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Bastyr
University, an institution of science-based natural medicine education, has
teamed with Seattle-based tea manufacturer Choice® Organic Teas to
produce a line of dietary supplement medicinal herb teas.1 This
collaboration marks the first time Bastyr University has allowed its name and
logo to be used on a consumer product.1,2
“This
historic partnership is one that we felt was a perfect fit,” said Bastyr’s Senior
Vice President and Provost Timothy C. Callahan, PhD, in a press release.2
“With our shared values and Seattle roots, Bastyr University has long been
aware of Choice Organic Teas and was attracted to its depth of experience as a
manufacturer of a trusted, popular, and quality brand. We feel the missions and
values of Choice Organic Teas and Bastyr are closely aligned and are confident
that this line of products will help consumers learn more about time-tested
natural herbs to support their health.”
The
certified-organic “Wellness Teas” are classified as Herbal Dietary Supplements
(HDS), which differ from most of the basic green, black, and other herbal teas
that usually are sold as beverages, i.e., conventional foods. According to Eric
Wing — head of Choice’s production, purchasing, and certification — the
Wellness Teas have been registered with the US Food and Drug Administration
(FDA), have met FDA’s increased criteria for dietary supplement manufacturing and
packaging, and have provided research to support structure-function claims
(email, April 18, 2013). Because this process for dietary supplements is more
rigorous than the development and marketing process for conventional foods, HDS
teas can make limited health statements (referred to as structure-function claims)
on product packaging.
“Not all medicinal teas are HDS,” said Wing,
“and while it is a huge commitment, it adds to the integrity of the product and
its ability to compete in the medicinal tea category. HDS classification also
creates new opportunities to go beyond the tea aisle and into the supplement
section of retail stores, as well as access to new channels of health-focused
commerce.”
Bastyr herbalists contributed their scientific and traditional-usage expertise
on medicinal herbs to help formulate the tea blends, with a chief focus on
choosing herbs and combinations of herbs for their beneficial properties.
“The blends are intentionally formulated to support specific functions,” said Dr. Callahan (email, April 23, 2013). “They focus around herbs that release
beneficial constituents when infused. Each one of these teas support a
particular attribute, or in some cases multiple attributes, of healthy bodily
functions.”
In addition to blending
herbs that are certified organic, another main focus of the Choice Wellness Tea
creation process was seeing that the teas had a pleasurable taste. Bastyr also
helped with this task by tasting blends and providing feedback.
“For the most part,” said Dr. Callahan,
“these teas are designed so they can be consumed as needed on a daily basis, or
even multiple times a day, to support daily wellness.”
Wing
noted that the teas were “designed to appeal to both the average consumer and
herbal enthusiasts alike by creating blends that are both flavorful and
effective for daily use (in most cases).” Tea drinkers who have
knowledge of the North American herbal community will notice the Bastyr seal on
the front of the teas’ packaging, which reads “Herbalist Formulated. Bastyr
University. VIS MEDICATRIX NATURAE,”
which is Latin for “the healing power of nature.”
Choice
conducted market research to determine the health conditions that consumers
most often address with natural remedies. Then the company and Bastyr
formulated eight tea blends to target these bodily functions. The following
blends currently are available:
- Breathing
Space®,
an echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) leaf, European elder (Sambucus nigra) flower, eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) leaf blend aimed at
helping maintain healthy respiratory functions;
- Easy
Digest®, a ginger (Zingiber officinale) root, turmeric (Curcuma longa) root, lemongrass leaf blend for aiding digestion and
easing occasional nausea;
- Energy
Boost®,
a green tea (Camellia sinensis) and eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) root blend
for energy and vitality;
- Mental
Focus®,
a Ginkgo biloba leaf and gotu kola (Centella asiatica) leaf blend for mental
clarity and concentration;
- Regularity®,
a senna leaf, licorice (Glycyrrhiza
glabra) root , and ginger root blend for relief of occasional constipation;
- Rest
Assured®, a valerian (Valeriana officinalis) root, passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) leaf, catnip (Nepeta cataria) leaf, and chamomile (Matricaria recutita) flower blend for sleep promotion;
- Simply
Detox®,
a roasted dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
root, burdock (Arctium lappa) root,
and rooibos (Aspalathus linearis)
herb blend for healthy liver function and skin detoxifying; and
- Throat
Cozy®,
a marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) root,
licorice, and anise (Pimpinella anisum)
seed blend for throat comfort.
According
to Wing, the Choice Organic Wellness Teas will be available in US grocery
stores by Fall of 2013. A portion of the proceeds from the teas’ sales will go
toward the Bastyr University Student Scholarship Fund.
“The Bastyr University
Student Scholarship Fund is a long-standing tradition at the university,” said
Dr. Callahan. “Thousands of dollars are pledged annually by donors, including
employees, to help to defray the cost of the high-quality education provided to
students. The leadership of Choice Organic Teas wanted to contribute to the
University in a very positive and substantive way, and they were very generous
in offering to provide support to the Student Scholarship Fund via a portion of
the proceeds from the sale of each box of tea.”
—Lindsay Stafford
Mader
References
1.
Choice Organic Teas and Bastyr
University Team Up to Launch Wellness Teas [press release]. Seattle, WA: Choice
Organic Teas; March 3, 2013. Available here. Accessed April 26, 2013. 2. Bastyr University Helps Create New Line of Wellness Teas [press release]. Kenmore, WA: Bastyr University; March 13, 2013. Available here. Accessed April 26, 2013.
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