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Rose Tea: A True Healing Concoction

A book and various roses with a cup of rose tea placed on a saucer, all placed on a tablecloth

We all know roses are the expression of love and purity. We have been using roses since the 16th century. Don’t take these tiny rose petals lightly, you cannot even imagine how much nutrition and healing properties these small petals have. Keeping this in mind, Ono Teas brings you an exquisite blend of freshest rose petals that is perfect for your mental and physical health. Let’s dive deeper into the rich history and distinct flavour of Rose Tea.

History of Rose Tea

Edmond Jabes once said that “One rose is enough for the dawn.” Roses are one of the most famous and fragrant flowers in the world. It is believed that roses are around 35-50 millions year old. How many roses one can name? Maybe red, yellow and white, well there are 30,000 varieties of rose present worldwide.  

Rose is a Symbol of Love and Purity  

As indicated by Greek mythology, Aphrodite, known as the goddess of beauty, gave the rose it’s name in honour of her son Eros by rearranging just one letter in his name. After some time, Eros gave the rose to Harpocrates, as a bribe to hide the shortcomings of the gods. From that point, rose got emblematic of mystery, quietness, and love.  

The development of roses probably started in Asia around 5000 years prior and they have been a part of human civilization from that point onward. Confucius wrote about roses in the Imperial Gardens around 500 B.C.  

Cleopatra Used Roses to Win her Love  

Fine arts on dividers and compositions depicting roses were found in the Egyptian entombment chambers. It is said that Cleopatra was fixated on roses and used them to tempt Mark Anthony. As far as anyone knows, she made them wellspring using rose water and her chamber stacked up with two feet of bloom petals attempting to win his affection. Additionally, the Persian King Nebuchadnezzar is said to have snoozed on a mattress loaded with blossom petals. Romans related rose with warmth, eminence, uprightness, and eagerness. Roman filled their showers with rose water used roses for the aroma to welcome their guest.

Europeans Used Roses to Welcome their Guest   

Alexander the Great is recognized for introducing roses into the thirteenth century. During this, European shelters protected the custom of rose. Subsequently, in the seventeenth century, roses ended up being esteemed so much, that roses and rose water were seen as a wellspring of legal sensitivity. During this period, Napoleon’s wife Josephine, an admirer of roses, set up one of the gardens of roses at Chateau de Malmaison where her nursery contained 250 rose assortments.  

Origin of Rose Tea  

Introducing in china, Rose Tea was during the Han tradition (141-87 BC) that roses obtained standard use in regular medicine and as a tool for trade. A combination of the unopened sprout buds was routinely used for its numerous health benefits while rosehip (the result of the plant), was used for its cooling property. Thereafter, individuals throughout the world began utilizing rose tea as a sweet-smelling and homemade infusion.  

Health Benefits of Rose tea  

1.Rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals  

Rose petals are rich in polyphenols which reduce the risk of diabetes and a certain type of cancers. Rose petals are rich in gallic acid which exhibits anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Moreover, the history of Rose tea reflects that it is rich in anthocyanins which contributes to good eye health and immunity.  

2.It helps in menstrual pain   

Menstrual pain comes with a lot of difficulties like vomiting, dizziness, and headaches. One study indicated that drinking two cups of rose tea a day reduced the pain and discomfort during periods. Rose petals contain anti-inflammatory properties which help in reducing pain and comforting the mind.  

The efficacy of rose tea on primary dysmenorrheal syndrome (PMS) was confirmed in a double-blind cross over the clinical trial on single girls. Rose tea with no side effects decreased the average pain density in PMS such as mefenamic acid.  

3. It fights cancer  

Rose tea is rich in antioxidants especially polyphenols which are extremely useful against free radicals. Geraniol is present in rose petals which is responsible for the death of cancer cells.  

4. It is good for skin   

We are using rose in beauty products for ages. Roses are rich in vitamin-A, vitamin-c which helps to tighten the skin. Rose petals hold anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties which help in fighting acne.

5. It protects from urinary tract infections   

Urinary tract infections are quite painful. Rose tea is anti-bacterial and contains polyphenols that help in fighting infection.   

How Much Rose Tea should I Drink a day? 

It’s completely fine to consume 2 to 3 cups of Rose tea per day. Rose tea is caffeine-free and is rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Depending upon your lifestyle and stress levels you can drink up to 3 cups.  

What Is the Best Time to Drink Rose Tea? 

You can drink Rose tea along with your breakfast or in the evening time with some roasted foxnuts and raisins. However, if you are suffering from high-stress levels or you always crave something to drink that can stimulate you, you can take this tea at any time of the day. If you are suffering from cold or menstrual pain, then you should consume it immediately. 

Conclusion 

I  know you are convinced about the fact that these tiny rose petals are not ordinary and the infusion made out of these freshest rose petals is the best remedy to soothe your mind and body after a long hectic day. So, what are you waiting for? Grab this tea online from our website, enjoy it while sitting on the couch and reading your favourite novel. 

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Moroccan Mint Tea: Resuscitating Moroccan Culture

History of Moroccan Mint tea

Morocco is a country that is famous for its historical downtowns, traditional handicrafts, and herbal infusions. You can not call yourself a true tea-lover if you have never tried a properly steeped Moroccan tea. Ono Teas brings you the authentic taste of Moroccan Mint Tea which perfectly combines the rich culture of Morocco and freshness of mint. So, without further ado. Let’s explore the rich history and traditions of this herbal infusion. 

Moroccan Mint Tea

We can attribute the history and origins of Moroccan tea to several sources because no one exactly knows how it originated. Also, called the Maghrebi Mint Tea, this tea is traditional to the regions of northwest African countries and holds massive sociocultural significance. It has been considered the national beverage of Morocco. 

Moroccan Tea’s Excursion from the 12th century to the 18th century

Moroccan tea was first introduced to Morocco in the 12th century, B.C by the Phoenicians who settled in the country’s north for over eight centuries. Another hypothesis links it to the first settlers of Morocco, the Berbers, who brought a green plant with them when they moved from their original land in Asi. Also, another historical theory said that tea came to Morocco from Spain and the Portuguese at the time of their military attempts to conquer it in the 18th century. Besides, some historians think that tea was first known to the Moroccans through maritime piracy (maritime jihad), which was active at that time in both the Atlantic ocean and the Mediterranean regions. 

Moroccan Tea : A Majestic Gift

This tea was introduced in Morocco to the court of Sultan Moulay Ismail (1672-1727) by Queen Anne of England (1665-1714), hoping to encourage the release of British prisoners of war. Although several fatwas originally banned tea, according to the Islamic ban on fermented wine, tea increasingly became the gift that foreign visitors would bring to Moulay Ismaïl. In the 18th century, English and Dutch missionaries, diplomats, and privateers began to consume tea in abundance. Hence, this tea became a royal practice. 

The Crimean War 

During the Crimean war, a British merchant was not able to deliver Gunpowder green tea to Scandinavia and hence found a great market in Morocco. During the Crimean War, green tea was introduced to North Africa through the port of Mogador (Essaouira) in Morocco and then to the Atlantic Sahara (Western Sahara and Mauritania),  the Saoura Valley, and the oases of Touat. The locals quickly made the tea their own, by sweetening it and adding mint while brewing. Afterwards, this tea became the heart of Morocco.  

Morroccan Whiskey

According to some theories, Muslims were officially not allowed to drink any alcohol. This probably leads to the invention of strong-flavoured Moroccon tea. That is why they call their tea the – “Moroccan Whiskey” sometimes with a smile on their face. Moroccan mint tea is not just a drink, it’s an emotion for Moroccans. 

How is Moroccan Tea Served Traditionally?

One of the best things to attend in Morocco is their traditional tea ceremonies. Moroccan tea relates to hospitality and respect towards others. This tea can be anywhere and anytime. In the ceremony, they prepare tea in front of the guests. It includes boiling water on top of a stove, rinsing out the teapot, filling the teapot with the boiling water, adding green tea leaves through a strainer, allowing it to sit and steep a while, stirring it, and then adding fresh springs of mint.

Once the tea is ready, the host or hostess will set the teapot, beautiful Moroccan tea glasses, and a bowl of honey on a silver tray. She will bring it over to the guests and then being the ritual of pouring the tea. The tea is being poured from a height, a foot or so from above the teacups. Watching the tea being poured is an art in itself. Moroccan mint tea gets served three times out of generosity. Each glass has its own meaning the first one is said to be “as bitter as life”, the second is “as strong as love”, and the third is “as gentle as death”. All of the three offerings should be drank out of politeness and respect for the culture and tradition.  

Health Benefits of Moroccan Mint Tea 

1. Moroccan Mint Tea Helps in Digestion  

Moroccan Mint tea contains peppermint which is rich in menthol, which helps soothe an upset stomach and regulate digestion. Menthol can relax the stomach muscles that can contract and cause cramping. It also increases bile in the stomach which in turn helps to digest food easily, as a result, decreasing the sensations of nausea, and keeps your digestive system working efficiently. 

2. Moroccan Tea Helps in Balancing Hormone

Moroccan Mint tea contains spearmint which helps in decreasing the male hormones and increases female hormones necessary for ovulation, such as luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol. Hence, it helps in balancing hormones and insulin levels.

3. Moroccan Mint Tea Boosts Your Immune System  

Moroccan tea is rich in certain minerals like fluoride, calcium, magnesium, which are essential to boost immunity. Moreover, it contains antibacterial properties which help in fighting pathogens. It also contains peppermint which boosts the immune system

4. Moroccan Mint Tea Helps in Losing Weight  

Moroccan Mint tea contains spearmint which is loaded with antioxidants, especially catechin which helps in decreasing abdominal fat and helps in losing weight. 

5. Moroccan Mint Tea Augments Skin  

Moroccan mint tea contains mint which helps in controlling the production of sebum, hence controlling the breakouts and acne green tea present in this tea also makes your skin healthy. Along with a healthy diet, daily exercise, and a morning skin routine this tea can do wonders for your skin. 

Why Moroccans Pour Moroccan Tea From Height?

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In Morocco, pouring tea over the top is a ritual that shows respect and appreciation towards the guest. This ritual is scientific, as it helps in oxygenating the tea and facilitate digestion. Don’t drink the Moroccan Mint tea in hurry. Make sure to relax and have a lot of time to enjoy the tea ceremony. 

Snacks Along With Moroccan Mint Tea To Make Your Evening More Memorable 

Every time we see a hot cup of chai, we start developing cravings. Isn’t it? Well, with Moroccan tea you can also enjoy a lot of snacks. Here is the list:-    

  • Dry fruits like almonds and pistachios         
  • Dates         
  • Fox Nuts         
  • Healthy coconut balls or jaggery peanut balls    

Conclusion   

Moroccan Mint Tea is a quintessential example of the history, traditions, and culture of Morocco. This tea is not just a drink, it’s a sign of hospitality, respect, and togetherness. so Next time when you have a party at home, make sure you make Ono Teas’ Moroccan Mint Tea at home and enjoy it with your friends.