Drinking herbal tea is a timeless ritual that can help us to slow down, relax and be more present in that precious moment. Herbal teas (or tisanes) are also medicines that have been used traditionally by peoples of many cultures for thousands of years. Modern science is helping to unpack the benefits of tea, and we are discovering how the essential nutrients in plants can boost our physical and mental health. Whether we are sipping a cup of chamomile or cacao to help us wind down after a long day, enjoying an infusion of lemon and ginger to help us feel energised, or taking time to chat with loved ones over a cuppa - drinking herbal tea is an age-old, universal and powerful way to reconnect with what’s important, plus care for our body, mind and soul.
Australian native teas
Aside from being nutrient powerhouses, many Australian native bushfoods are truly unique and they offer a plethora of exciting new flavours and rich aromas. The native tea drinking experience is immersive and delightful for the senses – and definitely worth exploring!
We are familiar with eating our favourite international cuisines, or drinking delicious herbal teas from non-Australian plant species such as yerba, rooibos, mint, licorice, echinacea, ginger or chamomile. But we might not have considered that nature provides us with a beautiful native garden right here in Australia. For generations, Indigenous Australians have been lovingly tending, harvesting, preparing and enjoying local native bushfoods, both for their spiritual connection and cultural importance as well as their incredibly nutritious qualities. It's wonderful to see these traditional foods finally becoming more widely appreciated in the wider community.
Within a Western science framework, we are only just discovering the special properties of our local plants. Studies are showing that Australian native superfoods – such as Kakadu plum, quandong, fingerlime, bush tomato and lemon myrtle – contain an impressive range of plant nutrients. These include powerful antioxidants, water and lipid-soluble vitamins such as vitamins C and E, essential minerals like zinc, iron, magnesium and calcium, anti-inflammatory omega 3 oils, fibre and protein. Kakadu plum and quandong, for example, are exceptionally rich sources of phenolic antioxidant compounds that far exceed those found in blueberries.
Aside from being nutrient powerhouses, many Australian native bushfoods are truly unique and offer a plethora of exciting new flavours and rich aromas. The native tea drinking experience is immersive and delightful for the senses – and definitely worth exploring!
Our curated Australian ingredients
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Ilan Gratitude – Tropical Breakfast
Rather than starting the day with a stressful mind and running on adrenaline, we prefer the idea of kicking off with a gentle smile, knowing we have infused our bodies with superfood nutrition and our soul with positive intention.
Read more about Ilan Gratitude here: -
Ilan Purpose – Moringa Lemon
We reimagined what a lemon-ginger brew might look like for Ilan Style and came up with a zesty and earthy concoction. Then we added extra ingredients to support immune health and wellbeing, so you can confidently and purposefully approach each day.
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Ilan Kindness – Rosella Berry
Everyone needs kind friends, and the same is true for antioxidants – they work well together and can help to rejuvenate each other. It is especially useful to include both water-loving and lipid-loving antioxidants in our diet to protect our body cells and their cell membranes from free-radical damage.
Read more about Ilan Kindness here: -
Ilan Presence – Native Mint
What kind of tea would remind us of serene tropical ocean breezes, relaxing on a hammock under trees by the azure-coloured water, or lazing around contentedly with a full belly after a delicious tropical meal with friends? Ahhh. Island Presence will transport you to Mer Island paradise, where the sound of the Great Barrier Reef will soothe your soul.
Read more about Ilan Presence here: -
Ilan Wonder – Cacoa Licorice
Ever looked up at the night sky on a clear night and felt a sense of humility and wonder? Or listened to the sounds of nature on a still night and felt connected to earth's story? We think this magical experience is complemented beautifully with a steaming cup of herbal tea to help you reconnect and sleep soundly.
Read more about Ilan Wonder here
