Our Teas
What started as a science-inspired homemade gift to friends (see Our Roots) has now expanded into 5 different herbal formulations: Original, Vitality, Tranquility, Immunity, and Divinity. Each blend contains specially selected phytochemicals (chemicals naturally found in plants) chosen because the research shows a strong link between them and a particular effect; either longevity (original), mental functioning, relaxation, or defense against colds/flu.
How do they work?
Although the exact mechanism of action varies from formula to formula (depending on their purpose) in general every LongeviTea blend contains herbs or spices which are anti-inflammatory and/or mildly diuretic. Given that inflammation is the basis of many unhealthy processes in the body, ranging from auto-immune disorders to Alzheimer’s disease, and that salt/water balance is related to blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health, it perhaps shouldn’t come as a surprise that areas of the world in which we see high consumption of these phytochemicals are the same areas that show the longest lifespans. If you want more information on the science, visit our Science page.
“Although each blend was designed for a specific purpose,
ALL of them contain the herbs & Spices associated with long life.”
What’s In the different blends?
- ORIGINAL is the longevity blend that started it all! An earthy blend of mint, green tea, and Mediterranean herbs, it contains NINE different anti-inflammatory antioxidants (green tea, spearmint, sage, rosemary, thyme, sideritis, oregano, lavender, peppermint). Sideritis (aka Greek Mountain Tea) is an anti-inflammatory herb that grows at high altitudes in Greece and is one of the herbs thought to contribute to the longevity in that Blue Zone. These herbs have been combined with rose hips, hibiscus flowers, lemongrass, and orange peel for a balanced citrus finish.
- VITALITY is a zesty daytime blend of lemongrass and green tea, with 2 Mediterranean antioxidant herbs (sage and rosemary), hibiscus flowers, orange peel, rose hips, lemon balm and lemon peel. Compared to a citrus zinger, the phytochemicals in this tea were selected primarily for their potential effects on brain health. For example, in addition to the mild performance boost due to the caffeine, research has shown that green tea may have a neuro-protective effect on the brain. In addition to their high levels of antioxidants, rosemary has been found to improve general memory, while sage has been associated with improved verbal memory and an increase in substances associated with brain health (BDNF).
- TRANQUILITY is a caffeine-free blend for nighttime use, or anytime a bit of soothing calm is needed. It is the only tea on the market that includes SEVEN different herbs shown to exhibit anti-anxiety, anti-stress, and anti-tension effects. Valerian, eleuthero, passion flower, lemon balm, chamomile and lavender have all been found to have these effects, while wild jujube seeds (known in Chinese medicine as Suan Zao Ren) have been shown to decrease insomnia. There is additional evidence that this tea may help with sleep problems in women going through menopause. In one study, perimenopausal women with established sleep problems showed significant reductions in sleep problems and significant improvement daytime functioning, after drinking Suan Zao Ren tea for 4 weeks. * Given that many of these calming effects appear to operate by boosting the neurotransmitter GABA (the same neurotransmitter released by sedative drugs and alcohol) we recommend that care be taken if you try this tea while consuming either of these other drugs. Don’t drive, or operate heavy machinery, until you know how the combination will affect you. I had a cup after some wine with dinner, and I fell asleep before the evening news even came on.
- IMMUNITY is a spicy rosewater chai with turmeric & black pepper. Like all LongeviTeas, it contains powerful anti-inflammatories and antioxidants (cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, black tea) plus black pepper (the piperine in which has been found to magnify the effects of turmeric up to 2000%). What makes this blend unique is that it also contains SEVEN spices shown to have antimicrobial and antibacterial action (cloves, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, nutmeg, cardamom and black pepper) plus one with anti-viral activity (star anise). In fact, 3-7% of star anise is shikimic acid, the pharmaceutical base used to create the drug Tamiflu. All of these spices are currently being used by the food industry because they have been shown to naturally prevent the growth of microbes, bacteria, and fungi. Cloves have been found to kill mouth bacteria and prevent cavities. Several have been found to promote digestive health by preventing the growth of colon bacteria, and inhibiting the growth of helicobacter pylori, the bacteria that causes ulcers. While there’s no cure for the common cold, given that upper respiratory tract infections frequently begin by colonizing the mouth and throat, there is evidence that this combination of spices may stop rhinovirus from being able to multiply there.
- NEW! DIVINITY combines the decadence of hot chocolate with the health benefits of mushrooms to make a latte fit for the gods. It starts with a base of Arriba Nacional cocoa from Equador. This ancient and fascinating heirloom cocoa bean was among the first to be domesticated by humans 3500 years ago. This varietal was thought to have been lost forever in 1916 when a tree blight swept through the region killing the Nacional. To protect the remaining crop, the trees were hybridized with other (more protected) cocoa bean varieties from other regions. The pure variety remained "extinct" for 100 years, until 2009 when the Equadorian Agricultural Research Institute ran DNA testing on 11,000 trees and discovered that 6 of them were 100% genetically pure Nacional. In 2013, 9 more trees were discovered, and since then, various agencies have worked to protect and promote Nacional cocoa for use in fine chocolates everywhere. The flavor of Arriba Nacional cocoa is described as being richer, with more floral notes than other cacaos, with no bitterness. Did we mention that dark chocolate has been found to stimulate Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in the brain, which promotes "lasting neuronal plasticity and improvement in cognition" (Lewis et al., 2021) To this rich base, we add SIX different mushrooms that have been shown to further contribute to health and longevity: cordyceps (cordyceps sinensis) for energy/performance, shiitaki (Lentinula edodes) for anti-oxidant/anti-cancer, turkey tail (Coriolus versicolor) for immunity/anti-cancer, chaga (Inonotus obliquus) for immunity/cognitive boost, lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) for memory/brain health, and reishi (Ganoderma lingzhi) for longevity/anti-cancer, to make the ultimate healthy indulgence.