Bamboo Video Reviews.

Trade your multivitamin for tea :)

Taking a multivitamin?  Do you really know what is in there and if it is helping you?  Let’s break down what Bamboo Leaf Tea can do for your vitamin level and give you five healthy ways to get your body in top shape.

The water soluble vitamins are needed in frequent increments as they work through the system quickly and are excreted by the kidneys.  Fasting has been shown to lengthen the time that water soluble vitamins remain in the body thereby increasing the absorption of the essential elements.  In fact taking any supplement after fasting for a period of time increases the strength of the supplement.  That is why taking a supplement in the morning can produce the greatest effects.

Step 1  Try taking your supplements in the morning and waiting at least a 1/2 hour before adding any food or caffeinated drinks.  To really feel the effects of a supplement fast on water taking the supplement several times during the day.

Here is a review of water soluble vitamins and their effects.  Good news B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, and vitamin C are all present in bamboo.

Water soluble vitamins include:

• B1 / thiamine – important for nerve function, promotes a healthy appetite
• B2 / riboflavin – important for vision and skin
• B3 / niacin – important for nervous system, digestive system, and skin, helps to produce hormones
• B5 / pantothenic acid – important for producing red blood cells and hormones
• B6 / pyridoxine – important for making red blood cells, helps to produce melatonin, helps to reduce levels of homocysteine
• B7 / biotin – helps to maintain blood sugar levels, strengthens hair and nails
• B9 / folic acid – important for making DNA and red blood cells
• B12 – important for making new cells and maintaining a healthy nervous system
• Vitamin C – antioxidant, important for the immune system, aids in iron absorption, building block of collagen

Step 2  Drinking one cup of Bamboo Leaf Tea will cover most of the water soluble vitamins.  It’s best to do this several times a day to flush the system with the vitamins needed.

Step 3  B12 can be found in nutritional yeast (2tsp can be added to salads or to other foods for all of your B12 needs).  It is also present in shellfish, beef, fish, crustaceans, tofu, dairy, cheese, and eggs.

Teas are a great way to take in some of these important vitamins because they are extracting the water soluble components and delivering them in a way that the body can best absorb them.

Other minerals that are in bamboo are silica, calcium, manganese, iron, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, selenium, and zinc.

Calcium is being added to everything from cereals to orange juice but is it harming the body or helping it?  Calcium is available in leafy green vegetables, raw dairy, sesame seeds, carob as well as bamboo.  The calcium  being added to our foods is inorganic, a cheap filler that is now being shown to possibly increase the risk of heart disease.  Calcium added to the body can cause calcium deposits which can lead to everything from bone spurs to kidney stones.  So stick with the good stuff and don’t buy fortified foods.

Step 4  Get rid of all your vitamins that contain calcium from inorganic sources.    

Bamboo is a powerhouse of bone building components.  Magnesium, silica, manganese, and calcium all work together to increase bone density.  The components in whole foods are formulated perfectly to ensure the highest nutritional value.  Separating out one element causes the body to pull necessary components from other parts of the body in order to absorb the single element.  Lucky for us this has already been worked out.

Step 5  Take bamboo powder for strong bones.  Whole food supplements are the best way to go for supplementation.  

So go ahead get rid of your multi-vitamin and drink another cup of tea, add in lots of veggies and you will be setting yourself up for the best health yet.  Take 5 steps in the right direction and see where it takes you.

by Shanti

Bamboo Silica & Soluble Fiber Benefits

Bamboo Leaf Tea is made from 100% bamboo leaves grown and processed by hand without the use of any chemicals. Bamboo Leaf Tea has a wonderful sweet, green flavor that aids and balances both mind and body.  We grow our plants with the utmost care and attention to nutritional value and sustainable agriculture.

Bamboo has the highest amount of vegetative silica of any plant.  Ten times the amount of horsetail or nettles.  It is what allows bamboo to grow so fast and strong and yet remain flexible.  The tea also contains soluble fiber and is rich in antioxidants.  

Silica

• promotes hair growth and nail strength
• building block of collagen – rejuvenates the skin
• essential for bone growth and strength, has been shown to increase bone density
• aids the body in eliminating aluminum
• strengthens the cardiovascular system
• supports white blood cell function
• re-mineralizes and strengthens teeth and gums

Soluble Fiber

• helps to regulate blood sugar
• shown to lower LDL cholesterol
• eases cravings and aids in weight loss
• effective for IBS, ulcers, and other digestive issues

We have heard many wonderful stories of increased health and wellness due to our teas and supplements and invite you to tell us your story.  From our farm to your home we wish you the very best on your journey.

Benefits

Benefits of Silica:  Silica is the essence of bamboo.  When one thinks of a bamboo we picture a tall and strong plant that bends and moves in the wind.  This is silica.  Strength and flexibility.  We are born with a lot and overtime it diminishes.  Vegetative silica is very high in grasses but not in the foods we eat and so generally we need to actively add it to our diets.  Tea infusions are a perfect way to add silica into your diet in a format that your body can absorb.  Some of the other benefits of silica are listed below.

• improves skin elasticity
• benefits teeth and gums
• improves connective tissue and strengthens musculoskeletal system
• plays a roll in helping the body to eliminate aluminum
• strenthens hair and nails and encourages new growth
• thought to improve cardiovascular system
• may help to reduce high blood pressure
• essential for bone growth

Bamboo and Soluble Fiber

In addition to silica Bamboo Leaf Tea contains 4% soluble fiber which equals 1g per cup of tea. This helps to regulate blood sugar levels in the body as well as aiding the body in waste elimination.  Soluble fiber coats the lining of the digestive system.  This helps to ease tension in the stomach region by relaxing the system.  People who suffer from IBS or other digestive issues can see great results from incorporating soluble fiber into their diet.  Slowing the digestive process also makes one feel full sooner and so aids in weight loss.  Drinking teas made from bamboo can reduce or eliminate snacking. I like to make a cup of Chocolate Mint Chip when I am craving sugar.  I find it to be the perfect combination for satisfying that desire.  Soluble fiber also helps to regulate blood sugar which is vital for diabetics.  By slowing the digestive system sugars are added more slowly to the blood stream.  This helps the body to balance naturally the blood sugar levels.  So drinking the tea prior to a meal can aid in the maintenance of blood sugar levels.

Additional Benefits

Bamboo teas as well as shoots are high in antioxidants and other vitamins and minerals that help maintain a healthy lifestyle.

• Bamboo has been shown to have anti-inflamatory properties and detoxification properties.  It has been used medicinally in Asia for upper respiratory issues, digestive issues, and liver support.
• Bamboo Leaf Tea does not contain caffeine so it can be enjoyed at anytime of the day hot or cold.  Some of the blends that do contain caffeine are Green tea + Lemongrass, Chocolate Mint Chip, Chai, and Breakfast Black.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease

What’s in a name? (Bamboo)

What’s in a name?

1)  Bamboo is known as the perfect gentleman in Chinese.  It represents upright integrity with accommodating flexibility.  This is echoed in it’s silica content.  The large amount of silica allows bamboo to grow with great strength and yet remain flexible so as not to break.  So in our lives as we look into the New Year can we find places to bring more of our steadfastness and yet be open to new possibilties especially the unexpected?

2)  Bamboo represents the balance of grace and strength.  It is the yin and the yang.  I love that in a name we are given both gifts and lessons.  Because to know happiness we must also experience sadness.  And yet as we try to balance between polar opposites in our lives let us strive to do so with the grace of bamboo.  We shine our gifts on the most difficult of situations because those are also where we will gain the most balance.

3)  Bamboo is always ready.  To be present in our daily lives is a struggle.  In business and in our personal lives so much of what is needed is from us is to show up and be consistent.  If we can stick with the simple tasks of kindergarten, of starting and finishing tasks, we will go far in the New Year for ourselves and for those who count on us.

4)  Bamboo’s hollow culms represent humility.  So many of our actions are based on pre-concieved notions of what we are suppose to do.  Expectations passed down from people we may never have met.  As we start to question why we do what we do, we can begin to re-write our own story of what we want and who we want to be.  To be open to a new path, a new story, is a gift that we should give to ourselves everyday.  So empty the vessel and open up for new beginnings.

5)  Bamboo symbolizes longevity.  The longevity not only refers to the life span of the bamboo plant, but also to it’s ability to adapt and to withstand extreme conditions.  High winds will not pull a mature bamboo from the ground.  Some bamboos can sit for extended periods of time in water, others can survive temperatures well below zero.  Adaptability is key to longevity and bamboos do that very well.

May the strength and flexibility of bamboo be pervasive in all aspects of your life.

by Shanti

Bamboo and Flowers

Bamboo can be used in so many creative ways and it’s all natural. Asian cultures have of course been using bamboo for centuries and yet we are just discovering the possibilities. I love these variations but even just simply putting branches into a vase is beautiful. Discover your own variation.

                                       

by Shanti

Tea made from bamboo?

“Tea made from bamboo really?” This is the question I get asked a lot. The short answer is “Yes”.

Bamboo is a fantastically versatile plant that can be used for everything from flooring to clothing, from utensils to food. It is and continues to be a food staple in Asia and is slowly being introduced to the rest of the world. Bamboo teas have been used medicinally in India, China, and South America for hundreds if not thousands of years. The documented use of the plant shows up in the Ayurvedic books as well as the Chinese Compendium of medicine. In Central and South America the uses have been passed down from healer to healer. The green leaves would be picked and boiled to make an extract that has been used to treat upper respiratory problems, aid liver detoxification, digestive issues, and skin ailments to name a few. In Chinese medicine bamboo is believed to reduce dampness in the liver which manifests it self as irritability, anger, and toxification of the body. In Japan the people who work weaving bamboo are thought to have less health issues due to the absorption of the plant through their skin. In Columbia boiled leaves are used to treat coughs and in Cuba the leaves are used in poultices. In Asia bamboo leaf extract are widely added to drinks to boost the immune system and promote overall health.

 This is the beginning of bamboo teas. Bamboo Leaf Tea has taken this idea and turned it into a beverage that can be enjoyed in many variations. There are many types of bamboos as there are many types of people and so I intend to create many bamboo blends and so bring this ancient health benefit to you.

-by Shanti

Soluble fiber and Bamboo Leaf Tea

Soluble fiber is a key part of combating digestive issues. Whether your stress goes right to your stomach or you suffer from IBS, drinks with soluble fiber can make a big difference in your daily life. Let’s face it we all have to eat.

We all know that adding fiber to our diet is key to a healthy digestive system. So what exactly does soluble fiber do differently from the bran flakes that I ate for breakfast? Ingesting soluble fiber prior to eating food creates a coating on the inside of the stomach and intestines that helps the entire system to relax. It actually slows down the digestive process and reduces muscle spasms. When the stomach and intestinal tract relax IBS and other diarreah issues are greatly reduced if not eliminated. Slowing down the digestive tract also helps to regulate blood sugar. As your lunch, snack, or dinner is digested, sugars get dumped into the blood stream. Soluble fiber helps the body to work more efficiently. This, of course, is especially important for people with diabetes. Thirdly, soluble fiber makes the body feel more full. The digestive system has slowed down and this tells the brain that the body is full more quickly than without the soluble fiber. So it helps to promote weight loss.

Those are some powerful benefits! Bamboo Leaf Tea contains 4% soluble fiber. If you are drinking it unsweet it is a calorie free form of soluble fiber. Wow! So remember to drink some Bamboo Leaf Tea before that next meal and your body will thank you.

-by Shanti

Bamboo Leaf Tea – the perfect tea to reduce sugar cravings

   

Help with sugar cravings

     

So I am still headlong into my no coffee and no sugar journey and I have to say that it is going way better than I thought it would.  I am also heavily emphasizing the journey part because to do something all at once is never easy and sometimes life gets in the way.  So grace is an important part of changing your diet.  It’s like when you want to start a diet so you go out and eat all of the junk food you love because you aren’t going to have it any more.  Grace is allowing for the journey of that day and that time.  Not binging on food and then fasting but balance and tolerance of the moment you are in.  So if you have a cookie stop at one and enjoy it instead of saying well now I blew it so I’ll have ten.

Sugar or sweeteners are really tough to pull out of our diet.  They are flavor enhancers so food doesn’t taste the same.  Part of this is the way we are made.  We are programed to eat sweet foods from birth.  We start with a sweet breast milk and go from there.  But like many things in our society sugar has gotten way out of balance.  It is handed out at banks and doctor’s offices.  Teachers and parents give it as a reward.  Sugar can also be a drug.  People who have problems with alcohol have a strong attachment to sugar.  I would go so far as to say that sugar actually feels different for them it is an exaggerated feeling of well being.  This is why studies have shown a link between kids who have a strong affinity for sugar being pre-disposed to having problems with alcohol.  Sugar intake also directly correlates with diabetes.  So we really want to get a handle on this issue for ourselves and our children.    

But we know all of this and to be honest it gets a bit overwhelming.  How do we navigate the day for ourselves let alone our families with less sugar?  Well I have a great tip that I have learned over the past few weeks.  And that is not to say that I haven’t craved my beloved oatmeal and raisin cookies but this has helped me follow through on my intention.

 I find it amazing what comes up when you detox in some way.  There is always a gift.  Well one of my gifts in the past few weeks is something amazing that I want to share with you.  It turns out that Bamboo Leaf Tea is the perfect tea for sugar cravings.  So this goes back to the idea of food in balance.  In this world we are constantly balancing.  In the Chinese culture they refer to the Yin and the Yang.  And this relates to all parts of your life including food.  The Yin is feminine, contracting, cool , restful, intuitive, absorbing.  Yang is masculine, bright, active, hot, intense.  Sugar is the Yin category.  So is bamboo.  Bamboo Leaf Tea made as a hot tea is actually the perfect balance of Yin and Yang because it is both cooling by nature and warming in temperature.  I have been drinking the tea when I feel the urge for sugar and it has really been working.  I feel balanced and the craving goes away.  So my secret weapon on the sugar cravings is a simple cup of hot tea.  I love that the most effective practices are simple and easy to come by.

I am continuing on my path detoxification and I will share any insights I have along the way.  

As Gandhi said “action expresses priorities”, so think about what you are taking action on today.

Many blessings and have a great week,

-by Shanti

Questions about Bamboo Leaf Tea

I get emails all the time about  the tea and how to get the most out of your order.  Once people know all of the great benefits that Bamboo Leaf Tea has to offer they want to optimize their use so here are a few tips on brewing the tea and taking supplements.

How much tea do I need to use per cup?

1 tsp of tea is sufficient for 8 oz of water.  If you like your tea strong you may want to use more.  When I make ice tea for the markets I use double the amount of tea because I know I am serving it on ice and the ice will melt.  Bamboo Leaf Tea has a light, sweet flavor so if you are switching from coffee or black tea you may want a stronger flavor.

If I were to describe the flavor I would do it in this way.  Do you remember as a kid lying in the grass on a summer day, the grass has just been mowed and you are looking up at the sky and finding shapes in clouds?  You have nothing that has to be done, no homework, no job, no responsibilities.  Your two best friends are lying next to you and a soft breeze is blowing the air just enough so that you are neither cold nor hot.  Your body is relaxed, the ground is completely and totally supporting you.  The three of you are laughing as you pick out funny shapes and tell jokes.  Life is easy, it is fun, and all is well.   That is my description of the flavor of Bamboo Leaf Tea. 

How long should I steep the tea?

The standard answer is 3-5 minutes.  If you would like to use the tea more than once then the second time boil the tea for a minute or two.  For a third cup boil the tea for up to 10 minutes.  When there stops being any color to the water you have dissolved all of the nutrients and can start again.  Bamboo is very fibrous and so cooking it opens up the plant and allows the nutrients to be accessible.  Bamboo is one of only two teas that can be used in an expresso machine and this is because the leaves will withstand the high temperatures.

What is the best way to store the tea?

I like to refrigerate all of my teas.  Bamboo has a beautiful green color and that will leach out if exposed to sunlight.  It is best to store any tea in a dark, cool place.  Freezing the tea will destroy any nutrients that are sensitive to freezing so I prefer refrigeration.  If you would like to re-use the tea leaves later on simply store them in the refrigerator and boil them in water for a second cup of tea.

What are other uses for the tea?

The tea leaves can be ground up and used in cooking or added to baked products.  I am always adding supplements to my kids pancakes or eggs.  In Asia bamboo charcoal is often added to bread for it’s medicinal properties.  This is called sweet bread and is of course black.  The tea can also be used in hair rinses, bathing, soaking hands and feet or adding to a pets water bowl.  (there are some past blogs on different uses)

How much silica is in one cup of tea?

Each cup of tea has 350 mg of silica per cup.  That is based on using 1 tsp of tea per 8 oz of water.  That is the amount recommended in supplements.  Of course I drink lots of bamboo teas and there is no upward limit.  Silica is flushed through the system and excreted through the urinary tract.  Often times when we are taking supplements starting off with a larger amount for at least 30 days brings the system back into balance and then we can cut back to a maintenance amount.  Silica deficiencies affect almost every adult in the US and relate to chronic problems with teeth, bone density, and cellular strength.  Silica is a basic element that we all need for so many functions of our body and yet we get almost none in our diet.

Is there caffeine in the tea?

Bamboo has no caffeine in it. 

-by Shanti

Thyroid, Silica, and Bamboo Leaf Tea

Women are facing more stresses than ever these days.  We are multi-tasking gurus and so when faced with work, kids, home, ect. we say yes to it all.  We are over worked, over stressed, under nourished, and this is showing up in multiple areas of our health.   We are exposed to more toxins in our food and our environment then ever in the history of the world and all of this is being stored in our bodies.  We drink water that fluorinated and chlorinated.  We use toothpastes that states “harmful if swallowed”, we slather our bodies with make up and lotions that are full of bad estrogen components.  Our soils are depleted and our food is processed.

According to the American Thyroid Association 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid problem and 60% of them don’t know it.  Women are 5-8 times more likely to have thyroid issues.  The thyroid is a gland that produces hormones which helps to regulate bodily functions including metabolism.

Some of the symptoms for hyperthyroidism include:

weight loss – increased heart rate – anxiety – sensitivity to heat – trouble sleeping – increased sweating – hair loss – brittle bones

Some symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

weight gain – increased sensitivity to cold – brain fog – depression – fatigue -pale skin – horse voice – hair loss – higher levels of LDL cholesterol – constipation

More women than that fall into the catagory of sub-clinical meaning they have symptoms related to thyroid problems but the testing is not showing that there is a problem.  According to an article written in the American Academy of Family Physicians in 2005 there may be more than 20% of women over 60 being affected by sub-clinical thyroid issues.  Think about what that number might be now!

We need to heal ourselves, our bodies, and our soul.  We need to reduce stress and ground ourselves by walking barefoot on the grass and swimming in the ocean, lakes, or streams.  We need to reduce our sugar and flour intake and increase our sea weed consumption.

One of the great benefits of bamboo in relation to thyroid disease is the combination of digestive support and silica content.  Digestion is a huge component of every aliment that we have including thyroid issues.  Our body’s ability to eliminate waste and toxins has a direct impact on our overall health.  We have killed off beneficial bacteria in our gut by taking antibiotics and using antibacterial soaps and gels.  These bacteria are critical to our digestion ability.  In starting the healing process we need to first start with the gut.  This means pro-biotics, fermented foods, kombucha, and soluble fiber.

Bamboo Leaf Tea is the perfect tea to add in for the health of your digestive system.  The soluble fiber benefits help to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol, relieve constipation, and aid the body in eliminating toxins.  At the same time the silica content of Bamboo Leaf Tea aids in promoting hair growth, and increasing bone density.  Silica also has been shown to aid in the elimination of aluminum which adversely affects the thyroid.  Bamboo also helps to heal the liver, the filter of the body and this supports the overall digestion process.  The best part is that Bamboo Leaf Tea is easy to add into your diet.  Whether it’s cold tea on a hot day or hot tea at the end of your day Bamboo Leaf Tea is an simple and powerful way to move into a more healthy state of living.

I feel so fortunate that I can grow and manufacture a product that is aiding so many people on their path to a better life.  I get wonderful emails that touch my heart from women that have had hair falling out by the handfuls and after introducing Bamboo Leaf Tea into their daily routine the problem has stopped.

If you are experiencing thyroid issues please seek the guidance of a medical professional such as a naturopath or a holistic practitioner.  I wish you the best health and wellbeing on this life journey.

BAMBOO TEA

What is bamboo tea?

Made from the processed or dried leaves of Bambuseae, bamboo tea is an herbal decoction that has a wide range of medicinal benefits. The drink, with its mild sweet taste, is enjoyed both in the hot and cold form and is often taken with a meal.

History and origin

While the leaf extracts of bamboo have been used in Asian dishes for centuries, the tea has been referred to for its use in traditional Chinese, South American, and Indian Ayurvedic medicine. In ancient China, people used to relate bamboo plants with certain personality traits like perseverance and endurance.

Bamboo Tea

Bamboo tea benefits: what is it good for

Rich in silica

Having bamboo tea regularly helps in repairing worn-out cells in the body as it contains high amounts of silica. Its intake is useful for strengthening the bones, teeth, nails, and hair as well as for improving the elasticity of the skin.

Source of antioxidants

The presence of antioxidants like polyphenol is also useful for fighting against free radicals, reducing cell damage, and checking the process of aging.

Has soluble fiber

Since every cup of bamboo leaf tea provides 1gm of soluble fiber, its regular consumption helps to control blood sugar levels and remove harmful wastes from the body, aiding the process of detoxification. People with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and other problems of the gastrointestinal tract can also benefit from its intake, as it aids in promoting the digestive health.

Regulates blood pressure

Because of its high potassium content, its intake is useful for lowering high blood pressure as well as maintaining a stable blood pressure.

Promotes weight loss

Being rich in catechins (a type of flavonoid), the herbal infusion is good for burning excess body fat, which helps in losing weight as well as decreasing the levels of bad cholesterols.

Bamboo Tea Box

Bamboo Tea Pictures

Anti-inflammatory properties

Its consumption helps to control or prevent the symptoms of inflammatory conditions like asthma.

In traditional Asian medicine, it has been used as an analgesic to alleviate pain caused by cuts and wounds.

How to make bamboo tea

• Add one teaspoon of bamboo leaves to a teapot with two to three cups of water
• Heat the mixture until it starts boiling
• Remove it from heat and cover the pot
• Allow it to steep for 3-5 minutes
• Filter the infusion using a strainer
• Sweeten with some honey or sugar

Safety and precaution

Side effects

People with hypothyroidism and goiter should avoid having it in excess and for prolonged periods as it may aggravate these disorders.

During pregnancy

As not much scientific evidence is available, pregnant women as well as nursing mothers, should refrain from its consumption.

Bamboo Leaf Tea

Bamboo Tea Images

Where to buy

Caffeine-free, organic bamboo tea can be purchased as dried/processed leaves packed in airtight tea bags from online tea stores or any local herbal tea shop.

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