A Warm Cup of Tea
Tea connoisseur Kari Brayman shares the blessings of her art.

Tea has roots in Appalachia. In Western North Carolina, the Cherokee nation integrated plant products in all aspects of their lives and passed along this tradition to the European settlers that set up camp in southern Appalachia. As early as the 18th century, natives were brewing "black tea" from the southern holly bush. This tea, yaupon tea, was the most common southern beverage until coffee and Asian tea took over in the 19th century. Native Americans used black tea as a purifier and peace bearer to their rituals and social gatherings.

Even though women were not allowed in the black tea ceremonies, Wise Women in these mountains have been curing their families with folk remedies from our back yards for centuries. Gathering plants as medicine is a practice that is deeply woven in Southern Appalachian culture. Irish and Scottish settlers brought European magical traditions and blended them with local Tsalagi (Cherokee) herbal practices to form modern Appalachian herbalism. Locally rooted friends like Ginseng, Blue Cohosh, or Elderberry are still used today in healing remedies. If you claim to be sick from a cold or an unhappy stomach, a local will suggest some Echinacea tea to support immune function or some ginger to relieve that tummy trouble. Sipping tea for ill health or spirits has become a way of life for mountainfolk.

Today, Appalachian tea fans seem to blend tea ceremonies from all over to achieve the tea party. Some folks may imitate a traditional Japanese tea ceremony or a local bed and breakfast may serve high tea and then some, like me, tend to drop the formalities altogether in the true spirit of Appalachian tradition. Teatime is a friendly, peaceful and humble break from my life's quickening pace.

Knowing that tea is healthy and it makes me feel really good, it is a bit of self-worship ritual. At the same time, it is a small celebration of Earth's bounty. There is something special about pouring the hot water over the pretty plants as the fragrance steams to fill the room, and sipping slowly. You can forget all else except that nature has provided us with plant friends to heal and strengthen our bodies and spirits. Teas be with you.

Kari Brayman owns the Plant Pub, spreading the good word about tea to the masses. She throws tea parties for you at your home or business, complete with her own custom tea blends and homemade desserts. Contact the Plant Pub at 828-255-8499 or tea@theplantpub.com.

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