Herbalism

Summer of Love

~ rashatayeh

I hope you had a wonderful New Year’s break!

I certainly did and I’m very happy to be back for an exciting new year filled with market stalls, exciting new events and workshops.

Here are some of Beit e’Shai‘s movements this month:

rasha-photos-10

Valentine’s Day Special Offer

Beit e’Shai is pleased to announce that we are offering 10% off all our products this Valentine’s Day.

Why not treat yourself or your lover to our delicious lover’s blend, our limited edition Habibi Tea?

Visit our Online Store between now and this Thursday 14th February and enter this promotional code: HABIBI

Offer expires at 11:59pm Thursday 14th February 2019.

rasha-photos-62

Gibran’s Garden

Tea lovers will be introduced to the Beit e’Shai experience on Saturday 23rd February at the Immigration Museum’s Summer of Love Gibran’s Garden Party.

Founder Rasha Tayeh, will be available at the Beit e’Shai Pop Up Teahouse offering you a complimentary cup of tea on arrival.  Her background as a nutritionist and herbalist provides a unique perspective on how drinking tea can be a form of self-care, a delicious ritual and for healing.  She will also present a Tea Workshop discussing various herbs, fruits and spices that can supportus during the warmer months and be enjoyed as both hot and ice teas.

Drop by the Pop Up Teahouse between 3pm-8pm
And join us at the FREE Tea Workshop from 3pm – 4pm.

 

Large Jars_3_resized

Friends & Stockists

We would like to welcome our new (and old) stockists to the Beit e’Shai family:

Aroma Paradise (Sydney)
Rhubarb Organics
Timber + Greens
The Humble Nook
Soul Aquarian Therapy
Immigration Museum Gift Shop (Melbourne)

For more information on how to become a Beit e’Shai stockist email Rasha on: rasha@beiteshai.com

Beit e’Shai 1st Birthday & Christmas Markets

~ rashatayeh

I’ve been busy gearing up for this year’s Christmas season of market stalls, and Im feeling proud that my tea business, Beit e’Shai is almost one!  I officially launched it on 16th December 2017.  It’s been a roller coaster of a year, and I am deeply grateful for the love and support I’ve received.  I couldn’t have done this without you.

And so, Beit e’Shai® (House of Tea in Arabic, pronounced bayt eh shy) has come to be an online apothecary and teahouse, as well as a pop up market stall and teahouse.  All teas and tisanes are handmade by yours truly using 100% natural blends from certifed organic ingredients.  Drawing on my knowledge and appreciation of traditional Arabic medicine and herbalism, I create aromatic teas and tisanes that focus on health, wellbeing and comfort.  Beit e’Shai offers beautiful blends that are made from high quality herbs and spices for you to enjoy with your family and friends.
I stock my teas in some beautiful places including, Rhubarb Organics at Preston Market, Timber+Green Cafe at Creative Cubes in Hawthorn and at the Immigration Museum Gift Shop, especially during the Khalil Gibran Exhibition (Dec 2018 – Feb 2019)… I have to say, Khalil Gibran is one of my favourite poets, if you get a chance, be sure to see that exhibition!
If you’d like to become a stockist, please get in touch via email.
Tea lovers are also introduced to the Beit e’Shai experience through events, markets and social media.  And I am available for in-store tastings, performance dinners, tea parties, tea ceremonies, demonstrations and workshops.
In the new year, if you would like me to host an event or facilitate a workshop, please contact me on this email.
Keep an eye on my social media too for the Beit e’Shai 1st Birthday special offer!  Be sure to follow @beiteshai on Instagram and Facebook to find out more about it in the coming week.
In the meantime, please visit me at one of the many markets this season!
I always have a pot of tea brewing for tastings and there’s always a great vibe at these local artisan markets with music, food and other fantastic local makers and traders.  Drop by for a cuppa and say hello.
Supporting local, small and ethical businesses keeps us thriving.  So on behalf of my friends and other small businesses, I want to say THANK YOU for your support and ethical shopping choices during this season.  Thank you for keeping us going and able to do what we love doing!
So much love and gratitude to you.
Here is where you can find me in person, otherwise, the Online Store is always open!
Hope you have a wonderful holiday season and fantastic new year.

 

BeiteShai-EDM_02

 

Beit e’Shai presents: Herbs for Gut Health

~ rashatayeh

As you probably know by now, I launched an online tea house and apothecary late last year, called Beit e’Shai (House of Tea in Arabic, pronounced bayt eh shy).  Since its launch, Beit e’Shai hosted different events, tea parties and workshops.

This Spring, on Sunday October 14th 2018, Beit e’Shai will be hosting a workshop exploring Herbs for Gut Health, at Attuned Music Therapy studio in Preston.  Spring is associated with rebirth & renewal, making it a good time to cleanse, in this workshop we will be looking at bitter herbs, wild herbs and herbs that improve our digestion and general gut health.  We will also discuss the benefits of fermented green tea along with a practical introduction to Komboocha making.

I will be setting up a table with Beit e’Shai products during this workshop for attendees to purchase from the full range of my handmade blends (at an extra cost to the workshop fee, cash and eftpos available).

To book your spot for this workshop visit this link.

Herbs for Gut Health Workshop details are:

When: 2-3:30pm Sunday 14th Oct 2018

Where: Attuned Music Therapy, 5/27 Enfield Ave Preston VIC 3072

Cost: $30 Standard, $25 Concession.

Large Jars_3_resized

 

Beit e’Shai Online Store is here!

~ rashatayeh

I am thrilled to announce that my new Beit e’Shai® products are now available online! Why not treat yourself to a delicious organic herbal tea?

OnlineStore

Beit e’Shai® (House of Tea in Arabic, pronounced bayt eh shy) is a Melbourne based online apothecary and teahouse. All teas and tisanes are handmade by yours truly, using 100% natural blends from certified organic ingredients.

Drawing on my knowledge and appreciation of traditional Arabic medicine and herbalism, I create aromatic teas and tisanes that focus on health, wellbeing and comfort.

Inspired by traditional Middle Eastern teahouses and apothecaries, my range at Beit e’Shai® offers beautiful blends that are made from high quality herbs and spices for you to enjoy with your family and friends.

In Situ_10resized1

Trading at Markets: Warrandyte Riverside Market

I will be trading tomorrow, Saturday April 7th, from 8am – 1pm at Warrandyte Riverside Market.  Drop by for a cuppa tea and enjoy a beautiful morning by the river.  Also, be sure to follow  Beit e’Shai® on Instagram and Facebook for updates on my regular market stalls and pop-up shops around Melbourne.

Large Jars_2resized1

Tea of the Month: Immunity

With Autumn upon us and the cooler weather approaching, you may experience some cold and flu symptoms.  My Immunity Organic Herbal Tea is a warming, spicy blend designed to strengthen the immune system and promote wellness during this shifting season.  Immunity Organic Herbal Tea contains: Peppermint, Lemon Verbena, Thyme, and Ginger & Turmeric (all ingredients are certified organic).
For more information, or to place an order visit Beit e’Shai® website.

I love Autumn, and although it makes me feel nostalgic, its a beautiful reminder to let go of the things that don’t serve us anymore.  Try this meditation every day this season: observe the trees around you while their leaves turn from green to orange and yellow, and as they fall to the ground.  This is mother nature’s gentle reminder to let be, and let go.

I hope to see you tomorrow in Warrandyte for a cuppa tea, as we honour this time of year by the river and trees.

In Situ_9_resized

Other news: Workshops in 2018

I haven’t had a chance to host many workshops this summer as I’ve been very busy with market stalls & setting up my online store. However, expect a new Winter Wellness Series where I will be discussing how we can use the magic of herbs and wholefoods to take care of our minds, bodies and spirits during Melbourne’s colder months. Stay tuned!

*Shout out to my very talented friend Phoebe Powell for the gorgeous Beit e’Shai® images in this post.  Thanks Phoebs, I love your work! 

Beit e’Shai now open!

~ rashatayeh

I haven’t posted on here for a while, apologies for the radio silence! I’ve been busy working on my new organic tea brand & mixing herbs for my apothecary. And Im super excited to announce the soft launch this week in Melbourne.

Flyer

Beit e’Shai, Arabic for House of Tea, is an apothecary & gallery for organic teas, tisanes & teawares.  All blends are carefully handmade by myself with an aim to support health & wellbeing.  Ingredients are sourced from as close as Maldon & Castlemaine in Central Victoria and as far as Palestine & Egypt. All ingredients are Certified Organic by Australian standards.

An online store will be launched early 2018 at www.beiteshai.com and I’ll also be trading from various artisan & farmers markets around Melbourne & regional Victoria.  Well, until a more permanent tea house is born.

photo4

But for now, I have teamed up with two amazing friends to set up a PopUp Shop & Gallery in Brunswick this week before Christmas.  The three of us will have some lovely treats for your last minute Christmas shopping, so be sure to drop in for a cuppa & a look at some of the amazing art. All works are for sale, check out these links for the works by two very talented women; Chi&Ko Design and Vanessa Aloia.

I will sit the gallery/shop on these trading days, starting tomorrow.  Come in & say hi.

And I’d like to also take this opportunity to thank you for all your support in 2017 and wish you a wonderful & peaceful 2018.

Love, Rasha x

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Winter Warmers

~ rashatayeh

Winter seems long in Melbourne this year…  or maybe I always get to early August & feel completely over it!

Truth be told, it really isn’t my favourite time of year and Im constantly learning ways to embrace it…

Here are a few things that have helped in my winter hibernation this year:

  • Slow down: actually do less and don’t feel bad about it.  Acknowledging that my energy levels are not the same as they are in the warmer months and not feeling bad about it, takes a bit of getting used to – but learning to be okay with simply doing less & slowing down can be quite liberating
  • Sleep well: take advantage of the long nights to rest the body & the mind
  • Meditate: this time of year can be powerful for reflection, enhancing our psychic tendencies & intuition
  • Exercise: keep the blood circulation moving to keep your body warm & the fire in your belly alive.  Its easy to slow right down & stop exercising during the colder months, but this stagnation can add to winter’s darkness & dull our digestive system too.  So why not move energy through your body by doing something you actually enjoy?  Don’t go out for a jog in the freezing cold, if that’s not your thing (in fact, that just sounds awful to me) … I personally like dancing, so I’ve been going to gigs & having a good old dance … or dancing at home can be just as much fun sometimes
  • Yoga: I’ve been hanging out with my dear friend Lori Curran – who’s a brilliant massage therapist & yoga teacher – she has been a great support while delving deep into my yin yoga practice this winter.  Yin yoga works with connective tissues & aims to increase the circulation in the joints and improve flexibility. It is a more meditative approach that cultivates awareness & inner silenceo
  • Joints, muscle & back balms: during my Winter Apothecary workshop back in May, I made a whole bunch of homemade remedies & ointments for joint & muscle aches as I have a tendency to feel the cold right in my bones during this season.  The ointments have relaxing & warming essential oils like lavender, cinnamon, rosemary & Chinese wintergreen.  If you have a tendency to developing ganglion cysts or have arthritis, keeping warm with ointments like these can really make a difference if you feel more pain during the colder months
  • Saunas, spas & hot baths: there is nothing better than the heat gained from having a full body treatment like this.  I make sure going to the Japanese Bathhouse in Collingwood is a frequent ritual to get me through the season
  • Eat & drink warm things in cold weather:  It sounds intuitive, but Im often surprised how many people complain how cold they are as they’re having a (very healthy) but very cold salad for lunch… if you’re already cold in your body & you’re eating cold food, chances are you will keep feeling pretty cold.  So instead enjoy hot soups, steam your veggies, drink warm water and have cups of tea to balance your temperature
  • Speaking of tea, here’s a favourite winter warmer my mum taught me how to make, we call it Aynar in Arabic – it’s one of those things that truly keep me warm for hours…

rasha-photos-94

Aynar Tea recipe

4 large slices of ginger

2 cinnamon sticks

1 tsp. aniseed

1 tsp. crushed walnut (to serve, optional)

Pour 3 cups of water into a pot, then add the ginger, cinnamon & aniseed.  Bring to a boil, then simmer on low heat (with the lid slightly open from one side).  Simmer until the water is reduced down to half of the initial amount, about 1 & 1/2 cups.  This could take up to 30-40 minutes.

Strain contents & pour tea into your favourite teacup & serve warm with crushed walnuts … or not, I actually don’t like the walnuts in there, sorry mama!

I usually get 2-3 more brews from these ingredients especially if I’m making it during the day.  For the repeat brews, instead of adding 3 cps of water to bring to a boil, I add 2 cups of water and reduce the content to 1 cup.  When working with different parts of the plant, such as roots and barks, its important to know that they can take on heat (more so than leaves & flowers for example) so you can certainly brew them more than once to get most of their benefits & not waste any goodness .  I always leave ingredients in a bit of water & cover the pot in between my brews.

I absolutely love the smell of my house as it fills with spicy ginger and sweet cinnamon notes when I make this.  The whole house feels warm.

Hang in there, spring will be on its way soon.

t

Winter Apothecary & Open Studio

~ rashatayeh ~ 1 Comment

Winter is time to reflect, conserve energy and go deeply inwards.
I will be using this time to catch up on research, writing and medicine making.

Before I take a break from hosting workshops during the colder months, I would like to invite you to a Winter Apothecary workshop of medicine making at my studio.

During the workshop we will make an ointment, syrup and herbal infusion – using simple & safe homemade recipes that help support us during winter, strengthen our immunity & protect us from general ailments.

You will also have an opportunity at the end of the workshop to view/experience selected works from my previous art exhibitions, including audio portraits from “On Food & Memory” and short film screening “Growing Food Project” – with an opportunity to ask questions about my creative practice & the research behind “Spice Trails & Trade Routes”.

Cost: $35 per person
When: 2:30pm – 4:30pm, Saturday 13th May 2017
Where: MESMA Studio, Level 1, 6 Nicholson St Coburg

For bookings visit: https://www.trybooking.com/PNGK
Spaces limited to 20 guests

Since its Mother’s Day the following day, if you book 2 tickets & bring your mama along, you can purchase 2 tickets for $60.

For your Mother’s day discount, enter this promotional discount code: mama-love
(this only applies when purchasing two tickets).

If you have any allergies please be sure to let me know via email, when you book. The ingredients used may contain honey, beeswax, nut & seed based oils.

If you have any questions, please contact me on rasha.tayeh@gmail.com

Palestinian Cooking Workshop: Autumn Equinox

~ rashatayeh

This installment of my Palestinian Cooking Workshop series is inspired by the Autumnal Equinox* and this lovely time of year when leaves change colour, days start get slightly shorter and a bit cooler. As usual I will draw inspiration from mama & teita (my mother & grandmother), who taught me everything I know about cooking, and passed down a wealth of nurturing recipes!

This two-hour workshop will take you on a sensory journey into Palestinian cuisine and look specifically at foods and herbs that support us during the transitions of autumn, as we move away from the warmer months of summer into the cooler months of winter.

During the workshop we will focus on:

– Traditional herbal infusions & remedies, from selected herbs and spices used in Palestine and the Levant

– Cook a delicious vegan meal & discuss nutritional benefits of seasonal produce**

Participants will go home with:

  • Recipes of the meal shared on the day
  • A deeper understanding & curiosity for delicious foods from Palestine & traditional herbal medicine
  • A jar of their personally crafted herbal infusion (optional for $8 each during the workshop, cash only)

This workshop is limited to 12 spaces. So, book early.

Cost: $65, to book click here. 

When: 2:30pm – 4:30pm, Sunday 26th March 2017

Where: CERES Community Kitchen, cnr Roberts & Stewart St Brunswick East VIC 3057

If you have any questions, please contact me on rasha.tayeh@gmail.com

—

*An Equinox is an astronomical event that happens twice a year, once in spring and once in autumn. It’s when the tilt of the Earth’s axis is inclined neither away from nor towards the Sun. During Equinoxes the tilt of the Earth (with respect to the Sun) is 0° and because of it, the duration of the day and the night are almost equal on Equinox day i.e. 12 hours.

Equinoxes occur on 20th or 21st March and 22nd or 23rd September each year and both days have equal length of day and night. While it is autumn time in the Southern hemisphere, March Equinox is called Autumnal Equinox, and in Melbourne this year, it falls on the 20th March. So to celebrate this time of year and connect with the natural cycles, this workshop’s content will reference the Equinox, its energy, transitions and the seasonal foods & medicinal herbs we can use to best support our bodies, minds and spirits.

**Vegan light snack/tasting included – please contact me when you book if you have any allergies.

Palestinian Cooking Workshop 2

~ rashatayeh

In this two-hour Palestinian Cooking Workshop we will explore wild herbs, the liver & digestive health.

During the workshop we will:
– Cook a delicious vegan dish* & discuss nutritional benefits of selected wild herbs, or “edible weeds”
– Learn about traditional herbal infusions for detoxification, cleansing & good digestion

Participants will go home with:
– Recipes of the meal shared on the day & notes on how to look after the liver & digestive system
– A deeper understanding & curiosity for delicious foods from Palestine & the use of wild edible herbs

Workshop limited to 12 spaces. So, book early to avoid disappointment!

*Tasting/light snack included – please contact me asap if you have any allergies.

Cost: $65
When: 2:30pm – 4:30pm, Saturday 4th February 2017
Where: CERES Community Kitchen, cnr Roberts & Stewart St Brunswick East VIC 3057

For tickets visit this link.

If you have any questions, please contact me on rasha.tayeh@gmail.com

Spring Rhythm at the Flower & Garden Market

~ rashatayeh

I’ll be hosting another delicious workshop at the Flower & Garden Market on Sunday 9 October at Barkly Square in Brunswick.  You’re invited to balance and renew your energy with medicinal herbs from your home garden or pantry, and learn about the benefits of seasonal produce.

rasha-photos-6

As we enter the warmer months, support your body & mind into healthier rhythm and vitality, away from the sluggishness of winter.  The Spring Rhythm workshop will include an introduction to selected medicinal herbs commonly found in a home garden & pantry, along with a herbal infusion tasting.  And we will discuss some benefits of selected seasonal produce & have a tasting of a yummy Spring Cleansing juice.

This 45-minute workshop will run twice during the day, at 11am & 12.30pm.  Spaces are limited, so arrive early to book your spot in advance.

For more information visit Barkly Square’s website at this link.rasha-photos-10Also at the market, Ben Taylor CERES horticulturalist will be hosting gardening workshops & the Glasshaus’ pop-up nursery will be open.  There will be opportunities to learn about potting and caring for plants with propagation masterclasses, kids gardening, pot painting and terrarium workshops from the colourful creative team at Home-Work.  You’re also encouraged to bring your heirloom seeds & seedlings to swap with your neighbours.

Sounds like a pretty great day to me!  See you at Barkly Square on Sunday 9th October (located at 90 – 106 Sydney Rd, Brunswick).