SEVEN HERBAL  TEAS

THAT  WILL  MAKE  YOU HEALTHIER

Need a health boost? Reach for a soothing cup of herbal tea to relieve nausea, bloating and other common ailments

By Meredith Dault
BEST HEALTH MAGAZINE

There’s nothing nicer on a cold midwinter’s day than a soothing cup of herbal tea. But besides being a tasty, warming, caffeine-free pick-me-up, herbal tea has lots of wonderful health benefits. From soothing a troubled tummy to easing insomnia and calming a troubled mind, herbs have all sorts of healing powers. Drinking herbal tea can also be a great source of vitamins and minerals.

What is herbal tea?

Herbal tea isn’t really made from tea—which is a specific kind of plant. The French use the word tisane, which is a little more accurate, since herbal tea is really just an infusion of leaves, seeds, roots or bark, extracted in hot water. In drinking a well-steeped herbal tea, we get all the plant’s benefits in an easily digestible form.

The benefits of herbal tea

“In a lot of ways, we might get more benefit from a good organic tea than from a vitamin pill,” says herbalist Marianne Beacon of Elderberry Herbals in Peterborough, Ont. "You’re getting the benefits of hydration. There’s the social element: Tea is something that you can share with people. And when you’re drinking herbal tea, you get aromatherapy at the same time—and that’s something you don’t get from a tablet!”

That’s why Toronto-based herbalist Marcia Dixon says herbal tea should always be steeped in a covered vessel to contain the beneficial essential oils. “Otherwise, your room smells nice but you aren’t retaining the medicinal properties.”

How to choose a herbal tea

When it comes to choosing a herbal tea, both Dixon and Beacon agree that it’s important to look for a well-sourced product made from high-quality ingredients. If you’re drinking tea for the medicinal benefits, then definitely steer clear of products that add things like essential oils or flavours. And to really get the full benefits from drinking herbal tea, make sure you steep your loose tea or tea bags long enough—in some cases, as long as 10 to 15 minutes—to really bring out all the healthful properties.


"Anytime you’re ingesting something, you’re giving your body the building blocks it needs to manufacture tissues and hormones,” says Dixon. “If you drink tea every day, you can make all sorts of significant changes to your mood, your skin, your sense of well-being and energy.”

There are so many wonderful herbal teas to choose from. Here are a few of the most common. Don’t be afraid to try something new!

Peppermint tea

Halifax naturopath Colin Huska recommends drinking peppermint tea to relieve the symptoms of abdominal gas and bloating, and to relieve muscle spasms. It’s also good for nausea (without vomiting) and for heating up the body and making it sweat. If indigestion or heartburn are problems, however, then Dixon recommends avoiding peppermint altogether. Peppermint tea can also be made using fresh herbs from the garden—and it's one of the easiest herbs to grow.

Ginger tea

Another great digestive aid, ginger can be used to curb nausea, vomiting or upset stomach due to motion sickness. Make fresh ginger tea by simmering a piece of ginger root on the stove for 10 to 15 minutes—add fresh lemon juice and honey when you have a cold for a powerful germ-fighting combination. Beacon also suggests making tea from powdered ginger to ward off a chill.

Chamomile tea

A gentle calming and sedative tea made from flowers, chamomile tea can be helpful for insomnia. It can also be helpful with digestion after a meal. Huska recommends chamomile in cases of cough and bronchitis, when you have a cold or fever, or as a gargle for inflammation of the mouth. Be sure to steep it well to get all the medicinal benefits.

Rooibos tea

High in vitamin C as well as other minerals, rooibos has all sorts of health benefits. An easy drinking tea, it’s largely grown in South Africa and has been touted for its antioxidant properties—which may in turn help ward off disease and the signs of aging. It has also been shown to help with common skin concerns, such as eczema.

Lemon balm tea

An easy-to-grow plant, lemon balm is helpful for lifting the spirits. “It’s good for the winter blahs,” says Deacon, “and it can help improve concentration.” She adds that lemon balm is safe for children and may help prevent nightmares when consumed before bed. This herb also makes a refreshing iced tea, and can be flavoured with lemon or maple syrup.

Milk thistle and dandelion tea

When consumed as a tea, milk thistle or dandelion are gentle liver cleansers. “They help the liver to regenerate and function at a higher capacity,” says Huska. “They can also assist in the production of bile, which can help with our digestive process.”

Rosehip tea

Rosehips are the fruit of the rose plant and are one of the best plant sources of vitamin C, which is important for the immune system, skin and tissue health and adrenal function. Consider reaching for rosehip tea next time you need a health boost.

TEA  HEALTH  BENEFITS
8 Ways It Could Benefit Our Bodies

A cup of tea anyone?
It could do wonders for your health.
Research has shown that the ancient elixir -- first drank thousands of years ago -- could do more than warm our bodies. The antioxidant polyphenols in tea, called catechins, have been linked with anti-cancer activity, and certain teas -- like green tea -- are also known to have heart benefits, according to the Mayo Clinic.
A lot of research has focused on green tea in particular, Health.com reported, because it contains an exceptionally high number of catechins.
However, it's important to note that much more research is needed before it can be said that drinking tea can cure you of any disease. "There are pearls of real promise here, but they have yet to be strung," Dr. David Katz, a HuffPost blogger and director of Yale University's Prevention Research Center, told Health.com. "We don't have clinical trials in human patients showing that adding tea to one's routine changes health outcomes for the better."
But there is some evidence of the potential ways tea can improve health. And not only have scientists been honing in on how it affects our bodies when we drink it, they have also been finding it may have uses in medicines to fight certain diseases, like cancer.

HUFFINGTON POST  09JAN13

Merry Kissmas from the Doctor!

Time Lord locks lips with new assistant Clara in highly-anticipated Christmas special

By Daily Mail Reporter

He's had his fair share of pretty assistants during his reign as the Time Lord.
But it seems Doctor Who has finally found a helper with whom he can have more than just a professional relationship, pictures from the upcoming Christmas special of the programme show.

Images show Matt Smith's Doctor locking lips with his newest assistant Clara, played by Jenna-Louise Coleman, in a passionate embrace.

In another frame from the episode, the Doctor is seen putting his finger to his lips to silence Clara, who gazes lovingly at her new beau.
It was revealed earlier this week that Jenna, 26, and Matt, 30, kiss in the festive special, with the actress saying it required a few takes before the pair mastered the tender shot.
She said: 'We did a couple of versions. One was like a swoop - maybe it will be in some outtakes or something.'

Matt admitted in an interview on This Morning earlier this week that he is excited for viewers to watch the Christmas special, adding: 'We have killer snowmen and killer snow and we've got Richard E Grant - who was born to be a Who villain! He's a wonderful guy.'
He then added: 'And most importantly we get to meet the new companion Clara, played by Jenna-Louise Coleman, who has started thrillingly - she has done brilliant work, very detailed, she's very hard working and she's just a delight.

The Christmas special's official synopsis reads: 'When the fairytale becomes a nightmare and a chilling menace threatens Earth, an unorthodox young governess, Clara, calls on the Doctor for help.

'But the Doctor is in mourning, reclusive and determined not to engage in the problems of the universe.
'As old friends return, will the Doctor really abandon humankind or will he fight to save the world – and Christmas – from the icy clutches of this mysterious menace?'

 

When asked if it was true that there have been changes to the Tardis on This Morning, Matt replied, 'It is true - its been slightly revamped...interior designed. Without giving too much away - we went to space Ikea!'

But Matt may have taken a few souvenirs from the old prop, 'In my flat, I've got the hat stand... and I've got the plaque which says it's the 'Type 40 Tardis' and it can only be flown by a Timelord. You've got to take a little trinket!'

Doctor Who and his new companion played by Jenna-Louise Coleman will run into Vastra in the 2012 Christmas Special.
Airing at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 25, the special will feature the Doctor (Matt Smith) traveling through space and time and encountering Silurian Madame Vastra (Neve McIntosh) and her cohort Jenny (Catrin Stewart). The special will also mark Jenna-Louise Coleman's official debut as the Doctor's new companion. She previously appeared in the Season 7 premiere.

 

NOEL  CHRISTMAS  TEA

PREMIUM  LOOSE-LEAF  TEA

 

Perfect premium loose-leaf tea for the Holidays! 

A black tea with orange peel, apple pieces, almond pieces, cinnamon chips, rose petals with cinnamon, orange spice and orange flavor.

In addition to the Noel Christmas Tea we have just received re-stock of Royal Earl Grey, Monk's Blend, Russian Caravan, and Jasmine Orchard Oolong.

 

 

REMEMBER

We carry over 100 premium loose-leaf teas in-stock and a brilliant assortment of bagged or trade teas such as PG Tips, Mighty Leaf, Choice, Taylors of Harrogate, and Barry's to name a few.  So if you are seeking tea or tea accessories The CURIOSITY Shop is the place to visit.  And we serve a Cream Tea daily Monday through Saturday.  We also now serve beer, wine, and champagne.

 

The CURIOSITY Shop

Serving Tea Since 1998


TWO  CUP  TEA  POTS  WITH  INFUSER
Several Different Colours To Choose From
PRICED  AT  $ 13.00 /each

IRON  JAPANESE  TEAPOTS WITH TRIVET
Several  Different  Colours  To  Choose  From
PRICED  FROM  60.00 to  67.00

ONE  CUP  TEA  4  ME
Several Different Colours
PRICED  AT  10.00

 

 

HOLIDAY  HOURS

SATURDAY

22 DEC 12

9:30a UNTIL  7:00p

 

SUNDAY

23 DEC 12

11:00a UNTIL 5:00p

 

MONDAY

24 DEC 12

10:00a UNTIL 3:00p

 

 

KEEP  CALM  AND  BRING  GRENADES

Keep Calm and Bring Grenades!

Printed on 100% preshrunk cotton chocolate Gildan shirt.

Inspired by the WWII British propaganda poster!

It never hurts to have a little extra ammo on hand, especially if you're roaming the galaxy, so roam with confidence while wearing this awesome Keep Calm and Bring Grenades Brown T-Shirt! A variation of the "Keep Calm and Carry On" poster first commissioned in 1939 by England's Ministry of Information, the message was intended to strengthen public morale in the event of a wartime emergency during the beginning of WWII. The message on this shirt is just slightly more proactive! Printed on a heavyweight 100% preshrunk cotton chocolate Gildan shirt, the Keep Calm and Bring Grenades Brown T-Shirt is likely to lift the spirits and quicken the pulses of everyone around you.

"Man walks down the street in that hat, people know he's not afraid of anything." Dress like your favorite mercenary from Firefly, Jayne Cobb! This excellent Firefly Jayne Cobb's Hat Laplander Beanie features the orange and yellow beanie worn by Adam Baldwin's mercenary character Jayne Cobb from Joss Whedon's cult hit Firefly television show. Not only will this hat make you look kind of like Jayne Cobb, but it'll also keep your head and ears warm!

THE  LATEST  SHOUT !

 

 

This very special 50th Anniversary Doctor Who Monopoly features all your favourite heroes, villains, monsters, planets and places.  This is a Limited Edition, we sold out of the first ones we received and have gotten in four (4) more.  First come first serve.

 

 

 

 

 

JACOB'S  SELECTION

SIMPLY  BAKED  SINCE  1885

 

BISCUITS  FOR  CHEESE

A selection of your favourite 8 cracker varieties:

• Cheddars
• Digestives
• Choice Grain
• Water Biscuits
• Cornish Wafers
• Cream Crackers
• High Fibre Cream Crackers
• Salt & Cracked Black Pepper Bakes

 

 

HISTORIC  DECORATIVE  FLAGS

 

FLAG  OF  THE  ROYAL  MARINES

 

FLAG  OF  CONNACHT

 

 

 

 FLAG  OF  SAXONY

 

ROYAL  BANNER  1714 - 1801

 

 The CURIOSITY Shop has the largest collection of historic and European flags.

Most are 3' x 5' with brass grommets and nylon construction.  We do not carry flag poles nor mounting brackets.  Flags range in price from 10 to 14 dollars each.

 

 

 

TARTANS  FOR  EVERYONE !

 

 

Currently we have a decent supply of tartan ties, scarves, and sashes.  Also, Clan Crest Items!

However, they are quite popular and are going fast.

Remember that we can order these items for Burns Night - but the order need to be placed very shortly!

 

 

 

 

ACAI  BERRY  LOOSE  LEAF  TEA

An Indian black loose leaf tea with blue flower and natural acai berry flavor.

A perfect blend for the holidays!

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHRISTMAS  SELECTION  BOXES

Christmas Selection Boxes from the United Kingdom are literally a selection of items presented by a particular company for sale at Christmas.  They traditionally came in special Christmas Tins, however over the last several years the tins have become fewer and the Cartons or Tubs are now easier to find and less expensive. Many people collect the tins. We try to get them whenever we can and depending on price.

 

McVities  Classic  Chocolate  Collection  Tin

This is a delicious selection of milk chocolate biscuits.

And suitable for vegetarians.

Contains:

Fully Coated Milk Chocolate Cream Crumble, Milk Chocolate Coated Coconut Flavour Square, Fully Coated Milk Chocolate Digestive, Milk Chocolate Oat, Half Coated Milk Chocolate Digestive, Milk Chocolate Shortcake, Milk Chocolate Wheel, Milk Chocolate Coated Crunchy Biscuit Finger.

 

 

 

McVities  Victoria  Tin

A superb collection of richly coated milk, white and plain chocolate biscuits and creams.

Suitable for vegetarians.

 

 

Cadbury UK  Fingers  Assortment

Suitable for vegetarians.
A selection of Cadbury fingers smothered in Cadbury Dairy Milk, Bournville or Dream chocolate.
Crisp biscuits covered with white, milk and dark chocolate.

SUITABLE  FOR  VEGETARIANS

The majority of food items (including chocolates and biscuits) that we import from the UK and Europe are Vegetarian Friendly.  One reason for this is that overseas the use of animal fats to spray food molds is very limited. They prefer to utilize vegetable material, and not the poly-such and gmo types - but the real thing!  As such The CURIOSITY Shop carry's a wide variety of vegetarian friendly and vegan products.

REMEMBER

WE  WILL  BE  OPEN

SUNDAY

23 DECEMBER 12

11:00 am  UNTIL  5:00 pm

 

MONDAY

24 DECEMBER 12

9:30 am  UNTIL  3:00 pm