I am conscious of not really being in the target
demographic for Soothing
Feminine Tea - what with being a man, and usually being more
interested in tea tea than herbal infusions. It happens that I am a
fan of all the main ingredients here, however. Chamomile is a
long-term favourite of mine; very few things are so relaxing. Oats
are my favourite grain, and although it is the stems, not the ears,
that are used to make tea, something of the same smoothness comes
through in the mouth-feel. Raspberry leaf is, for me, the second
tastiest leaf there is to brew (after the tea plant itself) - there
is something about it that is exceptionally pleasing to the palate,
especially in the finish. Lavender is almost as soothing as
chamomile, and although too much of it can be quite overpowering,
it is used with subtlety here, and harmonises beautifully with the
many flavours around it.
Of course, with a tea like this, being delicious is only part of
the point. Chamomile, lavender and lime-flower are all widely used
to help relieve tension and cramping. Chamomile is also thought to
help with bloating and hot flushes, and like lime-flower, it is
used as a digestive aid. Raspberry leaf is thought to help tone the
uterus and other muscles of the pelvic region, and it is rich in a
range of vitamins and minerals that should help the body to deal
with the strains of menstruation.
Lubna swears by its therapeutic value, and there is certainly no
doubt that it lives up to the 'soothing' part of its name. I may
not personally have any menstrual woes to ease, but I think I'll
buy a bag to take home anyway...
- Fergus Ray Murray
