The 'still life' blog is a repository of information on herbs and mushrooms within Vivacitea formulations as well as case studies. Shared below are ingredient insights and examples of fusing taste & medicinal value, creating the perfect blend for you to start your day, expand your consciousness, or settle down.
Ganoderma, ascribed as a ‘superior’ or highly useful herb in ancient Traditional East Asian Medicine, has been revered in China for more than 2000 years. Its Chinese name, Lingzhi, translates as ‘Spiritual Mushroom,’ hinting at its esteemed status. Better known by its Japanese name, Reishi, it has garnered much attention for its diverse health benefits.
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Hojicha (also spelled houjicha) is a distinctive Japanese green tea known for its warm, roasted aroma and reddish-brown color. Unlike most green teas, which are steamed and preserved in their green state, hojicha undergoes an additional roasting process that transforms both its flavor and chemical composition. The result is a smooth, nutty beverage that has approximately 1/3 less caffeine than green tea [1].
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The soothing world of tea has a time-honored champion, revered not only for its characteristic taste but also for its powerful medicinal properties– matcha. Derived from powdered Camellia sinensis or green tea leaves, the birth of matcha traces back to China. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907), where tea leaves were steamed and formed into bricks for storage and trade. The powdered form of tea, however, didn’t become popular until the Song Dynasty (960-1279). The process included grinding the dried leaves into a powder, which was then whisked in hot water. The idea was to consume the whole leaf, rather than just the steeped water.
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