Most tea bags contain plastic, many people are steeping tea incorrectly, and traditional cultures prepared tea completely differently than we do today.

In this episode, we dive into:
• loose leaf tea vs tea bags
• infusions vs decoctions
• tannins, oxalates, and milk tea
• herbal teas for calm and wellness
• traditional tea preparation methods
• the hidden problems with convenience culture

What started as a simple conversation about tea quickly turned into a full-on “tea identity crisis.”

We explore the surprising truth that green, black, oolong, and pu-erh teas all come from the same plant (Camellia sinensis), and how traditional cultures used different steeping methods to support the body in different ways.

We also break down:
• why adding milk to black tea was actually a smart traditional practice
• the concerns surrounding plastic-filled tea bags
• loose leaf tea and herbal infusions
• simple ways to return to slower, more intentional rhythms at home

Somewhere in the middle, this episode became less about tea and more about the overwhelm of modern life, the “microwave generation,” and the small practical ways we can start reclaiming old skills without burnout.

From calming overwhelmed kids to struggling through hand-crank grain mills, we’re talking about real-life slow living, intentional motherhood, natural wellness, and taking baby steps back toward the old ways.

Welcome to Womenfolk Revival, where we are deeply rooted and wildly intentional.

RESOURCES + TEA BRANDS MENTIONED

Traditional Medicinals
https://www.traditionalmedicinals.com/

Numi Organic Tea
https://numitea.com/

Pukka Herbs
https://www.pukkaherbs.com/

Yogi Tea
https://yogiproducts.com/

Clipper Teas
https://www.clipper-teas.com/

Loose Leaf Tea Infuser Example
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=stainless+steel+tea+infuser

Reusable Cloth Tea Bags
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=reusable+cloth+tea+bags

Research on Microplastics in Tea Bags
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.9b02540

Learn More About Herbal Infusions vs Decoctions
https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/herbal-infusions-and-decoctions

WHAT TO AVOID

• “Silky” pyramid tea bags unless clearly labeled plastic-free
• Heat-sealed or thermosealed tea bags without clarification
• Cheap generic tea bags that may contain polypropylene plastic

THE SIMPLEST PLASTIC-FREE OPTION

Switching to loose-leaf tea with a stainless steel infuser or reusable cloth tea bag is one of the easiest ways to reduce plastic exposure and reconnect with traditional preparation methods.

🌿 Support Womenfolk Revival
If you'd like to support the podcast and help us continue sharing traditional wisdom, homemaking, herbalism, and intentional living, you can support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/womenfolkrevival

Stay Rooted + Stay Wild!