I am going to open today’s blog with a bit of back-story and a TMI warning. I know some people get all squicky at the mention of PMS and the monthly curse, so if that is you…well, there are plenty of other teas I have written about if you need a tea review fix. As for back-story, well, I could give gore-filled details and sob stories, but it is not really necessary. What you need to know is I do not have periods, I have two-three week long hormone crazed events that culminate in a week of agony, anemia, and general not being able to function. Endometriosis is an evil, evil thing.
So when I saw that one of my favorite tea companies has a new herbal blend for giving us ladies a break, you can bet your sweet tea cups that I had to get myself some. Ladies’ TLC by Raizana Teas is a really pretty blend of Lemongrass, Rose Petals, Horsetail, Natural Rose Flavor, Dong Quai (Angelica Root), and Stevia. Dong Quai is THE go to herbal remedy for lady problems, in fact I am pretty sure it is the first herbal remedy I learned about when I started studying herbal medicine when I was thirteen, coincidence? No…definitely not. The aroma of the tea is pretty pungent, it is one of the biggest downsides to Dong Quai, I have had it in pill form before and could smell its distinct sharp root and earthy aroma through the bottle. It is not a bad smell, it is just very strong and pretty medicinal. There are also notes lemongrass, roses, and a touch of hay, but these are subtle notes compared to the presence that is Dong Quai.
The aroma of the wet leaves (and flowers and roots) is still intensely pungent. There are side notes of roses and hay and a finish of celery. The liquid is pretty identical to the wet leaves, except it is more subdued and the floral aroma is stronger at the finish.
I am afraid! I have had tea with Dong Quai in it before and it was super bitter and medicinal, Dong Quai (along with Black Cohosh and Valerian) is one of the most medicinal bitter tasting roots I have run into. One apprehensive sip later and I was pleasantly surprised! The tea is quite sweet, which is great for PMS sugar cravings, there are also strong rose notes and a distinct pineapple taste to the tea. As the tea cools it takes on a celery taste to it and there is a bit of a root taste at the finish, similar to burdock. The best part is, it really takes the edge of my cramps, granted it is not as strong as taking an advil, but since my stomach does not really allow me to take any kinds of pain medication, this tea is a life saver. Raizana, you have done it again, you created a medicinal tea that works and tastes good, bravo!
For photos (Origami!) and blog: http://ramblingbutterflythoughts.blogspot.com/2014/05/raizana-teas-ladies-tlc-tea-review.html
