Winter 2020 Seasonal Blends
Direct from the Herb Lab at Rishi Headquarters in Milwaukee, WI, we have four new botanical blends and intel about their herbal applications. This winter we feature a plethora of rare botanicals, each thoughtfully combined for enjoyment and purpose. We approach each profile with intention, which we refer to as Blender’s or Herbalist ‘s Intention. Not only do we seek synergy in flavor, but we seek to honor the function of combined herbs.
Artemisia Qi Tonic
Our first new blend is a reboot of a fan favorite from 2019, with an update to ingredients. The 2020 blend is caffeinated and energized by Tencha, the stimulating and refreshing Japanese shade-grown tea used to make Matcha. The blend of artemisia and green tea is balanced with aromatic California lemon zest and anti-oxidant rich shiso leaves to create a bitter-sweet, wonderfully fragrant and stimulating infusion to expel dreary winter fatigue.
Artemisia
Artemisia is an herb with an ancient history taken as a remedy for coughs, colds and influenza. Its natural extracts are employed as an antiviral in modern medicines and antimalarial drugs. It is used by herbalists in teas and tinctures to unblock pent up Qi (life energy) and to disperse inner heat caused by intermittent fatigue or illness. Artemisia annua is commonly known as “sweet wormwood” and has a special tannin structure similar to green tea and tonic water with notable polyphenols and aromatic compounds. You can learn more about Artemisia in our blog feature here.
Artemisia annua
Tulsi Ginger
This blend of adaptogens from a myriad of cultures features ginger root, Kapoor tulsi, licorice root, and astragalus root. The potent combination of these classic herbs from various global healing modalities yields amazing aroma, refreshing energy and a delicious spice and sweetness.
Kapoor Tulsi
Tulsi is renowned for its calming effect, known to offer cognitive and memory-enhancing properties as well as being anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting. Tulsi, or Holy Basil, is one of the cornerstone adaptogens of Ayurvedic herbology.
Astragalus 黄芪
Astragalus has been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a tonifying herb, referencing its ability to nourish and strengthen the vigor and immunity. Astragalus, with its unique and milky-sweet taste, is applied frequently in times of illness.
Licorice Root 甘草
Used as a balancing and harmonizing herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Gan Cao, or licorice root 甘草, replenishes Qi (life energy) and complements this blend by way of flavor and function. Licorice root has a pleasing and thirst-quenching taste, and it feels soothing on the throat in dry weather.
Astragalus root
Yuzu Rosemary
The aromatic and potent combination of yuzu and rosemary is a delight for the cold winter months. The yuzu peels and rosemary leaves are stimulating and lively, creating complex aromas when combined in our blend. Together, these two ingredients create aromas of fresh pine boughs, sweet citrus zest, and floral blossoms.
Yuzu
Yuzu is a bright and aromatic citrus fruit known for its powerful immune-boosting function and cough-busting prowess. Its pleasant fragrance is spicy, floral and citrussy. In Japanese culture, yuzu is used in seasonal baths, especially during the Winter Solstice. Rishi sources yuzu from the Shikoku Islands in Japan, a location renowned for its specialized citrus crops.
Rosemary
The medicinal uses of rosemary dates back to the 16th century, as a cold and flu relief herb, as well as a stimulant for focus and memory. Today, rosemary is widely studied and regarded as a nootropic, powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory herb. The aroma is thought to sharpen focus and memory. Rishi sources premium, resinous rosemary from Patagonia and the Greek Islands.
Yuzu
Pu’er Digestivo
Pu’er is popular all over the world as a daily slimming tea. Long standing beliefs hold that artichoke leaf supports digestion. Galangal root is used widely in global herbology to support digestion and immunity. We added red shiso leaf for a boost of warmth, maqui berries for vitality detox while both are antioxidant powerhouses. This unique blend is based upon thousands of years of herbal practices to support digestion and vitality.
Artichoke Leaf
Ancient folk herbalism holds that artichoke leaf is a useful ingredient in supporting digestion by relieving pain and glycemic responses. In the mixology world, we even see dried artichoke leaves used as a potent digestif and key ingredient in “bitter tonics.”
Galangal Root
Galangal root is part of the ginger family yet differs in taste with its sharp and citrusy, pine-like flavor. It is used widely in Ayurveda, Thai and Traditional Chinese Medicine and culinary practices to support digestion and immunity.
Red Shiso and Maqui Berries
We also added another powerful antioxidant and digestivo herb, red shiso leaf, for a boost of warmth, enticing infusion color and plum-like aromatics. Maqui berry from Patagonia is an antioxidant powerhouse and supports liver detoxification. The combination of these rarefied herbs with Pu’er tea is based upon thousands of years of herbal practices to support digestion and vitality.
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Artemisia Qi Tonic
Artemisia is an herb with an ancient history taken as a remedy for coughs, colds and influenza. This blend is energized by tencha, the refreshing Japanese shade-grown tea used to make matcha. The blend of artemisia and green tea is balanced with aromatic California lemon zest and shiso leaves to create a bitter-sweet, fragrant and stimulating infusion to expel dreary winter fatigue.
Tulsi Ginger
Tulsi is renowned for its calming effect, anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties and is a cornerstone adaptogen of Ayurveda. Astragalus and licorice root have been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This potent combination yields amazing aroma, refreshing energy and a delicious spice and sweetness.
Yuzu Rosemary
The potent combination of yuzu and rosemary is a delight for cold winter months. Yuzu is an aromatic citrus fruit known for its powerful immune-boosting function and cough-busting prowess. Rosemary has been used for centuries as a cold and flu relief herb, as well as a stimulant for focus and memory.
Pu'er Digestivo
Pu’er is popular all over the world as a daily slimming tea. Long standing beliefs hold that artichoke leaf supports digestion. Galangal root is used widely in global herbology to support digestion and immunity. We added red shiso leaf for a boost of warmth, maqui berries for vitality detox while both are antioxidant powerhouses. This unique blend is based upon thousands of years of herbal practices to support digestion and vitality.
