Lao Tzu lived in China around 500 BCE. He was a man of great wisdom, recognized as a sage and a teacher. But late in his life he saw that his teachings were being disregarded and that corruption and chaos were bringing about the collapse of the kingdom. He headed … Continue reading
I just read yet another article, typical of many others I have read, about ways to avoid the “stimulating” effects of caffeine in tea. I would like to propose that this may be a non-issue.I have always loved the taste of coffee, but never drink it. Why? Because I am … Continue reading
For centuries, green tea has been credited with restorative and healing properties. Recent scientific studies have confirmed the truth of these claims.Green tea is loaded with polyphenols – naturally occurring chemical compounds packed with antioxidant power. These polyphenols give tea its unique flavor and color.Despite the fact that green, black … Continue reading
Earlier this month, I surprised my mom for her birthday by taking her to tea at the St. Regis Hotel in New York City. We’ve been there several times in the past, but unfortunately, we were not as impressed by it this time as we used to be.Our first indication … Continue reading
This is one of my favorite modern tea stories, written by Joel Levey:One day over tea, my friend and mentor the late Paul Reps shared the following story of his studies in the Orient. At one point Reps had traveled to Japan, with plans to visit a respected Zen master … Continue reading
The Mongol, or Yuan dynasty was in its turn overthrown by a mass uprising of the native Chinese which was coordinated by means of messages concealed in special cakes made for the FestiÂval of the Autumn Moon. The messages were circulated via the teahouses of the Empire in the fall … Continue reading