Rare Herbs

Certain herbs from Asia and Africa are among the most widely used and time-honoured teas, highly valued for their special properties. However, according to the Novel Food Regulation, teas that have not been consumed to a significant degree by humans in the EU before 1997 may not be sold as a food product in the EU unless authorised, resulting in a loss of centuries of experience from other countries and cultures. We therefore offer the rare herbs listed here, with the exception of Lao Ying Tea, only as scented herbs, potpourri or for use as incense.

Rare, fresh and highly aromatic: 1st harvest of the top cultivars with 5 and 7 vine leaves. Pesticide-free cultivation in the plant's place of origin in Shaanxi. Jiaogulan is a traditional herb in China that is valued for its special phytochemicals. In accordance with the Novel Food Regulation of the EU, jiaogulan cannot be sold as a food product. We offer jiaogulan as a fragrance herb.

A Chinese herbal tea that is popular as a refreshing summer tea in its region of origin, Sichuan. Leaves and buds are hand-picked from wild-growing trees that thrive under optimal conditions in the pristine Himalayan mountains. Processing is carried out by local family businesses.

Many herbs which are commonly used in Asia and Africa for their unique properties cannot be sold as food in the EU. Although other cultures have been using these herbs for centuries, according to the Novel Food Regulation, products which were not available on the market in large quantities before 1997 may not be sold as food products in the EU. Therefore, all herbs listed here are sold only for their fragrances, for use as potpourri or for burning.

High-quality buchu from the heart of South Africa in Swartland. 100% natural cultivation in a secluded natural area at the foot of the Cederberg Mountains, a top terroir for buchu and rooibos. Buchu is one of the centuries' old tea traditions of South Africa. In accordance with the novel food directive of the EU, however, teas that were not sold and available on the market in large quantities before 1997 are not allowed to be sold as food.

Extra high quality Hoodia from the heart of South Africa in Swartland. 100% pure, natural cultivation in secluded location at the foot of the Cederberg Mountains, worldwide recognized top terroir for Hoodia and Rooibos.

Hand-harvested, organic mulberry leaf tea, sourced from the top terroir of Kagoshima in Japan. Mulberry leaves have long been valued for their unique properties and are used for tea in many cultures. In accordance with the Novel Food Regulation of the EU, mulberry leaves cannot be sold as a food product. Therefore, we offer these leaves for decorative purposes.