannins and zinc. Taken in the form of tea they are good for infections, particularly bladder infections. Rose hip tea is also used in the treatment of diarrhea. It is an especially good source of vitamin C. (source from http://www.rosemagazine.com/)

Efficacy:

• Anti-aging, anti-wrinkle & spot reduction


• Mind sedative & anti-depressant


• Improve digestion, circulation & metabolism


• Treatments for nervous tension, peptic ulcers, bile secretion & womb disorders
  

Meaning:

Red Rose-------Deep emotions - be it love, longing or desire. Respect, Admiration or Devotion
Heartfelt Regret and Sorrow (deep red rose)
White Roses-------Purity, Chastity, Innocence, Sympathy, Humility
Yellow Roses------Exuberance, Friendship, Caring
Pink Roses--------Admiration, Joy, Gratitude, Appreciation, Elegance & Grace
Orange Roses-----Passion, Energy, Intense desire, Pride, Fervor, Fascination
Lavender Roses----Love at first sight, Regal majesty, Splendor, Adoration
Blue Roses---------Unattainable, Mysterious,
Green Roses-------Harmony, Opulence, Fertility, Peace, Tranquility
Best wishes for a prosperous new life or wishes for recovery of good health
Black Roses-------Death, Farewell, the death of the relationship

Caution:

• Please keep in dry and cool environment.


• Person with constipation should not drink it frequently


• Woman in pregnancy should not drink it
  

Matches: Violet, Mint, Marigold, Rosemary

Quantities & Steeping: 8-10 grams into hot water for at least 3 minutes, longer if desired

Enjoyable, Colorful and Tasty

What words will come up to your mind when people mentioned "herbal tea"? Bitter, medicine or old-fashioned? But what about we change that to "flower tea"? Instead, the words "fragrant and fresh" will pop up.

Many people have the wrong impression about herbal tea. There are lots of out-dated expressions here in U.S. "Long history, old-fashioned, and medical use" were labeled to the herbal tea. Are they right? Yes, they are. But not all. Do you know that flower tea can be colorful as cocktail? Do you know flower tea is more tasty than coffee? Do you know that enjoying flower tea is like enjoying a beautiful art?

As a matter of fact, herbal teas can be made with fresh or dried flowers, leaves, seeds or roots. I started to drink flower teas four years ago when flower teas began being popular in China. Though China has long history in drinking tea. Only jasmine tea and chrysanthemum tea were widely drunk in China, while varieties of herbal teas was widely spread in Europe for centuries. The first flower tea I learned was rose tea. I was so astonished to hear that the vitamin C in 3-5 roses was greater than in an orange. Though my parents had planted plenty of roses in our garden, I never thought that rose was the "queen of beauty" that contained so many vitamins that needed in women's body.

But the first time I realized the efficacy of flower teas was after drinking peach flowers, which was a cure for constipation. It was very clear in my mind that I had instant reaction in 15 minutes after drinking 5 peach flowers. (I had to run to the restroom, ha ha!)

Then I started to try different kind of flower teas. I found out that it was very beautiful when steeping flower teas. I cannot tell how amazing to watch the flowers blossoming in the water. It's like watching a very handsome guy, which you cannot take your eyes off him. More interesting is, like fruit drinks and cocktails, it can have ample of colors with different flower teas or combinations. Moreover, you not only can smell and taste the great fragrance the flower teas bring to you, with adding fruit or honey, it also can be a very tasty drink that contains multiple vitamins and nutrition for your body.

Flower tea is a drink that combines fragrance, color, and taste. I am sincerely inviting all health concerned friends to enjoy the life with flower teas.

To all healthy concerned friends

Do you want to be healthy with as less cost as possible? Of course, you do.

Do you know you can be beauty and healthy without any artificial and chemical products? Possibly you do.

Do you know all nutrition you need for your body can be absorbed from your daily foods and drinks? Maybe you do.

Do you know your inappropriate eating habits are killing healthy cells in your body every day?

If you know all the above, then why don’t you change your living style beginning from eating habits?

Live natural! Beauty natural!

In this blog, we encourage Food Therapy, or named Dietotherapy. Food Therapy is believed from China, which dates back from as early as 2000 BC. Up until turn of the century, food therapy was widely practiced as a way of healing the sick and keeping the healthy well. Food therapy is not an instant heal. It is a long-lasting cell renewal process that keeps your body stay well. But you will be astonished about the effect and feel renascence after several months after the change of eating habits.

Here we first introduce a new healthy drink-Flower Tea (known as Herbal Tea), which was the new rising star in healthy drink market.