Some Interesting Facts about Russian Tea

There are some very interesting facts about Russians and their love of this drink. Tea was not introduced into Russia until the seventeenth century. This is late compared to the rest of the world.

The process of making it is quite different from other cultures. A concentrate (known as zavarka) is prepared in a small pot. Then, each individual pours some of this zavarka into their tea cup.

Here was a fact that I was surprised to discover. It is not uncommon to drink two or three different kinds of tea at one time. Russians mix herbal teas and black or green teas (in the form of zavarka) together, and then dilute this mixture with hot water. Adding hot water allows one to make tea according to taste. Adding sugar, lemon, honey or even spoonfuls of fruit jam are the finishing touches to the tea.

If you have not experienced a traditional Russian ceremony, or tea from a samovar, you are missing out on the essence of tradition, hospitality and comfort to the Russian people. It is an unforgettable experience.

First of all, it is always time for tea. The expression "to have a sit by samovar" means to have leisurely conversation while drinking next to the samovar.

If you have not seen a samovar, please take the time to investigate this beautiful piece of functional artistic equipment. This is a heated metal container, many have an attachment on the tops of their lids to hold and heat a teapot filled with tea concentrate or zavarka.

The traditional recipe uses black tea that became known as Russian Caravan tea. This was a black tea that was transported from China to Russia. The trip took 18 months by camel caravan. During the trip, the tea acquired a smoky flavor from the caravan campfires.

Today the black or green tea is used, and may be mixed Keemun tea (also known as Chinese tea sweetness). Keemun is generally a fruity tea, but can be bitter and have a smoky flavor after fermentation.

The layering of teas occurs in the Russian tea pots. There are three layers. Of course, as we have already established the bottom and largest teapot holds hot water for diluting the tea. The middle tea pot contains the tea concentrate. The smallest tea pot on the top usually has an herbal tea in it, of course.

There is a whimsical beauty to the composition of the complete teapots structure. It reminds me a lot of the Russian Orthodox Church pattern of onion-heads roof. If you have an opportunity to see some of these beautifully made tea pots, they will sure put a smile on your face. Many are decorated with scenes and figurines of people and animal of everyday life.

The History and Evolution of Tea Strainers

Growing fond of using herbal leaves for concoctions, the ancient Chinese devised a modified process by adding a simple accessory: the tea strainer. Thus, an incredibly useful tea making tool began its history alongside, of course, the birth of traditional loose leaf tea drinking.

Many people, especially health enthusiasts, across the globe have adopted the practice of tea drinking owing to its relaxing effects and to its deemed health benefits. As a result, many different ways to enjoy the beverage have evolved. Commercially-prepared tea bags have become common since they provided people the convenience of purchasing tea from grocery stores, and allowed the easy preparation of a pot of tea.

Despite the widespread use of teabags the majority of people would still state that the loose leaf version of the drink, which is the use of whole or large-cut leaves, is still the best. It therefore follows that for many, making a cup of tea will not be proper tea unless they have used a proper strainer.

A tea strainer is, of course, a tool to prevent large tea leaves from mixing with the liquid infusion when it comes to drinking your brew. Spherical in form and perforated, it is usually placed on top or inside of the cup to catch the leaves while the beverage is being poured. There also exists a type of strainer that can be placed inside the teapot as it is brewed and then removed when it is ready to be drunk.

It is believed that the bamboo tea strainer was the first of its kind. Nowadays, sterling silver, stainless steel and china are the commonly used materials for making them. The sold product is either coupled with a teapot or with a cup. Seeing that it has cultural value, many collectors have surfaced and antique or vintage tea strainers have popped up online.

It is without a doubt that the pleasure of drinking loose leaf tea simply wouldn't be as great as it is now if the large leaves remained and if the tea strainer had not been made.

The Old Fathers' Tea Bar in Hainan Island

The most special tea bar in Hainan Island is called Old Fathers' Tea Bar. Why is it called as Old Fathers' Tea Bar? Because a long time ago, many old men who retired would get together to drink tea in such tea bars. Gradually, these tea bars gained such a name. The old fathers' tea bar is special scenery of Hainan. Most of these bars locate at the corners of old streets or under the big trees.

Usually they do not have a lot of interior decorations, and there are several tea tables and chairs inside. The old men always order a pot of tea and drink tea with big tea bowls, also order some peanuts or desserts, all of these will only take several Chinese dollars. And the old men can talk freely and spend their time happily there. Most of them will go to the old fathers' bar at 2 or 3 o'clock in the afternoon and go back home for dinner at about 6 o'clock, so they mainly spend 3 or 4 hours there each day. The old fathers' tea represents a relaxing life in Hainan.

People in Hainan would rather live a relaxing life without having too much money than live a busy life with a lot of money. So the old men usually gather in tea bars to chat or play pokers, but in the recent years, even the young people like to spend their time there. Sometimes it is good to spend your time at these bars, because you can feel relaxed there, but if you are young, do not usually go there, the reason is quite obvious: you need to work hard and make money but not to spend too much time in these bars, because they are for old men who are retired.

Another special thing I need to mention about this kind of special bar is that most of bar products are all made of coconut trees, so they are natural and special. If you go to Hainan Island to have a travel, you can have a visit the old fathers' bar to experience its atmosphere.

When You Make a Cup of Tea, Don’t Forget to Use Tea Strainers

Tea strainers are a very big part of the tea drinking tradition. Before the days of teabags, the strainer was an essential item in woman's kitchen. You could not make a cup of tea without this nifty little item to keep those pesky leaves out of your cup.

The only people who would possibly not have used tea-strainers are fortune tellers who read the leaf pattern at the bottom of the empty cup to tell the drinker's fortune.

There are the standard tea-strainers that everyone knows, the rounded sliver ring with the mesh wire inner and a handle. These are the plainly functional items. Then there is the mesh ball on a chain. This piece of equipment is used differently. You place the tea leaves inside the ball, close it and then put it into the cup. Then pour the boiling water over the strainer and allow your beverage to brew for while, before removing the mesh ball strainer with the used tea leaves. You then add your milk and sugar and stir. Viola, no leaves!

From this purely functional item of tea strainers a whole industry has developed, with designer strainers in every shape and form. They could become quite a collector's item.

There are as endless a variety of strainers on the market as there are people who still prefer their tea made from real tea leaves. Somehow the teabag is just not the same as a pot of tea made from tea leaves you can see, even if you do have to remove them with tea strainers.

There is nothing more satisfying than making yourself a cup of your favorite drink, made from proper leaves and using one of the tea strainers available today, to sit and relax and ponder the complexities and wonders of life and count your blessings.

Ritual in a Cup of Tea

If you are someone who enjoys a cup of tea regularly then you may not realize it but there is more to tea making than just dropping a tea bag into a mug, adding some boiling water and giving it a stir. There are many people for whom the ceremony of making tea is almost as important as the drinking of the subsequently. If however you do want to make your tea in a slightly more special and meaningful way then you need to gather together the important tools associated with the making of a proper cup of tea.

The first component that you need to decide upon, and in many ways perhaps the most important, is the actual type of tea that you prefer to drink. Fortunately there are many different types of tea ranging from English Breakfast through to a number of exotic Chinese teas. You can usually find a wide selection at your local specialty tea shop.

You will also need a good quality teapot, perhaps even one with an infuser, although as we shall find out you do not necessarily need an infuser, allowing the tea leaves to float freely within the water is just as good if not better. You will need a tea strainer, especially if you choose a teapot without an infuser. Tea strainers are not as common as they used to be in the not too distant past as they have largely become redundant following the spread of the tea bag.

You then need to select your favorite cup to pour the drink into and you are almost done. Making a cup of tea is a very therapeutic process. It can take you out of the day to day hustle and bustle and allow you a little bit of time alone to gather your thoughts and to relax a bit. It is well worth trying.

Many Types of Green Tea

There are many types of green tea although it is derived from the same basic plant source as the common black tea that everyone drinks both hot and cold. Green tea is simply derived by drying the plant. Black tea is processed by fermenting the plant which causes the flavor to be stronger and causes it to loose some of its nutrient rich power.

That is one of the reasons many people have switched to this drink is because dried items tend to retain most of their natural nutritional value. There is a wide selection that appeals to various tastes. Even though generally it is a lighter flavored drink than black tea, there are subtle differences in the various types.

Green tea has been around for many years and is a favorite among Asian countries before it ever took the U.S. by storm. Some of the most interesting flavors come from Japan and China. The difference in some of the favors comes from the different ways that the dried plant is packaged, preserved for its flavors and in the suggested way that it is prepared. Also, some types come in combination with other dried herbs or plants that add special flavor.

Some of the most common green tea comes from Japan and has a slightly sweet flavor. Sencha tea is a bit sweet and is less expensive than some other types. It is easy to use large amounts of this tea and not break your budget. Another popular Japanese tea is called Macha which is commonly used in the Japanese tea ceremonies. This beverage is also slightly sweet and is very good when served with sweet deserts.

One of the most expensive green teas you can buy is Lung Ching tea from China. Be prepared to pay a pretty penny for this item which is very green in color as well. It has a distinctively interesting flavor and is a favorite among those who want to drink quality teas.

If you are just getting interested in trying some of the various types of green teas available but aren't sure which you might like, you can always select a tea sampler which will give you various flavors to try. Be sure to try several types of green tea so that you can decide which one suits your taste.

Cho Yung Tea and Its Benefits

Cho yung is a popular brand for getting naturally slim. It is really doing well in China, Thailand and America. It is widely known for its unique flavor, aroma and innumerable health benefits. It is blessing for obese people all over the world. Unlike frizzy drinks, it ensures overall well-being to the user.

As the name suggests, it is chiefly made via a premium Chinese herb which has been used in the concerned country for treating numerous ailments and diseases. This herbal tea is prepared from freshest and purest traditional herbs such as oolong tea, lotus leaf and jiaogulan. In addition to this, it also consists of medical grade hawthorn, alisma rhizome, cassia seeds and poria.

All these ingredients make this the most powerful appetizer for fat loss. Relish this tea to stay fresh, vibrant and active throughout the day. It is found very beneficial for preventing irregular metabolism and fight back fatigue dramatically.

It is increasingly becoming popular worldwide. It is the safest way to boost your internal health and increase your life expectancy in nature. This energy drink helps you achieve all fitness goals so that you look and feel younger forever.

The product is highly suggested for reducing destructive actions of the free radical present in the food we eat or inhaling air. This advanced organic solution caters to varied needs of a person that ascertain his or her better health and living style. It is an emblem of purity and quality for sexy slim physique and fit body. The product can be easily obtained through the internet retailer that helps you get the best.

Shincha, Green Tea from Japan

Shincha is a type of green tea produced in Japan. It comes from the year's first harvest and is immediately processed and packaged, ready for sale -- unlike other green teas which are put into cold storage to maintain their freshness, allowing companies to sell them throughout the year.

As a result, shincha is a seasonal tea, usually available between May and July. Its rarity means that it commands higher prices than other green teas. If you are looking to buy shincha, you can expect to pay anywhere between $10 and $50 USD for a 100-gram packet (which is not to say you can't spend even more than that!).

Shincha generally has a more astringent flavor than other green teas. As with other high quality green teas, it can be re-steeped multiple times, but its stronger flavor means that it requires special care when brewing. Use slightly less than a teaspoon of shincha leaves per cup (assuming your cup holds about 8 ounces/240 ml), and only leave it to brew for a minute to a minute and a half. The second infusion should be shorter, as it will brew quicker -- aim for around 30-45 seconds. For subsequent infusions, add about a minute each time, until you notice that the tea is starting to taste too weak.

To maintain freshness, it's best to store shincha in the fridge in an airtight container. Even with the shincha stored in the fridge, it is advised to consume the shincha within three months to get the most out of it.

The History of Flowering Tea or Blooming Tea

Flowering tea, say some, developed as recently as the 1980s in a Chinese province. Given the ancient history of tea, it would be truly remarkable to think that flowering tea (or blooming tea as it is also known) was such a recent innovation.

There are many claims to the creation of this 'artistic tea' although hard facts and proof seem to be thin on the ground. This leaves a lot to the imagination and assumptions! There is no doubt though that artisans created flowering tea buds or balls, and that this craft originated in China - some say the Anhui Province, others say the Fujian Province. For most of us, it really does not matter where it was invented; suffice to say that it has become a strong export for China to the western world and as a result, we have a lovely choice of flowering tea products.

Artisans, skilled workers who produce items by hand, make the flowering tea buds. Loose green tea, together with loose white and black teas are combined with flowers tea and petals in unique styles to create flowering tea. Once the combination of teas is selected, the buds are hand sewn, covered with material, put in a kiln to dry out, packaged individually and then despatched. As the process is labour intensive, the price of these buds is consequently relatively high.

Watching the first flowering tea is an amazingly satisfying experience. As the bloom emerges from a tight ball, to become something completely different and quite indistinguishable from that grey lump of tea, there is a sense of wonder that something like this can be created.

With immersion of around three minutes, the tea bud will be transformed into a blossom. Some buds will be more spectacular than others, varying from a lump of long green leaves, to incredible blossoms with wafting tentacles such as "Touching Dragons". The names alone are enough to build much anticipation - "Jasmine Silvery Strawberry Ball", "Double Lion Pearl", "Seven Sons Congratulating".

After the initial visual impact, it seems somewhat of an anti-climax to drink the tea. But that is exactly what the flowering tea is designed for. Again, there are varying levels of quality of tea. Some blossoms are made from quality white tea, but most are made from loose green tea. It is generally true that you get what you pay for. A cheap product is likely to be made of inferior products and may not have the desired pleasant taste - or any taste at all. Not all teas are borne equal!

A satisfying blooming tea is definitely a trial and error process, and even more so when the quality of tea is taken into account. But it is not hard to find fabulous flowering teas these days. Most tea stockists provide pictures so you can be assured of seeing a beautiful unfolding of handmade tea buds.

Green Tea Capsules Solve Many Health Problems

Green tea capsules are a great natural substitute for modern medicine. In fact studies show that these capsules can naturally help with the many health problems we have today. If you are tired of trying over the counter drugs you should try this as an alternative medicine.

Research shows that green tea has native antioxidants called cathechins. These antioxidants are proving to be useful in many areas of helping your body the natural way.

Green tea capsules can be a good weight loss product if not used too often. The cathechins I spoke of before cause your body to heat up from the inside, this starts a fat burning process in your body. The effect is called thermogenics, and as long as you do not drink too much tea during the day you will find that this will help you shed pounds.

This tea is also used as a colon cleanse or detox for your body. You have probably heard about Hollywood stars using the capsules to clear the toxins from their bodies and also to lose weight. This is similar to Ballerina tea which is used for the same purpose. The only difference being that ballerina tea is made from herbs and tea of the green variety is made from tea leaves.

Now for some of the other things tea capsules are good for. Everyone wants to lower their bad cholesterol and raise their good. Studies have proved that elevating your good cholesterol removes the plaque that forms in your arteries and is so dangerous. Besides for being able to help you raise your good cholesterol tea au green will also help to thin the blood the same way an aspirin does. This can help to prevent dangerous blood clots.

These things alone are truly remarkable. You never see an ad on TV recalling green tea capsules like you do with so many medicines that are out there now. It is no wonder that people are going back to natural cures, people even lived longer way back when.

There is more to know about tea capsules. Polyphenols which are a natural part of green tea help the growth of the good bacteria our bodies need to defend against the dangerous bacteria like E.coli from growing. When you are given green tea in a Chinese restaurant you don't even know that it kills the bacteria in your mouth which causes bad breath.

Now you know a bit more about the benefits of green tea capsules. There is certainly more to it than just a great taste and a way to shed some unwanted pounds.

Spend Your Time with Tea Party

What else could be the best way to spend a long lazy afternoon than enjoying a tea party with your dear friends and family? Tea parties are suitable for all age groups; everyone from children to adults will enjoy the opportunity to snack, talk and drink tea. Whether you are planning to throw a formal party or simply host a casual get-together, tea parties are a fantastic solution for all occasions.

You can throw tea parties at any place, but nothing beat a green, grassy lawn on a warm spring day, the perfect place to host family and friends and enjoy the weather. If you are planning your tea party during the spring you can tastefully decorate the table with seasonal flowers to give elegant touch to your party. Whatever teh reason for the event make sure that your tea time table is adorned with best crockery, cutlery and linen. Decorate your tea table with a centerpiece made from fresh flowers and it's the perfect spot for your pot of tea and all your tea related accessories.

Choosing a snack is a typical task - make sure that your tea time menu has savory as well as sweet items. Cucumber mint tea sandwiches, Madeleine and raisin scones are most popular tea party items. You can pick different kind of sandwiches. Now people prefer vegetarian sandwiches like asparagus logs, pineapple nut tea sandwiches or traditional egg salad sandwiches, tuna salad sandwiches your tea party will be incomplete without cream cheesy sandwiches.

For making delicious sandwiches use good quality bread, it should be properly trimmed at the edges, thinly sliced and cut it into small pieces. A proper tea party is a fantastic way to spend time with family and friends, or to simply relax on a nice spring afternoon!

Lime Blossom Tea and Its Benefits

Reality check, almost everyone nowadays has been claiming that herbal medicines do have a lot of benefits to men and especially the Lime Blossom Tea. True enough that there is a good effect of it to those who drinks it because it is indeed an anti-oxidant and it does free the body from toxins. However, there are still some people who look at it as non-effective because they were not healed by it. In the next paragraphs of this article, we will discuss the reasons why people should not doubt blossom teas.

What is Lime blossom?

First and foremost, Lime Blossom is also known as linden. This flowering-blossom tree grows in the northern hemisphere specifically North America and Europe. It is considered to the most used among all other herbs because they say it has a calming effect. Today, it is very popular to those who always get into stress because of heavy workload and unchanging schedules. As many people say, its sweet and clean aroma can relieve the unwanted sensation.

The Facts

Did you know that Lime Blossom is said to treat nervous disorders? Some says that it is a good remedy of stress, tension, insomnia, anxiety and even depression. It is said also to be a good medication because it is rich in renewing volatile oils such as farensol. Indeed, it has a certain calming ingredient that soothes the nerves of a person wherein he or she would no longer feel restlessness and agitation.

Although the pain of having nervous disorders is unbearable at times, the procedure of preparing Lime Blossom is in fact very easy. You can even drink it to relieve the stress immediately or take a bath with the linden blend. Even though how little the amount of lime blossom you put in your drink or while taking a shower, you will eventually notice the effect.

Where to buy?

Today, many have been selling Lime Blossom extracts because many believes that it can cure nervous disorders, but how do they do this? Well, everything can be brought now online and Amazon got a lot of this in-store. So, if you do not know anyone who lives in North America or Europe, you might want to try ordering it online and the package will arrive before you know it. Also, other than teas they have shower gels and other selections too.

Octavia Tea Organic Lime Blossom Green Tea

The main content of this organic drink which is Lime Blossom tends to rejuvenates both body and mind. It is made possible because of the opulent combination of fresh lime and calming blossoms. It also has the mild mixtures of citrus and other botanicals for a more graceful flavor. It is indeed full of powerful antioxidants and health benefits that can give a cool feeling. Always make sure to mix this one with hot water so that the extracts will really deliver its flavor. As they say, it is more effective.

Drinking lime blossom gives a lot of benefits to the body. It can treat nervous disorders and it can also give soothing effect that is comparable to those medicines bought in drugstores. However, the most important thing that makes Lime Blossom Tea different from the conventional drugs is that it is100% natural. You will never feel any side effects since there are no inorganic chemicals involved.

Enjoy a Cup of Tea by Using Chantal Tea Kettle

If you enjoy a nice relaxing cup of tea then a Chantal Tea Kettle may just be the thing for you. A kitchen that doesn't contain a kettle just isn't complete. Even if you don't drink tea yourself tea kettles are used to boil water. They can be used to quickly boil water for food instead of using a pan on the gas.

Over the years the kettle has developed changing everything from shape, color and design. However the simple stove top whistling kettle has maintained its popularity. But gaining its own popular is the electric kettle. They come in all kind of designs and you will have no problem finding one of these to match the design of your kitchen. In terms of convenience is surpasses the stove top kettle as you fill it up, flip and switch and it will automatically turn itself off when done. No waiting for a whistle and running into the kitchen to turn it off. However for a lot of people they are set in their ways and maintain that a stove top kettle will provide you with a better cup of tea.

If you prefer the stove top whistling kettles then a Chantal Tea Kettle would be a great buy for you. They have many designs so you have a very good chance of finding a one you like. They also maintain the traditional look giving an antique and stylish look. Although this brand of kettle is a bit on the pricey side you get what you pay for. They are built to last and should serve you well for years to come. One good advantage is that the parts of the kettle are detachable which is great if years down the road one part breaks you only need replace that part instead of the whole kettle. That is one of the disadvantages of the electric kettles, once they break its most likely easier and cheaper to replace the whole kettle.

There are many reviews and special offers for kettles online so a good browse is needed to find what is right for you. Be careful for some kettles which can often give the boiled water a bad taste to it. This is something no tea or coffee drinkers wants when they sit down for a relaxing evening. So choose carefully but for a good tasting and relaxing cuppa you can't go far wrong with a Chantal Tea Kettle.

Wu Yi Tea is the Natural Way to Lose Weight

Wu Yi Tea is thought to be one of the finest weight loss teas sold today. High in the Wu Yi Mountains of China is where this tea is grown. The tea leaves are gathered only by hand, dried to perfection out in the sun and then hand packed.

The other benefits of this fine tea come from the antioxidants present in it. The results from studies done show that because of the antioxidants, Wu Yi tea can help reduce age spots and wrinkles. Other research provides information that the tea lowers blood sugar to a normal range reduces high blood pressure and lowers the bad cholesterol in your body. Research done around the world backs up these studies on this tea.

The same claims of weight loss are made about Ballerina tea. But Wu Yi tea is made from tea leaves and ballerina tea is made from an herb called Senna. This herb is a stimulant laxative. The tea leaves have polyphenol which occur naturally. The properties of polyphenol are what reduces cholesterol and causes the weight loss.

The weight loss that occurs from Wu Yi tea is due to the polyphenol which is a bio-active agent that activates enzymes in your body that dissolve the fat that has accumulated in your body. This action speeds up your metabolism and causes you to lose more weight.

Researchers at the University of Geneva Switzerland found that the flavonoids in the tea combine with the caffeine to alter the norepinephrine chemical in our bodies. This chemical is a transmitter in our nervous systems that increases the way we burn fat. Every bit of research that was done on Wu Yi tea came back with great results. A reduction in waist size, body fat and body mass index. 

More and more people are looking for natural products, not a pill with chemicals and who knows what else in it. Wu Yi tea has been proven with studies from around the world to be a great weight loss product in both men and women.

Organic Green Tea Health Benefits

A main green tea benefit is that it contains powerful antioxidants that favor bacteria beneficial to the human body while killing those that are harmful. Organic green teas have a high rate of antioxidants which are really important to protect the cells from a natural process that prevents toxins that build up from unnecessary oxygen.

Organic tea is the more natural form of modern tea plants that are sprayed with pesticides and other artificial methods of growth. Many tea plantations are now converting to organic due to the harming effects of chemical fertilizers- this organic tea provides a fuller taste that heightens the green tea benefits. The process of green tea formation includes only the leaf bud and top two leaves of the tea plant. The leaves do not become oxidized as they are not fermented like black tea. This process helps to preserve the leaves without destroying the beneficial compounds in the plant. Organic tea benefits also include various nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, manganese and potassium and the vitamins A, C, E and K.

Consumption of organic tea helps prevent diseases such as arthritis, improve bone density, reduce the risk of heart disease, and helps fight cataracts. Green organic tea is beneficial for almost every organ in the body. Organic green tea helps control blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart attacks. Its daily consumption has shown results in preventing viral infections. It is a very soothing drink that can help you control stress and slow down the aging process. Many people have used green tea for aid in weight loss as well as it works wonders for your metabolism. Tea is also a wonderful alternative to coffee, with many varieties having just half of the caffeine.

Sage Tea and Its Health Benefits

The ancient Romans associated sage with immortality, longevity, and strong mental capacities. The Latin verb sapere, from which the common name derives, means both "to have a good taste" and "to have good sense," thus linking the plant with wisdom. Artemis, the Greek goddess of forests and hills, inspired the genus name Artemisia, which is also the Latin word for mugwort.

Most of the herbal and ornamental sages fall into two great camps: the genus Salvia, which lies within the great Labiatae (Lamiaceae), the mint family, and the genus Artemisia, which belongs to the compositae, or asters. The dominant sage across Europe, a Salvia, differs markedly from the American prairie sage, or sagebrush, an Artemisia.

Artemisia includes about two hundred species of aromatic annual, biennial, and perennial herbs and shrubs native mostly in dry, stony areas of the Northern Hemisphere. Many species create their own colonies, or eco-niches, quickly taking over disturbed ground in the wild. They are grown as ornamentals and for their medicinal, insecticidal, and aromatic qualities, and we know them mostly as the sagebrush, mugworts, wormwoods, and fragrant annies. Southernwood, absinthe, dusty miller (beach wormwood), and garden tarragon are striking Eurasian species of Artemisia familiar in many of our perennial gardens. Their small flower heads are generally in spikes or racemes of tiny disk-like flowers that can range from white to yellow-green, and even brownish to purplish. The alternate leaves can be lobed or dissected, and most have unusual fragrance.

The most common species west of the Mississippi River - and the most sacred smudging herb - of the rugged, attractive native sages growing in dry areas of North America is the classic sagebrush, A. tridentata. This rounded evergreen shrub can grow up to ten feet tall, and its silvery-gray foliage and branches are highly aromatic. Nineteen species of sage are native to the greater California - West Coast regions. Sand sage, A. filifolia, can grow to five feet tall in the desert Southwest regions, while Alaskan sage, A. frigida, is a more prostrate, mat-forming species, which grows south into Kansas and Arizona. The highly aromatic white sage, A. ludoviciana, found across the West, has been hybridized into garden varieties called Silver King and Silver Queen. This native herb was first collected in the Louisiana Purchase regions in the eighteenth century - a bit of history reflected in its Latin species name.

The genus Salvia embraces more than 750 species of herbs, some growing as shrubs, widely distributed throughout the world's dry, stony regions. Salvia comes from the Latin salvare, meaning "to cure," and these are certainly healing plants. Some Salvias are cultivated as ornamentals and for culinary, perfumery, and medicinal uses. Our native scarlet or Texas sage, Salvia coccinea, is one of the most widely cultivated ornamental sages, along with the aromatic native pineapple-scented sage, S. elegans, which can grow to more than three feet tall.

Common (culinary) or garden sage, S. officinalis, is the familiar Mediterranean herb we use in cooking and some teas. This species was a favourite ancient potherb, cultivated for many centuries. Attractive cultivars grown today in varieties of purplish-red variegated leaves are purpurascens and purpurea along with the gold/white/green tricolor and the albiflora, which are favoured in many of our kitchen gardens and are welcome additions to any garden. A California native, the aromatic blue sage, S. clevelandii, is often recommended as a substitute for culinary sage.

Many more native Salvia species are used ceremonially and medicinally, especially the southern California greasewood or white sage, Salvia apiana, which can grow three to eight feet tall, with oblong leaves covered in white hairs and white to pale lavender blooms. The Great Plains blue sage, S. azurea, has been naturalized in the East and hybridized into several showy varieties. The white woolly Mexican bush sage, S. leucantha and the tall rosy-leaf sage, S. involucrata are stunning southern perennial shrubs. 

Traditional uses

Indians throughout the Americas extensively use numerous species of native sage. For example, in the Artemisia genus, many western tribes use Alaskan sage, A. frigida, and sand sage, A. filifolia, medicinally and ceremonially. Rocky Mountain sage, A. arbuscula, and California sage, A. Californica, are collected and dried for ceremonial smudging, and their leaves are chewed for relief of congestion and sore throat. Native peoples have long exploited Salvia carducea for its aromatic qualities and cooling, fever-reducing principles, along with gray or purple sage, S. leucophylla, the West Coast gray ball sage, S. dorrii, and the stout thistle sage. Some sage species are now commercially grown to meet the growing demand for their use in sacred and ceremonial rites.

Dried sage leaves, stems, blossoms, and seeds have long been used as sacred smudging herbs, and many tribes traded for favourite species to use for medicinal teas, sedatives, insecticides, and fumigants. Special clothing, especially ceremonial apparel and masks, was often packed away between layers of dried sage to protect it and keep it fresh. The spirits associated with ceremonial items were and are blessed with sage, and these items were often tied with a sprig of sage for strength and respect. Sage was and is one of the foremost sweat lodge herbs, used by American Indians to banish all negative spirits and emotions and to smudge over the fire. This beneficial herb has long been important on tribal and personal altars and carried in the medicine bag and the car.

Modern uses

Today, herbalists around the world use the sages to relieve many problems. Chinese red sage, Salvia miltiorrhiza (dan shen), is traditionally used for heart and circulatory problems. Many of the European and native American species serve similar needs and also as digestive tonics, gargles, and a valuable hormonal stimulant for women throughout their childbearing years and menopause. Culinary sage, S. officinalis, is also a traditional treatment for asthma, and is drunk as a tea to clear the mind and stimulate thought. Many of us wear a sprig of sage in the garden as an insect repellent.

Cautions

Some individuals can suffer respiratory problems, such as hay fever, and some may even experience slight dermatitis from handling certain species in these two large families. Yet many people rub sage leaves on their bodies to ward off insects and never have any skin problems.

Growth needs and propagation

Most species of sage tolerate sandy, alkaline soil that is well drained. They flourish in rich soil and full sun. Plants do not seem to come as well from seed as they do from root and stem cuttings; they take a good two years to come to maturity from seeds. Once mature, the blossoms and leaves can be clipped repeatedly for ritual or medicinal use. Check them carefully for plant pests, and spray with an organic soap mixture if you detect spittle bugs or spider mites. Sage has many antibacterial properties and usually remains pest-free.

Companions

Sage grows well with other gray-leaved herbs that like slightly alkaline soil, such as coneflower, evening primrose, yarrow, rosemary and lavender.