Moonflower Co-op is proud to offer a large, diverse bulk herb and tea selection. We consider input from our community members and source from sustainable, local, and regional companies. This month, we’re introducing two new bulk products to our shelves: eyebright powder and Jade Mist Super Sencha!

We’ve decided to replace cornsilk with eyebright, an herb requested by several co-op shoppers and members. Originally native to Great Britan, Euphrasia officinalis, commonly known as eyebright, has been utilized for centuries as an herb to treat conditions affecting the eye, including conjunctivitis (pink eye). Eyebright grows in grassy meadows as a small, annual herb with white, purple and yellow flowers. Eyebright is semi-parasitic and is therefore often wildcrafted due to the difficulty of cultivation. The use of eyebright dates back centuries, as authors from the 14th century and onward refer to its use to benefit the eyes and sinuses.

Eyebright can also provide relief from colds and allergies due to its anti-inflammatory and drying properties. Tannins present in eyebright may offer relief from mucus discharge during infections and allergic reactions. The hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) and anti-inflammatory properties of eyebright stem from the presence of an iridoid glycoside (a type of chemical compound mostly found in plants) known as aucubin. Eyebright also contains flavonoids and beta-carotene, which may help strengthen memory.

Our bulk tea selection has also slightly changed, as we’ve removed our Wild Osmanthus tea and replaced it with the organic Jade Mist Super Sencha from Two Hills Tea. Sencha is a type of Japanese green tea prepared by infusing the whole tea leaves in hot water after a brief steaming process to prevent oxidation of the leaves. This steaming process differentiates Japanese green teas from Chinese green teas, which entail an initial pan-firing of the tea leaves. This particular variety of sencha has high chlorophyll content with “umami overtones and sweetness.” Sencha can be compared to matcha, another type of Japanese green tea, which is prepared by mixing ground green tea leaves into the hot water, so the leaves themselves are a component of the tea.

Further Reading