Self Care Summer Brandon
Monija, from Mindful Milestones Psychotherapy, has invited me to participate in Summer Self-Care Brandon. This initiative aims to promote and encourage self-care practices during the summer season. My hope is those practices continue through the whole year. Brandon businesses are getting together to promote the importance of taking care of ourselves and out mental health.
I have shared this month already how taking time for tea can improve your physical, mental, spiritual and mental health now let me introduce you to the Wellness Teas that we carry in our Tearoom Gift shop.
Photo courtesy of Pluck Tea
Wellness Teas from our gift shop
Tea for Good - Our Wellness Collection
What happens when our Tea Sommelier gets together with a plant-based powerhouse nutrition professor, scientist and chef to talk tea?
Introducing our Tea for Good collection. This new collection of functional teas were created with evidence-based studies as the starting point, and deliciousness as a priority.
Each tea has been blended by us with care and includes whole plant ingredients, not powders.
In true Pluck fashion, each tea in this collection also includes a key ingredient grown in Canada.
Photo Courtesy of Pluck Tea
SLEEP
Introducing Sleep, the calming, soothing, relaxing blend in our Tea for Good wellness line.
The gorgeous Hidcote lavender in this blend (one of a handful of culinary lavenders grown in Ontario) is a key ingredient and when steeped, and is hand-harvested in the sun-drenched fields of Prince Edward County, Ontario.
This caffeine - free infusion is the perfect partner for a great night's sleep, afternoon nap, or moment of deep relaxation.
100% Natural Ingredients, Blended and Packed in Canada: Organic Chamomile Blossoms, Dried Ginger Pieces, Organic Licorice Root Pieces, Lavender Petals.
Nutrition Notes
Chamomile:
It’s no surprise that chamomile, equipped with its smooth, sweet and floral undertones, have been included in research recommendations and seen as an important and successful nutraceutical/adaptogen for increasing quality sleep, reducing sleeping disorders and potentially aiding in the reduction of depression and anxiety. Chamomile contains high levels of flavonoids, apigenin and luteolin, which have been shown to enhance vascular relaxation, consequently lowering blood pressure and heart rate which are required processes during the non-REM sleep stage.
Ginger:
Aside from its well-known characteristics of aiding in the reduction of nausea, ginger’s aromatic component, gingerol, has been shown to be a good component of an anti-inflammatory diet, to support good gastrointestinal function, manage pain, and potentially reduce the risk of metabolic syndromes; in particular, aiding in the promotion of good heart health.
Lavender:
Studies investigating the medicinal use of lavender and lavender in tea in particular, have found that the herb can help to reduce depression and anxiety scores in those that drink it regularly. Due to its affordability and how accessible it is, it is often recommended to be used as a complimentary aid in minimizing anxiety and depression. It has also been shown to potentially work as a sedative aiding with sleep disorders. The aromatics of lavender and its potential benefits, particularly linalool an adaptogen found in lavender, has been investigated with promising results including the potential help in reducing anxiety and depression in addition to providing feelings of tranquility and relaxation.
Photo Courtesy of Pluck Tea
FOCUS
Get in the zone with Focus - the awakening, concentration-boosting tea from our Tea for Good wellness line. Bold peppermint notes are balanced by green tea, ginger, and a light, sweet licorice finish with a hint of fruit.
Delicious hot or over ice, this blend is high in antioxidants, low in caffeine, and is a perfect 'any time of day' tea.
This tea is blended with up-cycled grape skins from Niagara, Ontario.
100% Natural Ingredients, Blended and Packed in Canada: Organic Peppermint Leaves, Organic Green Tea, Dried Ginger Pieces, Organic Licorice Root Pieces, Organic Dried Grape Skins.
Nutrition Notes
Peppermint:
Peppermint has been shown to be one of the most common herbs that contains the highest levels of antioxidants, particularly beta-carotenes and flavonoids. In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, peppermint has been demonstrated in studies to improve digestion for those with IBS, and to contain anti-viral and anti-microbial properties shown to support immune function. Interestingly peppermint has also been studied with success for its ability to improve memory and potentially increase alertness and focus during the daytime.
Ginger:
Aside from its well-known characteristics of aiding in the reduction of nausea, ginger’s aromatic component, gingerol, has been shown to be a good component of an anti-inflammatory diet, to support good gastrointestinal function, manage pain, and potentially reduce the risk of metabolic syndromes; in particular, aiding in the promotion of good heart health.
Green Tea:
Green tea is notorious for its high polyphenol/antioxidant content which alone has health benefits in relation to reducing inflammation in the body and aiding in the potential prevention and management of inflammatory diseases. In addition it also provides benefits in relation to its antiviral properties and positively influences psychopathological symptoms, like anxiety. It has been shown to potentially benefit memory and attention span as well as positively influence brain function.
Photo Courtesy of Pluck Tea
RENEW
Harness the power of chaga mushrooms (ours are sustainably sourced from the pristine Boreal forests of BC) in this turmeric and chai-spiced blend that’s delicious on it's own, or served up as a delicious chaga chai latte.
This adaptogenic tea is anti-inflammatory, high anti-oxidant, and an effective tummy settler.
100% Natural Ingredients, Blended and Packed in Canada: Chaga, Organic Turmeric, Cinnamon, Cacao Husks, Dried Ginger Pieces, Cardamom, Star Anise, Black Pepper, Fennel, Cloves.
Nutrition Notes
Chaga Mushrooms
Mushroom metabolites are known to stimulate different cells of the immune system and have been shown to help support good immune function. They are also high in antioxidants in general aiding in the reduction of inflammation in the body overall.
Cinnamon:
Cinnamon contains high levels of polyphenols; rutin, catechins and quercetin in particular, all of which have high antioxidant activity. Moreover, there is promising research in relation to cinnamon and the support of respiratory, digestive and gynaecological health as well as possessing antibacterial properties.
Cacao:
Cacao and cocoa products, aside from being rich in earthy, beautiful bitter notes, they contain high levels of antioxidants (surprisingly higher than red wine, green tea and black tea), specifically flavonoids, catechins and procyandins which have been shown to help minimize oxidative stress, reducing inflammation in our bodies helping to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, like heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancers.
Ginger:
Aside from its well-known characteristics of aiding in the reduction of nausea, ginger’s aromatic component, gingerol, has been shown to be a good component of an anti-inflammatory diet, to support good gastrointestinal function, manage pain, and potentially reduce the risk of metabolic syndromes; in particular, aiding in the promotion of good heart health.
Photo Courtesy of Pluck Tea
DEFENCE
Introducing Defence, the immune-supporting blend in our Tea for Good wellness line.
This Ontario-grown ginseng blend includes ginger, echinacea, and organic lemon peel. A soothing, delicious tea to help you feel your best every day.
100% Natural Ingredients, Blended and Packed in Canada: Ginseng, Echinacea Purpurea, Dried Ginger Pieces, Organic Lemon Pieces.
Nutrition Notes:
Ginseng:
Ginseng has been used for centuries for a variety of ailments and is a notorious adaptogen known to potentially provide a variety of health benefits. One benefit in particular includes the potential support of the body’s immune function and the treatment of immunity-related disorders.
Ginseng also has been shown in studies to have a promising future for the treatment of fatigue particularly in relation to chronic illness, in addition to psychological stresses like anxiety and depression.
Ginsenosides, the main active components found in ginseng, have been linked to the majority of the biological activity found in the root. Ginsenosides have been shown to have a variety of potential benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer effects.
Echinacea:
Echinacea has been shown to aid in reducing the duration and severity of cold/flu symptoms in adults if taken at early onset of these symptoms. Moreover, through anti-viral and anti-inflammatory effects, echinacea has been shown to support immune function and aid in lowering the risk of recurrence and complications of respiratory tract infections. It has also been studied with promising results as an adaptogen aiding in the management of stress and anxiety.
Ginger:
Aside from its well-known characteristics of aiding in the reduction of nausea, ginger’s aromatic component, gingerol, has been shown to be a good component of an anti-inflammatory diet, to support good gastrointestinal function, manage pain, and potentially reduce the risk of metabolic syndromes; in particular, aiding in the promotion of good heart health.
Lemon Peel:
Citrus peels are high in powerful antioxidants called polyphenols, specifically flavonoids. Flavonoids have been shown to potentially support immune function and decrease inflammation in the body, consequently reducing the overall risk of illness and chronic disease.
Photo Courtesy of Pluck Tea
GLOW
Glow is a bright, citrus - forward Tulsi blend with the soothing powers of Ginger. These three pure, simple ingredients combine to create a delicious caffeine-free infusion that supports a healthy glow from the inside out.
Delicious served hot, or over ice.
100% Natural Ingredients, Blended and Packed in Canada: Organic Tulsi, Upcycled Lemon Peel, Dried Ginger Pieces.
Nutrition Notes:
The Health Benefits of Tulsi:
Tulsi is a member of a family of herbs called 'adaptogens'. Adaptogens help the body combat both physical and emotional stress
Tulsi is recognized as a natural anti-depressant and anti-anxiety herb in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine
Tulsi, when consumed as a tea, promotes clear thinking, relaxation, and a sense of well – being
Tulsi is high in antioxidants, helping the body combat cellular damage
Tulsi is a powerful digestive herb, helping to reduce discomfort and control stomach acid
Ginger:
Aside from its well-known characteristics of aiding in the reduction of nausea, ginger’s aromatic component, gingerol, has been shown to be a good component of an anti-inflammatory diet, to support good gastrointestinal function, manage pain, and potentially reduce the risk of metabolic syndromes; in particular, aiding in the promotion of good heart health.
Photo Courtesy of Pluck Tea
Dragonfly Delights Tearoom Gift Shop proudly carries Pluck Tea. A Canadian, female owned and run business.
Here is a little information about the company, its founder, Jennifer and the nutritional expert, Amy, behind the Wellness collection.
Pluck Tea was founded by Jennifer Commins in 2012 with a mission to fix restaurant tea. Today, our team of tea makers is proud to produce a wide range of top quality infusions for tea drinkers who value quality and sustainability - wherever they may be.
Turns out, the best teas come in small batches.
Our teas are hand-blended in small quantities with great care at our facility in midtown Toronto to ensure excellence in quality and freshness. Hand blending minimizes leaf damage and ensures that our makers can assess each batch and ingredient for quality, consistency, and freshness.
Sustainability starts at home.
Several of our favourite ingredients are grown and dried for us close to our production facility in Ontario including lavender, ginseng, and grapes. This ensures that our teas are the freshest out there, while reducing our carbon footprint at the same time. We also source ingredients across Canada from farms in BC, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland.
Upcycling is delicious!
Many of our ingredients are upcycled - which directly reduces food waste by repurposing fresh ingredients that could otherwise be diverted to compost.
Examples include:
Citrus peel, saved and immediately dried for us by a local juice maker (who also happens to supply many of the restaurants we work with!)
Cacao shells, reserved and roasted for us by a local bean-to-bar chocolatier
Apple pieces, cut and dried from less-than-perfect looking locally grown apples
Grape skins - saved for us after pressing for juice by Ann, winemaker at Southbrook Vineyards in Niagara
Let's talk tea.
Tea is the original plant-based beverage. The plant itself (Camellia Sinensis) is indigenous to areas around the world that tend to be closer to the equator than Canada is. We source our tea leaves from organic and sustainable farms. Learn more about our tea sourcing practices here.
Packaging matters.
Our zero waste glass jars are finally here! All teas are now available packed directly into these stackable beauties - loose or bagged. (Kraft paper resealable pouches are also available.)
The final mile.
Pluck Tea is proud to be a customer of Drop Distribution - an emission-free delivery service that brings our freshly blended teas to our customers in Toronto via bicycle or electric car.
Photo Courtesy of Pluck Tea
Meet Our Nutrition Expert, Amy Symington M.Sc.
Amy Symington, M.Sc. is a nutrition professor, researcher and plant-based chef at George Brown College in Toronto, Canada. Aside from having a Masters in Applied Human Nutrition with a focus on functional foods and their health benefits, Amy has 20+ years experience in the food industry including in restaurants, cafes, catering, hosting private events and galas and as well as volunteering in community kitchens. Amy is the Culinary Nutrition Program Coordinator at Gilda's Club Greater Toronto (GCGT), a not-for-profit cancer organization, she is the Executive Chef for Humane Society International (HSI) Canada, she volunteers with the Toronto Veg Food Bank (TVFB) as a chef and nutrition consultant and does recipe development and food writing for various publications in Toronto and worldwide. Amy believes in the evidence-based health and environmental benefits of plant-based diets and is the recent author of The Long Table Cookbook: Plant-based recipes for optimal health. She enjoys baking with her kids, cooking, running without her kids and drinking really good tea.
Photo Courtesy of Pluck Tea
Thank you for supporting small business.
If you have any questions about how we make our teas, please send us a message.
