Tea Tasting at the Bartlett Library

On Monday, Jan. 14, patrons learned of the health benefits provided by various teas and herbs at the Bartlett Public Library District.

Presenting the topic was Sarine Crotteau of Serene Teaz, an online tea store that sells tea, teaware, accessories and more.

Crotteau provided attendees with a handout that outlined the various health benefits and uses that come along with specific types of tea. She explained that herbs have been around for thousands of years, and they can be made into tea to help soothe aches, pains and more. Teas that were reviewed in the program are even used in today's medicines.

Though, before she went on to explain the various health benefits, Crotteau warned that everything in life should be done in moderation, and that they should check with a professional health services individual if they wanted to understand how tea would affect each person specifically.

There were four different teas provided during the program as samples, which were Ice Wine (Caffeinated: White flavored tea), Astragalus Root (Caffeine free: Ayurvedic/health), Sleep Ease (Caffeine free: Ayurvedic/health) and Butter Rum (Caffeine free: Rooibos).

Aside from the tea samples provided, Crotteau then delved deeper into additional types of tea that are good for improving various health related issues.

If you want to detox your body, Crotteau suggested these:

-Herbal teas: Nettle, Dandelion, Chamomile, Sage or Echinacea and Milk Thistle.

-Dandelion Root aids in cleansing the liver, which helps in removing toxins from the body.

-One of Serene Teaz blends called Stabilitea helps cleanse the colon, and it is great for constipation.

-Slippery Elm Bark is best known for its ability to restore, clean and support the body. Crotteau pointed out that the main ingredient is mucilage, as well as amounts of Gallic Acid, Phenols, Starches, Sugars and vitamins A, B, B-Complex, C, K and P. There is also a large amount of Calcium and Selenium, trace amounts of Iron, Phosphorus, Silicon and Zinc.

If you want to boost your immune system, Crotteau suggested these:

-Astragalus Root is a general immune supporter, which also improves digestion. It's great to ingest in the cold and flu seasons. Moreover, it's been known to help in managing weight and combating exhaustion.

-Pau D'Arco tea contains Lapachol, which is anti-fungal, anti-parasitic and anti-microbial, which all helps to maintain healthy red blood cells.

If you want ways of mollifying the menopausal process, Crotteau suggested these:

-Sage tea: Having two cups a day will help with hot flashes and connected symptoms.

-Red Clover Herb is high in B vitamins.

If you want to decrease pain, Crotteau suggested Feverfew as it helps as a pain reliever for migraines, toothaches, etc.

If you want to de-stress, Crotteau suggested these:

-Chamomile

-Lemon Balm

-Ginseng

-Licorice

-Hops

-Oatstraw

-Kava

-Passionflower

-Skullcap

-Valerian

If you want to lose weight, Crotteau suggested these:

-Chickweed, as it breaks down fat deposits when ingested.

-Vitamin C

-Hibiscus, which also aids in lowering blood pressure.

-Chicory Root, which is also a natural sedative and anti-inflammatory for the nervous system. Additionally, it helps to decrease serum levels of LDL Cholesterol in the blood.

Crotteau then went on to describe a plant called Rooibos, which is only grown in South Africa. She shared that according to the South African Rooibos Council, Rooibos is an herb rather than a true tea.

There are many health benefits of Red Rooibos, which Crotteau listed a few as:

-Rich in Polyphenols

-Contains no caffeine, and is low in Tannins

-Reduces blood pressure

-Improves bone health

-Improves cardiovascular health

-Treats stomach ache in children

-Controls diabetes

-Good for skin care

-Prevents kidney stones

-Has anti-spasmodic properties

-Treats allergies

-Prevents aging

-Great beverage

-Contains rare nutrients

For more information on teas or Serene Teaz, head over to their website at www.SereneTeaz.com.

If you missed this program, an upcoming adult program at the Bartlett Library is the "Elgin American Compacts: A History of Makeup" concert on Sunday, Jan. 27 at 2 p.m. Using her collection of Elgin American powder compacts, Elgin historian Linda Rock describes the evolution of women's makeup from Egyptian times to today. Audience volunteers will become makeup artists and make up models from the 1920s and 1950s. Presented with the generous support of the Bartlett Historical Society.

For information and a complete listing of scheduled programs, call 630.837.2855 or visit www.bartlettlibrary.org.