One Whole Lotus Flower Blossom

LOTUS FLOWER

(Caffeine Free Herbal Tea)

Country of Origin: China

Region: Fujian Province

Shipping Port: Shanghai

Grade: Whole Lotus flowers

Altitude: 500 – 1000 feet above sea level

Manufacture Type: Hand made

Cup Characteristics: Slightly sweet with light floral notes.

Infusion: The magic of Lotus comes to life as the whole flower gracefully opens.

Ingredients: Luxury lotus blossom

Information: Turn your next bath into a religious experience by adding this Chinese grown Lotus Flower to your tub. Simply drop a whole dried lotus into the hot water, inhale the steamy floral notes and watch as the flower unfolds. Or, if you prefer, brew a soothing tea from this exotic dried bud. According to Eastern folk belief, lotus tea, which has a light floral taste and a pale shade similar to that of some green teas is, among other things, effective in flushing nicotine out of the body and easing indigestion. However you choose to use it, we're sure you'll find the calming effects of lotus truly a blessing.

For thousands of years Lotus has symbolized spiritual enlightenment and physical restoration. The ancient Egyptians believed the flowers came from the gods and used them in their religious ceremonies. The Pharaohs themselves routinely bathed in Lotus believing that its complex floral properties clarified the skin. To the Hindus of India, Lotus is a powerful symbol of beauty, fertility, purity, and divinity. They believe that within every human being regardless of race or religion exists the spirit of the sacred flower. Over the centuries, countless Hindu sutras, or religious texts, have been devoted to the flower. For Buddhists, Lotus flowers symbolize the purity of enlightenment, the most exalted state a person can achieve. This idea stems from the fact that unlike most plants, mud will not stick to lotus leaves. Botanists call this the lotus effect, which means that the plant, like the Buddha is never hidden from the sun. They also believe that lotus flowers symbolize longevity, due in part to the longevity of their seeds, which can still bear flowers after lying dormant for up to 500 years.

This long standing reverence for Lotus made it an essential component of ancient medicine. Holistic practitioners in the far East traditionally administered lotus baths to cure people of pneumonia, asthma, and various skin ailments. It has also been noted in ancient Chinese texts that drinking lotus tea can be especially helpful to people suffering from dragon bites. Well, we certainly hope you don't fit into that category. Even if you don't, we still believe that these Lotus flowers have the power to open the mind and purify the body. Enlighten yourself today. Give our regards to the Buddha.

Hot Brewing Method: Use 1 lotus flower per teapot. Pour freshly boiled water over the flower and let is steep for 3 minutes. After 3 minutes, you may use a spoon or tweezers to unfold the flower. Once opened brew for another 3- 4 more minutes, revealing the full flower. Lotus is generally consumed on its own without sugar or milk.

Cold Brewing Method: (MAKES 1 PITCHER) Follow the same process as above but using 3 Lotus flowers. Once the Lotus is fully brewed, pour the tea over glasses filled to the brim with ice. Add a small dash of sugar and enjoy!

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