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WellnessFood

Better Than Traditional Medicinals: 7 Small-Batch Tea Makers Redefining Herbal Wellness

Steve McClain

Steve McClain

Co-Founder @ Marmalade

Published on: November 2, 2024
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Traditional Medicinals democratized herbal tea, bringing medicinal blends to grocery store shelves everywhere. But a new generation of tea artisans is quietly crafting alternatives that go beyond the basics. These independent makers combine ancient herbal wisdom with modern sensibilities, often working directly with farmers and foraging sustainably. We've discovered seven brands that are revolutionizing how therapeutic teas are sourced, blended, and enjoyed.

True Tea
Matcha Set: Where Farm-Direct Sourcing Meets Ritual

Katherine Harris knows her farmers by name. The founder of True Tea (and Portland coffee maven behind Upper Left Roasters) has built a tea company where transparency isn't just marketing speak – it's fundamental to their operation. While other companies tout "direct trade," True Tea embeds it in every aspect of their business, from visiting farms personally to documenting harvest practices.
Their sourcing network spans continents, connecting with growers in India, Japan, Malawi, Taiwan, and even Oregon. We're particularly intrigued by their commitment to chemical-free cultivation and their preservation of traditional processing methods. Each farmer in their network must demonstrate both technical expertise and environmental stewardship before joining their supply chain.

Why we like True Tea

  • 1

    Direct Farm Relationships

    Personal connections with farmers ensure quality and transparency

  • 2

    Global Sourcing Network

    Carefully selected growers across multiple continents

  • 3

    Chemical-Free Standards

    Strict cultivation requirements for all partner farms

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Anima Mundi
Allergy Relief Bundle: Rainforest Medicine Goes Modern

In Brooklyn, herbalist Adriana Ayales is bridging worlds. Her company, Anima Mundi, translates indigenous Central and South American plant wisdom into contemporary wellness formulations. Their production facility might be in New York, but their soul remains rooted in ancient rainforest traditions.
The company maintains relationships with over 200 different herbs globally, creating small-batch blends that honor traditional uses while meeting modern needs. Their hands-on approach extends from ingredient selection to final packaging, with every step designed to preserve the plants' therapeutic properties. We're fascinated by how they've managed to scale traditional herbalism without compromising its integrity.

Why we like Anima Mundi

  • 1

    Indigenous Wisdom

    Incorporates traditional Central and South American herbalism

  • 2

    Extensive Herb Network

    Access to over 200 globally sourced herbs

  • 3

    Preservation Focus

    Careful processing maintains therapeutic properties

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Smith Teamaker
FORLIFE Flask: Engineering the Perfect Cold Brew

In Portland, Smith Teamaker approaches tea-making like scientists in a flavor laboratory. Their in-house blending and packaging facility isn't just about production – it's where they experiment with new combinations and techniques, testing countless variations before finalizing a blend.
Their attention to detail manifests in unexpected ways. The team regularly cups ingredients to account for seasonal variations in taste profiles. Even their tea sachets reflect this precision, using biodegradable cornstarch materials that won't interfere with flavor development. We're impressed by how they balance artisanal methods with scientific rigor.

Why we like Smith Teamaker

  • 1

    Scientific Approach

    Laboratory-style testing and experimentation

  • 2

    Seasonal Adaptation

    Regular cupping to account for flavor variations

  • 3

    Eco-Conscious Design

    Biodegradable sachets that preserve taste

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Dona
Masala Chai Concentrate: Brooklyn's Small-Batch Spice Alchemists

From a Bushwick industrial kitchen, Dona has grown into something remarkable. What began as Amy Rothstein's experimental chai project now employs over 20 people, producing 30 different products. But they've maintained their artisanal approach, slow-brewing each batch to extract maximum flavor.
Their commitment to sustainability is equally impressive. The facility transforms over 40,000 gallons of food waste annually into compost, proving that growth doesn't require compromising values. We appreciate how they've scaled up while maintaining the careful attention to detail that made their original recipes special.

Why we like Dona

  • 1

    Artisanal Scale-Up

    Maintained small-batch quality while growing

  • 2

    Sustainable Production

    Converts 40,000 gallons of waste into compost

  • 3

    Slow-Brewing Process

    Maximizes flavor extraction through patience

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Flowerhead Tea
Originals Bundle: Where Aesthetics Meet Herbalism

Oakland-born Flowerhead Tea proves that therapeutic teas can be visually striking without sacrificing efficacy. Founders Karina and Kendall merge traditional herbalism with modern design sensibility, creating blends that engage all senses.
Their expansion to Los Angeles hasn't diluted their commitment to quality. By maintaining small-batch production while leveraging technology for distribution, they've found a sweet spot between artisanal craft and accessibility. We're drawn to how they've made therapeutic tea visually appealing without resorting to artificial additives.

Why we like Flowerhead Tea

  • 1

    Visual Innovation

    Beautiful blends without artificial additives

  • 2

    Sensory Experience

    Engages multiple senses in tea drinking

  • 3

    Tech-Enabled Distribution

    Maintains quality while improving accessibility

Shannon Ross

Shannon Ross

02/02/24

i love the two women behind this brand- and the tea is amazing!

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Masha Tea
Matcha Whisk: Where Clinical Expertise Meets Ceremony

Board-certified naturopathic doctor Maria Geyman brings scientific rigor to traditional tea practices. Masha Tea represents an intersection of clinical knowledge and cultural respect, understanding that proper preparation is as crucial as ingredient quality.
Rather than creating purely medicinal formulations, Geyman focuses on blends that support wellness while delivering genuine pleasure. The brand emphasizes the mindful aspects of tea preparation, recognizing that the ritual itself carries therapeutic value. We're intrigued by how they balance evidence-based formulation with traditional preparation methods.

Why we like Masha Tea

  • 1

    Clinical Expertise

    Founded by a naturopathic doctor

  • 2

    Ritual Focus

    Emphasizes therapeutic value of preparation

  • 3

    Balanced Approach

    Combines wellness benefits with pleasure

Connie L.

Connie L.

02/09/24

Just a necessity for anyone who loves matcha!

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The Qi
Floral Collection: Whole Flower Innovation

The Qi didn't just enter the tea market – they created an entirely new category. Founder Lisa Li discovered whole flower teas in China's Yunnan province and brought this centuries-old tradition to contemporary tea drinkers, creating an experience that's both visual and therapeutic.
Working with small family farms, The Qi harvests each flower at peak bloom, typically within a few hours of opening. Their preservation process maintains both nutrients and aesthetic appeal, resulting in teas that transform as they steep. We're fascinated by how they've turned tea drinking into a multi-sensory ritual.

Why we like The Qi

  • 1

    Category Innovation

    Created new whole flower tea category

  • 2

    Peak Harvesting

    Flowers collected within hours of blooming

  • 3

    Multi-Sensory Experience

    Teas that transform while steeping

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The Next Chapter in Tea

These seven brands represent a new movement in therapeutic tea, one that prioritizes quality, sustainability, and tradition while embracing innovation. They're proving that it's possible to create exceptional teas while maintaining ethical sourcing practices and environmental responsibility. Whether you're drawn to the science of extraction, the art of blending, or the ritual of preparation, these makers offer compelling alternatives to mass-market medicinal teas.