As we traverse along our wellness journeys, some of us may have started sipping more teas following a basic understanding that they are typically better for us than alternative hot beverages and mocha frappa what-nots. And while our intentions are good, it’s important to be mindful of the difference between a wellness tea and a regular tea. Inspite of catchy names and cute branding, some teas are filled with unexpected items like artificial colouring, flavours and sweetners, rendering our attempts at a healthy alternative null and void.

So imagine our delight in discovering Lee’s Tea, a Canadian-born line of wellness teas that ticks all the boxes; delicious, full of good-for-you ingredients, cute branding and charitable (10% of all profits go towards saving the endangered Asian elephant).

We chatted with Lee Capatina, founder of Lee’s Tea to learn more about what makes a tea a “Wellness Tea”, how adaptogens work, stevia and more. You are also invited to join us for a Guided Meditation and Adaptogen Iced Tea Workshop led by Lee and hosted at Good Space on June 23rd. Check out full details here. 

1. The term “wellness tea” has been leveraged quite a bit recently in conversations around personal well-being and health.  What’s the difference between a “wellness tea” and a regular tea?

The main difference between regular teas and wellness teas is the ingredients in them and their intended uses. Regular teas are made from the leaves of the camellia sinensis plant, which are processed to create white, green and black teas. There’s no doubt that regular teas are good for you, as they are known to contain high levels of beneficial compounds such as catechins (primarily in green tea), amino acids and polyphenols (antioxidants). However, wellness teas take the benefits of tea to the next level. Wellness teas are formulated with adaptogens and other herbs intended to provide more benefits than your average cup of tea. These benefits range from improving digestion and focus, to boosting energy and libido, and everything in between.

2. Similarly, the concept of adaptogens is one that is new to a lot of people. Can you shed a little light on the term for us?

Adaptogens are such a fascinating group of herbs, which have recently become quite popular in the health and wellness community (for good reason). Some herbs in this family include ginseng, ashwagandha, tulsi, maca, cordyceps, reishi and many more. These ingredients have been used for thousands of years to help bring your body back to a homeostasis or state of balance. For example, if you are low on energy and need a pick me up, they provide a natural boost of energy. If you are stressed and anxious, they can help you calm down and relax. One way to understand them is to think of them like a best friend who always has your back and looks out for what’s best for you.

3. The adaptogen of choice for Lee’s Tea is Tulsi. What are the benefits of Tulsi and what inspired you to create a line of Tulsi-infused teas.

Yes, we absolutely love tulsi here at Lee’s Provisions! Also known as holy basil, tulsi is an incredible adaptogen that’s been used for over 5000 years in Ayurvedic medicine.

I first learned about tulsi from a friend who is a yoga teacher and an avid follower of Ayurveda. She taught me that this herb is very beneficial for my dosha, or Ayurvedic constitution and gave me a tulsi plant as a gift to plant in my garden. Since then, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for this herb and have incorporated it into my daily routine, mainly by steeping it as an herbal infusion. Since I began drinking tulsi tea every day, I’ve noticed my stress levels go down and my mind becoming more calm, clear and focused. Witnessing the benefits of tulsi firsthand inspired me to share this amazing herb with others, in my line of organic tulsi wellness teas. I even had a tulsi plant at my wedding, as it’s believed to bring good luck!

In addition to being an adaptogen, tulsi is also known to help relieve headaches, balance hormones, regulate blood pressure, reduce stress and increase energy levels.

4. Stevia is found in 3 of your teas. Are there any benefits to stevia aside from being a natural sweetener?

Stevia leaf grows in India where we source most of our organic herbs and spices, so it’s a natural fit for our teas. We use whole stevia leaf in some of our teas to round out some of the more bitter flavours of the herbs, which makes up about 1% of the total tea volume. Stevia leaf differs from stevia extract in that it’s not nearly as sweet as stevia extract and there is no after-taste. I chose to use whole stevia leaf as it’s completely natural and unrefined and doesn’t spike insulin levels. In addition, whole stevia leaf is also antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and contains high levels of antioxidants.

5. All four of Lee’s Teas are incredible. Do you have a favourite?

Thank you so much!

I’d have to say that Pink Chai is my favourite, as I love a good spicy chai. Not to mention the pink colour wins my heart, every time. That being said, each tea is very different and I have them on rotation so I can choose one based on how I’m feeling any given day.

What many people don’t know is that each blend is designed to provide specific benefits. For example, the Mint chill is more cooling and is great for Summer or when you’re a bit agitated or fiery. The Pink Chai is really warming and grounding, which is great in the Winter or when you’re feeling a bit spaced out. The Gold Rush is the most stimulating and is great when your digestion is a bit sluggish in the Fall and Spring, when you need a bit of a detox or some extra energy to get you going. The Original tulsi blend is great to drink anytime, as it has the most adaptogenic properties. The important thing is just listen to your body and pick a tea that speaks to how you’re feeling.

Sources:

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-holy-basil-tulsi.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22455995

http://imsear.hellis.org/handle/123456789/156246

http://www.ajol.info/index.php/tjpr/article/view/14700

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02942413

Image Credit
Alesia Kazantceva
We all know that working a typical office job and spending 40+ hours a week indoors can have effects on our sense of wellbeing. Add the stresses of a daily work load, along with crouching over a computer while fuelling exhaustion with caffeine and we’re setting our systems up for low vibe living.

We’ve curated a selection of office-friendly items that can easily be incorporated into your day-to-day for workplace wellness.

A Mini USB Himalayan Salt Lamp

We all know that the benefits of having a Himalayan salt lamp in our atmosphere are abundant, however most of us are only getting the goods at home. A Himalayan salt lamp will not only work to improve the air quality and help fight allergies, it’s also an amazing tool for those of us who aren’t getting outside much during our work day. Its soothing light can help bring calmness to a stressful day, increase focus and boost your mood.

This small USB Himalayan Salt Lamp by Earth Luxe (available at Indigo online is the perfect way to boost the vibration around your personal workspace).

Natural Energy Booster 

Forget the mid-afternoon candy run to get you through the day. A large sugar intake will only work to set our systems up for a crash, and can potentially mess with our sleep later. If you’re feeling the need for a nutritional boost, we suggest keeping a box of nomz in your desk. With six natural ingredients or less, these delicious energy bits come in four amazing varieties and are perfect to curb that afternoon junk food craving.

Sip to Restore 

Coffee is a steady workplace crutch for many of us, and often the habit of more than a cup or two can leave us with the jitters, ultimately decreasing our resistance to stress and anxiety. If you are looking for a seriously soothing hot beverage that will uplift and rejuvenate without the jitters, we highly recommend Lee’s Tea Original. The Three Tulsi Blend will ground you quickly, while calming nerves and maintaining energy.

An Essential Oil Roll-On

Certain scents have an amazing capacity for calming and de-stressing, carrying aromatherapeutic qualities that can benefit us highly when we are feeling overwhelmed, nervous, and stressed. That said, scents are tricky in the workplace so we suggest carrying a roll-on like Stress Release from Blends with Benefits for an immediate effect on the body and mind.

A Cactus

Bits of greenery and nature in the workspace can help calm and uplift us so it’s always recommended to have at least one desk plant. And while any type of plant will do the trick, we tend to favour the cactus in the workplace based on its spiritual symbolism. The cactus can thrive in difficult conditions, which can help inspire us to carry on with grace, as we face daily stresses and challenges.

Image by Ember + Ivory 

Small changes can go a long way when it comes to increasing your well-being and making sure we are well in all the places we are spending our time is important. Along with these products, simple techniques like making yourself go for a small walk outdoors or eating your lunch in a space away from your desk can do wonders. Take care of yourself in all the places you are.