Tea Traditions
Tea is more than just a drink, it’s a ritual, a moment of connection, and a link to generations of tradition. Across cultures, tea has been used for healing, ceremony, and daily nourishment. At Tī Ani, we honour these traditions, blending the wisdom of Rongoā Māori with the time-honoured tea cultures of the world.
Rongoā Māori, a Healing Tradition
In te ao Māori (the Māori worldview), plants are more than ingredients, they are medicine, connection, and a gift from the land. Rongoā Māori (traditional Māori healing) recognises the power of native plants like Kawakawa, Mānuka, Horopito, and Karamū, which have long been used for wellness, digestion, and energy.
We embrace this holistic approach by carefully blending Rongoā Māori plants in a way that respects their traditional uses while creating a tea experience that is both nourishing and enjoyable.
Herbal Teas
From Ancient Medicine to Modern Wellness
Long before tea became a daily ritual, it was a form of medicine. Across ancient civilizations, herbal infusions were carefully crafted by healers, shamans, and herbalists to support health, energy, and balance.
- In Ancient Egypt, herbal teas were considered sacred, used in rituals and remedies to promote healing and vitality.
- In Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbal infusions were carefully balanced to harmonise the body’s energy (Qi) and treat ailments.
- In Ayurvedic traditions from India, herbal blends were prescribed based on an individual’s dosha (body type) to restore balance and well-being.
- Throughout Indigenous cultures worldwide, including Māori, herbal teas were used for their natural healing properties, supporting digestion, immunity, and emotional well-being.
These ancient herbal traditions laid the foundation for modern wellness teas. While today we enjoy them for their flavors and calming effects, their origins remain deeply tied to the idea that nature provides everything we need to nourish the body and mind.
Tea Traditions Around the World
Tea is woven into cultures across the globe, from mindful rituals to social gatherings. These traditions have shaped the way we enjoy tea today:
China, The Birthplace of Tea
China has been cultivating and drinking tea for over 5,000 years. Whether it’s the delicate notes of white tea, the earthy depth of Pu-erh, or the floral balance of Oolong, Chinese tea traditions focus on harmony and mindfulness.
Japan, The Art of Tea Ceremony
In Japan, tea is more than a beverage, it’s a spiritual experience. The Japanese Tea Ceremony (Chanoyu) is a carefully choreographed practice that celebrates harmony, respect, and simplicity, often featuring Matcha a finely ground green tea known for its rich, umami flavor and energising properties.
South America, The Social Ritual of Yerba Mate
Yerba Mate is at the heart of South American tea culture, shared in a hollowed-out gourd with a metal straw (bombilla). It’s a social ritual, passed between friends in a circle, symbolising connection and hospitality.
India, The Bold & Spiced Tradition of Chai
Chai isn’t just a drink in India, it’s a way of life. A warming blend of black tea, spices, and milk, Masala Chai is brewed on street corners, in homes, and at railway stations, bringing comfort and energy to millions.
England, The Classic Afternoon Tea
From Earl Grey to English Breakfast, tea is deeply ingrained in British culture. Afternoon tea is a social and elegant ritual, often paired with scones, sandwiches, and sweets.
A World of Flavours in Every Cup
We bring these global traditions together, from Rongoā Māori healing plants to the bold and bright flavours of international teas and herbal remedies. Whether seeking calm, connection, or a moment of indulgence, we believe there’s a tea tradition for everyone.
What’s Your Tea Ritual?
Tea is about more than just drinking, it’s about experience. Whether it’s a quiet moment with Kawakawa, a bold sip of Matcha, or a comforting herbal infusion passed down through generations, we invite you to create your own tea ritual, one that nourishes both body and soul.