February Spotlight: Lavender Earl Grey

A perfect tea for the winter blues

Winter has come & while it's almost over, there's nothing like a chilly February to get the spirits down. Need uplifting? Enter Lavender Earl Grey -- the perfect antidote to those pesky winter blues. 

Our lush floral take on the classic, Lavender Earl Grey is a sublime blend of Assam Black Tea, Bergamot Essence & fresh Lavender Flowers.

Earl Grey - A Brief History

While the true history of this most infamous tea is shrouded in mystery, some interesting facts are known about its past. 

Earl Grey is named for Earl Charles Grey, who was the Prime Minister of Britain from 1830 to 1834. While he was in office, an act to abolish slavery in the British Empire was passed, although he is best remembered for the tea named in his honor. 

Legend has it that he received a diplomatic gift of tea flavored, perhaps by accident,  with bergamot oil, thus beginning the rise of Earl Grey tea as we know it.

Bergamot

The primary flavor in any Earl Grey variety, Bergamot is a small citrus tree that blooms in winter primarily in Italy & Mediterranean climates. It is likely a hybrid of bitter orange and sweet lime, thus creating the distinctive, rich citrus flavor we have all come to know and love. 

​When used as a flavoring or as an essential oil in a diffuser, Bergamot can have some powerful effects:

1. Mood Stabilizer: Bergamot has been shown to ease stress & enhance calm in the face of anxiety.

2. Digestion Aid: Bergamot, especially in Earl Grey tea can act to ease discomfort and aid in the digestive process. 

3. Pain Relief: when mixed with a carrier oil, Bergamot essential oil can be used on achy muscles to relieve tension. Similarly, drinking Earl Grey tea can soothe and act as a tension reliever. 

Lavender

A special aspect of our famous Earl Grey blend, Lavender flowers add a heady aromatic note to citrus-y Bergamot. Known the world over for its powerful healing attributes and it's delicate flavor, Lavender adds a whole new dimension to a classic tea. 

When used in tea, Lavender has some impressive effects:

1. Relaxant: one of the most well known attributes of Lavender is its ability to induce a state of calm. Studies have shown that Lavender boosts dopamine and reduces stress hormone cortisol, allowing for a more peaceful night's sleep. 

2. Anti-Inflammatory: Lavender has been shown to have an anti-inflammatory action, thus allowing for deep healing of the mind and body. 

3. Immune Booster: containing loads of antioxidants and antibacterial compounds, Lavender naturally aids in immune system functioning by helping to ward off free radicals and viruses, while also allowing the body to eliminate toxins.

Lavender Earl Grey? Don't mind if I do!

Love our Lavender Earl Grey? Haven't tried it? Either way, let us know in the comments why you drink tea!