Fusion of Tea and Herbs! Lotus Leaf Tea Ceremony-an enjoyable and relaxing experience

By Rani Nicholson, Queen Bee of the Red Hat Divas

I have known Haiyan (co-founder of the Lotus Leaf Tea Company) for over five years. A warm friendship developed as we both love people and gardening. One day I was invited to Haiyan’s home for tea and she played the Guzheng (an ancient Chinese instrument that is part of the zither family) and she played it beautifully. I was very impressed with her musical talent.

Haiyan is a very gifted artist, yet very modest. When she demonstrated the Tea Ceremony I felt calmness, a quietude one might feel as one walks through a formal garden or a beautiful sunset. I sampled the various Lotus Leaf organic teas. Each one had a distinct taste and aroma.

As we sipped on our tea a conversation ensued about herbs. Having an herbal garden I shared with Haiyan what infused herbs, fruits or juices could be added to the specialty teas to enhance the flavor and potential health benefits that would boost the nutritional value. My fascination with herbs and teas began early in life as I watched my Greek mother use many herbs in her cooking and tea. I also learned some of the health benefits from her. The lessons have remained with me and I continue to expand my knowledge of herbs through books as I use many different herbs in my cooking and in my tea.

Haiyan and I met again and experimented with the infusion of different herbs with the different teas. Haiyan being a Tea Master has the intuitiveness and knowledge of herbs and which herbs might go with certain teas, but she was still surprised by some combinations. For example, we both enjoyed the pineapple sage or rosemary with the green tea. The basil or ginger was delicious in the white tea as was the cranberry juice and lemon. Of course there are many other combinations. The main point being is that Lotus Leaf Teas are high quality specialty and organic teas. The teas are superior and can be infused with fresh herbs, fresh fruit and/or juices to further boost the potential health benefits. Here are a couple of tips on how to maximize use the value of Lotus Leaf Tea Sachet (silken tea bag):

• One Lotus Leaf Tea Sachet (silken tea bag) can reuse and make three to five cups of tea.
• You can use two Lotus Leaf Tea Sachets to make a pot of tea (6-8 cups) and transfer it into a thermos and take it with you when traveling so you always have a nutritious beverage.
• You can place cool used Lotus Leaf Tea sachet on your eyes to reduce puffiness.

I invited Haiyan to do a tea ceremony for the Red Hat Divas, the senior and disabled members of Newington so that they would have the opportunity to meet my friend Haiyan, a tea master from China and a gifted artist who has delighted audiences at many Connecticut locations. It would provide the members an opportunity to experience the positive energy that transcends from Haiyan as she demonstrates the Chinese Tea Ceremony, gives a lesson on Calligraphy and plays the Guzheng, an ancient Chinese instrument. It will also be my privilege to co-demonstrate the process of infusion—the addition of herbs, fruits and/or juices to the specialty and organic teas to further enhance and boost the potential health benefits.

On May25th, Haiyan showed up with a traditional Chinese dress. Her presentation was wonderful and delighted all the audience. Quotes from audience are attached below:

“Wonderful! Haiyan is a light. She spreads warmth through the Tea Ceremony. I wish my grandchildren and good friends could have been here to have benefited. Enjoyed the peace, quite and serenity she brings with her presentation. Wish we had more time to explore the various properties of the different teas. The Guzheng was so relaxing to hear. When the demonstration was over whatever nervous tension or anxiety I had disappeared, the same feeling you get after a relaxing massage.”-- Gerri

“Pure enjoyment! The presentation of the Tea Ceremony brought togetherness and silences to the audience as Haiyan in her quite manner demonstrated her knowledge and skill. I learned about the various teas and enjoyed the tasting. The music Haiyan played on the Guzheng was beautiful and relaxing. It was interesting watching her do Calligraphy. Haiyan made it look so easy as she mastered the brush with big black broad brush strokes. "-- Donna

About Red Hat Society
The Red Hat Society has chapters around the globe for women 50 and over. Their motto is “We have created a legacy… together… a legacy of fun, friendship, and freedom”

The Newington Red Hat Divas is 23 members strong. The two Queen Bees Rani Nicholson and Dot Revzon organize fun actives and conduct the meetings. We believe getting older is not for “sissies” and since we are in it all together we share a bond of friendship and affection helping one another through difficult times. Having fun and a genuine enthusiasm for life keeps us young at heart.