I have been wanting to share this little find with all of you for quite awhile now, so thanks to Scott for pushing me in that direction (even though I’m a day late and a dollar short as always!)

This, my dear friends, is the best kept secret on the planet.

I have come to swear by this little mix of teas (Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, and Lemon Myrtle) and really think you all should order some as soon as you leave here.  Get it wherever you can find it.

I discovered my little tea shop through an out-of-town friend.  She has been ordering tea from Sensibiliteas for a long time, and wanted to visit the actual shop when she came to visit a couple of years ago.  I had no idea this place even existed in my area, but upon entering, became a total convert.  An entire wall (someday I will photograph it for you) is lined with paint cans filled with teas…I had never seen anything like it.  And the teas are fabulous.  I will never enjoy a bagged tea again.

Last year I was desperately seeking some natural aid to my “little” joint swelling/back aching problem.  My Tea Lady suggested Holy Basil, otherwise known as Tulsi.  She said it *might* help, but even if it didn’t help my joints, it would help a lot of other things.  “You’ll never get a cold again, and even if you do, it won’t be a bad one.”  So I drank it here and there, never quite taking the stuff seriously.

However, I started getting sick with some throat/respiratory virus the Saturday before Thanksgiving this past year.  Desperate to kick it to avoid being sick for Thanksgiving a second year in a row, I started drinking my store of Holy Basil, three cups a day as prescribed.  I swear it kept me going, and although I lost my voice, didn’t need the help of a doctor this time.  Off I went to the tea shop the day after Thanksgiving with absolutely no voice.  She suggested mixing Lemon Myrtle (for throats) with the Holy Basil.  I did, and I got better within two days.

I continued drinking a cup a day all through the holidays.  Every time I felt something coming on, I upped it to a pot (or three cups) back to back a day.  I thought one cold was going to get me…I woke with a fever and feeling miserable.  By the end of the day, I was on my feet with nothing left but a drippy nose.  Seriously.  It left as quickly as it came.

Add to this the fact that, about a month ago I observed to my husband, “You know, my joints haven’t bothered me as much lately…and my back is so much better finally.  It only took a year.”  And he said, “You’ve been drinking that tea.”  Lightbulb moment.  I had been drinking it to avoid getting sick all winter, but I think it has actually helped everything else too without me even realizing it.  I am now a believer.

You will find information on the benefits of Tulsi here and here.

You will find information on the benefits of Lemon Myrtle here.

Just Google each and you will find more information.

If you can’t find it, send me an e-mail and I will put you in touch with Donna-Lynn, my trusted Tea Lady.  Here’s to health! *raises tea cup*