Lavender Tea

Lavender tea contains the flowers (calyces/heads) of true lavender. In contrast to mint's sharp chill or chamomile's appley sweetness, lavender reads floral, herbaceous and lightly balsamic - a breath-out cup.

Quality lots are pale purple to gray-green in colour and clean smelling (never soapy); The key notes are volatile oils so brew covered to keep the aroma in the pot.

Expect pale straw-lilac liquor in a round, satin cup: Think lavender blossom, resin & honey, and a clean mineral finish. Short steeps keep it airy and refined; a minute longer yields a more herbal warmth - perfect with lemon, honey or rose petals -.

You may find culinary blends adding lemon balm or spearmint for lift occasionally; Straight lavender is more contemplative - great for a light, floral ritual without the heaviness or tannic bite.

organically grown China

Flavour and Aroma

Aroma: Lavender blossom / soft herb / light resin / honeyed edge.

Taste: Light, delicate florals with a clean herb finish.

Body: light-medium, satin-smooth

Bitterness/astringency: low; Over-steeped can be herbaceous.

Ingredients

Dried lavender flowers.
Botanical name: Lavandula angustifolia Mill.

Caffeine level

None (caffeine-free).

How to brew

Western style (mug/pot)

1.5-2 g per 250 ml.

95 degC water

5-7 minutes, covered; strain

Re-steep: once; add 2-3 minutes

Iced / cold brew

5-8 g/L cold filtered water.

Refrigerate 6-8 hrs; strain - clean, floral and refreshing.

When to drink

Midday - late evening; Lovely to drink before bedtime, after meals or chilled in a citrus carafe.

Health benefits

Traditional use (tea): The EU herbal monograph accepts lavender flower preparations (infusions/tea) for the relief of mild stress and sleep under traditional use registration.

- Anxiety (context - capsules not tea): Significant anxiolytic effects in subthreshold anxiety and GAD are revealed in meta-analysis of five randomized, placebo controlled trials of oral lavender oil (Silexan). a previous large RCT comparing 80-160 mg Silexan with paroxetine.

Sleep quality in context of aromatherapy: Systematic review/meta analysis indicates better sleep quality in adult subjects treated with lavender aromatherapy.

Polyphenols and antioxidants (tea-style extracts): Studies on lavender water infusions/decoctions identify phenolics and antioxidant activity, thereby explaining its traditional use (bench chemistry not clinical efficacy).
(General information only; Many clinical trials employ essential-oil capsules or inhalation rather than simple tea.

Health-related notes (general)

Consume as much as you like in food-style portions as part of a healthy diet. Seal the cup during steeping to retain aromatics. Flavour strength: adjust leaf and time of taste according to cut and origin.

Cautionary

Allergy/sensitivity: Avoid if you are sensitive to lavender and/or Lamiaceae plantes; Immediately stop if you experience unusual symptoms.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Only limited safety data on medicinal strength - use culinary amounts only if directed by a clinician.

Sedation/medicines: The lavender can be calming. Use sedative medicines sparingly and monitor your response.

Children and pets: Keep out of reach; Avoid swallowing essential oils.

Storage and Shelf Life

Keep cool, dark and dry. Best within 12-18 months; Delicate floral volatiles fade away upon opening.

Quick FAQs

Will it taste soapy?
Good lavender won't: use light measures, brew covered and avoid over steeping.

What if I blend it?
Yes - lemon peel, honey, rose/chamomile go with lavender.

Milk or lemon?
Best without milk; A little lemon squeeze brightens the cup.