A warm cup of tea: tea connoisseur Kari Brayman shares the blessings of her art.Tea has roots in Appalachia. In Western North Carolina Western North Carolina (often abbreviated as WNC) is the region of North Carolina which includes the Appalachian Mountains, thus it is often known geographically as the state's Mountain Region. , the Cherokee nation integrated plant products in all aspects of their lives and passed along this tradition to the European settlers that set up camp in southern Appalachia. As early as the 18th century, natives were brewing "black tea" from the southern holly bush. This tea, yaupon yau·pon n. An evergreen holly (Ilex vomitoria) of the southeast United States, having lustrous red or sometimes yellow fruit, whose dried leaves are used to make a bitter tea. Also called cassina. tea, was the most common southern beverage until coffee and Asian tea took over in the 19th century. Native Americans used black tea as a purifier and peace bearer to their rituals and social gatherings. Even though women were not allowed in the black tea ceremonies, Wise Women in these mountains have been curing their families with folk remedies from our back yards for centuries. Gathering plants as medicine is a practice that is deeply woven in Southern Appalachian culture. Irish and Scottish settlers brought European magical traditions and blended therewith there·with adv. 1. With that, this, or it. 2. In addition to that. 3. Archaic Immediately thereafter. Adv. 1. local Tsalagi (Cherokee) herbal practices to form modern Appalachian herbalism herbalism /her·bal·ism/ (er´-) (her´bal-izm) the medical use of preparations containing only plant material. . Locally rooted friends like Ginseng ginseng (jĭn`sĕng), common name for the Araliaceae, a family of tropical herbs, shrubs, and trees that are often prickly and sometimes grow as climbing forms. , Blue Cohosh cohosh (kōhŏsh`), name for several plants, among them baneberry and black cohosh, a species of bugbane, both of the buttercup family; and blue cohosh, a member of the barberry family. , or Elderberry elderberry, n Latin names: Sambucus nigra, Sambucus canadensis; parts used: buds, fruit; uses: common cold, toothaches, headaches, diaphoresis, hay fever, sinus infections, epidermal irritations, lacerations, liver disorders, inflammation; are still used today in healing remedies. If you claim to be sick from a cold or an unhappy stomach, a local will suggest some Echinacea echinacea (ĕk'ənā`shēə), popular herbal remedy, or botanical, believed to benefit the immune system. It is used especially to alleviate common colds and the flu, but several controlled studies using it as a cold medicine have tea to support immune function Immune function The state in which the body recognizes foreign materials and is able to neutralize them before they can do any harm. Mentioned in: Herbalism, Traditional Chinese, Stress Reduction or some ginger to relieve that tummy trouble. Sipping tea for ill health or spirits has become a way of life for mountainfolk. Today, Appalachian tea fans seem to blend tea ceremonies from all over to achieve the tea party. Some folks may imitate a traditional Japanese tea ceremony The Japanese tea ceremony (茶道, chadō, or sadō, or chanoyu - "the way of tea") is a traditional ritual based on Taoism (Daoism) and influenced by Zen Buddhism in which powdered green tea, or or a local bed and breakfast may serve high tea and then some, like me, tend to drop the formalities altogether in the true spirit of Appalachian tradition. Teatime is a friendly, peaceful and humble break from my life's quickening pace. Knowing that tea is healthy and it makes me feel really good, it. is a bit of serf-worship ritual. At the same time, it is a small celebration of Earth's bounty. There is something special about pouring the hot water over the pretty plants as the fragrance steams to fill the room, and sipping slowly. You can forget all else except that nature has provided us with plant friends to heal and strengthen our bodies and spirits. Teas be with you. HOW TO THROW AN APPALACHIAN TEA PARTY Gather some friends or family, some instruments (preferably guitars, mandolins or banjos), bake some delectable treats like some mocha pecan pie or bread pudding, light some candles, and stream up the windows with some great plant infusions like this nice fall spice tea infusion. High-C Hibiscus Tea 2 parts orange peel 1/2 part Hibiscus 1/2 part Elderberry 1/2 part Rosehips 1/2 part Alfalfa 1/2 part Mint 1/4 part Raspberry Leaf. How to brew a good cup of tea: Heat the water just to boiling, then pour over your herbs. Let the plants steep, covered for about five minutes. Remember no to re-boil water; once the oxygen is removed, the water is not good for making tea. What else you'll need: Fresh flowers in an old jug, lots of chairs that can be moved around for good conversation, some Antique or retro cupware or even some Mason jars to drink out of, tea condiment like milk (cow, soy or rice), sweeteners and fruit. Kari Brayman owns the Plant Pub, spreading the good word about tea to the masses. She throws tea parties for you at your home or business, complete with her own custom tea blends and homemade desserts. Contact the Plant Pub at 828-255-8499 or tea@theplantpub.com. |
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