Follow us, as we take you, step-by-step, through our garden - the cultivation, the harvest, the processing, the unique blending and the packaging of our delightful herbal teas or tisanes for you to enjoy to the last drop in your cup. 

The Garden

Every spring, the garden is covered with a nourishing blanket of our own home-made compost, uniquely enriched with eggshells, vegetable matter and manure from grain fed chickens. The seeds are then planted strategically according to specific moon phases.

No pesticides are used; harmful insects are rigorously removed by hand and, in the event of a persistent problem, the spoiled plant is discarded. Occasionally, a water and plant based mixture is used to eradicate refractory bugs. We also use a variety of other plant based blends to strengthen plants with needed nutrients, e.g., we bury whole bananas under rosebushes to provide potassium. 

Organic Culture

Our garden is not yet at its full potential but still offers more than 60 varieties of plants. Organic certification is granted only after three years of 100% organic practices. Organic seeds for some of our plants are not yet available; therefore, we are not yet "organically grown" certified. In the meantime, our goal is to offer a product of the highest quality at a reasonable cost.

Biodynamics

The father of biodynamics is M. Rudolf Steiner. Biodynamics goes a step or two beyond organic culture, seeking to heal the earth through the use of a series of remedies applied to the soil, to the leaves of plants (herbal tonic) and to the compost pile (horn preps). Biodynamics encourages gardeners to become aware of everything that can influence plant growth, from deep inside the earth to the far reaches of the cosmos. Followers of biodynamics believe that there is nowhere else on the planet exactly like your garden, with its own precise combination of soil, microclimate and microorganisms; this is what the French call “terroir”, a unique place. It is also working in harmony with the rhythms of nature, the moon, the sun and the seasons. For example, the best time to gather root vegetables and roots for medicinal purposes is at dusk, when the energy returns to the roots of the plants. 

Harvesting

Our flowers are picked at the moment the essential oil levels are at their peak - about the time the bees gather nectar, making harvesting a challenging task. Plants from which only the leaves are needed are usually harvested prior to blooming. Certain types of herbs are picked only at the end of the season, while others blossom throughout the summer and are harvested all summer long.

After the harvest, the flowers and the leaves are thoroughly inspected and any spoiled parts, unwanted insects or cocoons are removed. The flowers, either whole or, in many case, only the petals, are then laid flat on a nylon screen. Some leaves are also laid flat on the screen, while others are dried vertically in a bunch as with most of the spices. Our drying room provides adequate ventilation and minimal humidity, an environment that ensures that the plants retain their beautiful colours and their unique properties. 

Processing and Storing

Once the plants have dried, a final check is made to rid the plants of any insects or spoils. They are then delicately laid in sealed glass jars that are stored in a dark and dry room.

Tisanes

We think the term “herbal tea” is confusing since herbal teas do not contain tea, derived only from the Camellia sinensis plant. We prefer the word “tisane”, defined as a combination of herbs, flowers, fruits and spices to create a blend with specific properties and taste. Most mass production herbal teas contain added extracts and flavourings. Our tisanes are unspoiled by additives and have a more delicate aroma that comes from the amalgam of botanical fragrances.

Experiment the sweetness and taste of Stevia, a plant that originates from Paraguay and has very minimal calories compared to the sugar cane (0.1 to 300 g of sugar per cane). We do not use Stevia extract; we prefer using the plant to provide the full benefits of the plant with as few transformations as possible. 

Properties

From the perspective of improving your well being and vitality, herbal tea may be seen as part of a healthy lifestyle. If you have already tried herbal tea and have not liked it, please try again with a different blend; there are so many blends, one is sure to please you. You will soon notice that after a few cups, you will gradually pinpoint and appreciate each floral tone, essence and flavour, somewhat like people who have recently stopped smoking and who notice how the real taste of food is coming back.

Herbal tea can be served hot or cold. It is important to cover the infusion for at least ten minutes to ensure that you receive the full benefits of the blend. An infusion will keep its beneficial properties for a whole day, but no more; however, a bag can be used twice; just gently squeeze excess water from the bag and let it dry, ready for a delightful second cup. Leftover tisanes can be disposed of in plant pots or in the compost bin;

Tisanes are recommended when fasting or during a purification cleansing and may be used as a substitute for your daily intake of eight glasses of water. Be sure to always use fresh boiled water when preparing our herbal teas; tap water containing chemicals is not advised. It is recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women or persons taking medication see their doctors prior to consuming products containing plants.

We are constantly developing new blends and we are presently working on a blend to help women transition through menopause by reducing some of its side effects. 

Conclusion