Recipes - Herba di Berna

Hemp tea, a multi-talent of nature since time immemorial. It pampers the body by detoxifying organs, balancing the acid-base balance and revitalizing the spirit.

In this blog, we take a look at the beneficial effects of hemp tea on body and mind. We answer the question of whether daily consumption is healthy or excessive, compare the benefits of hemp leaves with hemp flowers and shed light on the potential side effects and benefits of this drink.

Hemp tea is more than just a tasty drink. Its active ingredients such as terpenes and flavonoids are less well known than CBD or THC, for example. First of all: our hemp leaf tea contains very small amounts to no amounts of cannabinoids. In Switzerland, the well-known products made from hemp as well as the more modern hemp products are regulated in the Novel Food Ordinance. (What the Novel Food means in relation to cannabis can be found further down in the text)

So what works in hemp tea if not cannabinoids?

It is the terpenes (fragrances) and flavonoids (flower pigments) of the plant that interact with our endocannabinoid system in a complex way. This plays a key role in the regulation of various vital bodily functions, such as temperature balance, appetite, reproduction, immune system and relaxation.

Read more about terpenes in our blog -> Terpenes: Why cannabis smells https://www.herbadiberna.ch/terpene-wieso-cannabis-duftet/

These often underestimated fragrances, such as the plant’s essential oils, can help hemp tea to relieve pain and improve sleep quality. In addition, hemp tea has a detoxifying and antispasmodic effect. These unique properties make it a versatile drink that not only offers enjoyment, but can also have a positive effect on health and well-being.

Consuming hemp tea every day can make a valuable contribution to your acid-base balance. As hemp tea no longer contains detectable amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol – the psychoactive cannabinoid) in Switzerland, it has no intoxicating effect and can therefore be safely integrated into the daily lifestyle.

What should I look out for when buying?

When buying hemp tea, there are often different varieties to choose from, including those made from hemp leaves or hemp flowers. Both have their own benefits: Hemp leaves generally contain even fewer cannabinoids than the flowers, but still offer a variety of health benefits (through their terpenes and flavonoids) and a mild, pleasant flavor. Hemp flowers, on the other hand, are richer in active ingredients and can therefore have a more intensive effect.

Conclusion

As with all products, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects. Although hemp tea is generally well tolerated, sensitive people may experience mild side effects such as tiredness or stomach problems. It is recommended to start with a low dosage and observe the effect on your own body. On the positive side, hemp tea offers a wealth of benefits, from stress relief and relaxation to pain relief and improved sleep.

At Herba di Berna we offer organic and pure hemp tea containing carefully selected hemp leaves. In addition, we have developed a soothing blend with verveine and lemon thyme, which combines the relaxing properties of hemp tea with the refreshing aromas of herbs to offer a unique indulgent experience.

Immerse yourself in the world of hemp tea and discover the variety of its effects on body and mind. Treat yourself to a cup of pure relaxation and enjoy the natural benefits of this remarkable drink!

You can find your hemp or feel-good tea in our online store by clicking on one of the buttons below.

Hemp tea

Well-being tea

How we like to enjoy tea at Herba di Berna:

1x coffee spoon of hemp tea / feel-good tea leaves per cup

Brewing time: 1 to 2 minutes

And if you like, refine with honey

Brew for 1 minute.

However, the longer the tea steeps, the more bitter it becomes.

You can enhance its effect by letting it steep for longer.

A little herbal digression

Verveine

Also known as vervain, it calms the mind and body, aids digestion and promotes restful sleep. Their antioxidant properties strengthen the immune system and their mood-enhancing effect promotes a general feeling of well-being.

Lemon thyme

Known for its refreshing aroma, it invigorates and supports the respiratory system, while its antioxidant properties strengthen the immune system and its calming effect promotes relaxation and well-being. This harmonious combination of verbena and lemon thyme, paired with hemp, offers a holistic experience for body and mind.

What the Novel Food Regulation says about Hantee

The following applies to Cannabis sativa herbal tea: Herbal tea made from the leaves of the hemp plant is not considered a novel food in Switzerland. However, anyone wishing to produce, import or market herbal tea made from the herb must provide proof that this herbal tea was already being consumed as food in significant quantities before May 15, 1997 and is therefore not to be classified as a novel food.

Herbal tea made from the leaves of the hemp plant can be used to flavor food without a permit. The basic requirement is that the herbal tea is used as an aqueous infusion and in no other form (e.g. concentrated or as a syrup).
Source: Novel Food Regulation

The weather in January greets us with an icy chill and playful winds. We at Herba di Berna have the perfect answer: a warming Thai curry with hemp tofu! After all, what could be better than facing the cold with a delicious spoonful of flavors? Our insider tip for coziness and enjoyment in any weather!

For 4 servings you need:

400 g hemp tofu
0.5 lt coconut milk. The best is the Chaokoh, (available in international stores) which is a bit thicker
2 tsp ground coriander seeds
2 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp turmeric powder
2 tsp tomato puree
5 cm of a fat and fresh ginger root (Lidl usually has fresh and nice ones) – we prefer the ginger and garlic grated (Bircher grater)
4 large cloves of garlic – grated1 bunch of green onions – cut into rings
2 x a shot of the fine rum or whisky
½ – 1 tsp chili powder or fresh chili (I use 4 – 6) 1-2 chilies would be mild
When in season, one sprig each of white and blue grapes
1 large onion – finely chopped (you can also use shallots and cut them into rings for decoration)
10 cherry tomatoes – cut into 4 pieces – (for decoration, add 10 yellow and differently colored cherry tomatoes)
Here’s another hot tip: ½ -1 teaspoon of garam masala powder
A bunch of fresh coriander – leaves plucked
Himalayan salt very fine – or any other fine salt
Ground white pepper
A fine vegetable oil – we prefer olive oil or coconut oil

The preparation:

Heat the frying pan to full heat. Only add oil to the pan when it is hot
Sauté the ginger, chili and spring onions together in the hot oil. Depending on the hob or induction, reduce the heat slightly. Add the garlic after 3 to 4 minutes. Steam for another 2 minutes
Then sprinkle over the spices and sauté for another 3 – 4 minutes
Then use the rubber spatula to push the whole thing to the edge. Now add the tomato purée to the frying pan and allow the aroma to develop as it begins to burn into the bottom. However, be careful that it does not turn black. Always stir with the rubber spatula. 3 – 5 minutes
Now add a large shot (50 – 80 ml) of rum or whisky and stir well with a whisk. Take the rubber spatula again and make sure it doesn’t burn on the bottom. Now add 300 ml of coconut milk and bring to the boil. Once it has bubbled, you can reduce the temperature by 50% – 70% and leave to simmer gently. Meanwhile, stir slowly along the base with a spatula to prevent splattering and burning
Simmer for approx. 15 minutes
Now pour the mixture into a sauce pan and puree with a hand blender. Then leave to simmer on a low heat. Depending on the thickness of the curry, you can now add a little more coconut milk. I always need 5 dl. However, you will then need to bring the sauce to the boil again. Reduce the heat again and – if in season – add the grapes
Set aside
Wash out the frying pan with a sponge and put it back on the stove. Return to full heat. Fry the hemp tofu with a little olive oil or coconut oil until a light crust (golden-brown) forms. This takes about 8 – 10 minutes
Carefully stir the curry and tofu with a ladle and serve
Garnish with the cherry tomatoes, shallots, peperoncini and coriander

En Guete! 😉

Buy hemp tofu directly

Source recipe: Harmonius, hemp tofu masala Goa style https://www.harmonius.ch/

Category: Recipes

A journey through the world of hemp tea, its effects and diversity

Hemp tofu Thai curry recipe