OM TEA

Health benefits of green tea.

Green tea is made from unoxidised leaves and is one of the least processed types of tea. This classic tea has traditional benefits and plant compounds that are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-ageing and cardio protective which may naturally reduce oxidation, support heart health, aid digestion, boost metabolism, enhance cognition, defend against chronic disease and signs of ageing.

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Tea cup holding organic peppermint tea by Organic Merchant next to peppermint leaves
plate of loose tea leaves

OM TEA

Naturopathic blends

I started Organic Merchant because of my passion and experience working as a Naturopath. I truly believe in the power of integrating ancient modalities and taking the best of western medicine and combining it with the understanding of nature, energy, movement and spiritual connection.

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Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve tried to include some of the most asked questions we receive about our certified organic teas. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Tea Types

What types of tea are there?

There are actually 5 varieties of true teas and they all come from the same plant – camellia sinensis. These include Black, White, Green, Oolong and Pu-erh.

As they are all derived from the same plant, the differences between these true teas come from how they are processed. Different levels of oxidisation they are exposed to during processing affects the colour and taste of the tea.

Herbal teas or Tisanes are infusions of herbs, spices, fruits, or other plants. They are not considered true teas but nonetheless have an array of health benefits and delicious varying tastes.

What makes tea organic?

Organic tea fields do not use chemicals, fertilizer, pesticides, fungicides, or herbicides. Organic tea farms are reliant on the natural breakdown of organic matter, using techniques such as composting which replaces nutrients taken from the soil by previous tea crops.

Which tea contains caffeine?

Black tea and green tea contain caffeine.

How is tea decaffeinated?

Caffeine occurs naturally in the tea plant, Camellia sinensis.

Can tea go off?

If tea has been stored correctly away from light and moisture then it will be ok to consume for quite some time. Tea past its due date may be a little stale with little therapeutic benefit left. If there is any doubt and mould is suspected please discard immediately.

How is tea made?

This depends on the type of tea. Black tea leaves go through a withering process, which means they are spread out to dry, reducing the water content. The tea leaves are then shredded and fed through a machine to release the juices that contain the tea flavour. The broken leaves then go through oxidisation, then the drying process where all the moisture is evaporated and the leaf turns a dark brown or black and production is complete.

Green tea leaves are steamed in a process that halts oxidisation so the leaves retain their green colour and fresh, delicate flavour.

Where does tea grow?

The four biggest tea-producing countries today are China, India, Sri Lanka and Kenya. Vietnam and Iran also grow and harvest a lot of the world’s tea. There are some Australian tea producers mainly in Far North Queensland where the conditions are more suitable for growth.

Health Benefits

Is organic tea good for you?

Our tea blends are formulated using certified organic or wildcrafted ingredients ensuring freshness and purity. Organic crop cultivation focuses on the use of natural nutrients and minerals to foster and promote the growth of plant material and the use of naturally sourced extractions and methods to deal with invasive insect pests and weeds.

Can I drink organic tea when pregnant?

The majority of our organic herbal teas are safe to consume during pregnancy. It is important to note however that even though herbal teas contain natural ingredients, that doesn’t mean they are all necessarily safe. Take a look at our pregnancy teas here.

What tea is good for weightloss?

There is substantial evidence linking green tea to decreases in both weight and body fat. This may be because green tea extract is especially high in catechins, naturally occurring antioxidants that may boost your metabolism and increase fat burning. Check out our green range.

What tea is good for digestion?

Our Digestive tea has traditional benefits and plant compounds that are adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cramping and calmative which may naturally soothe indigestion, reflux, bloating, cramping, colic, and wind.

What tea has the least caffeine?

Herbal teas do not contain caffeine as they are made from herbs and plant matter rather than the Camellia sinensis plant.

Will tea dehydrate me?

Despite popular opinion tea does not dehydrate you, in fact it can be very hydrating. If you are consuming large amounts of caffeinated blends it may affect your hydration levels and tea is considered a diuretic which can cause you to urinate more frequently. Herbal teas are unlikely to have any dehydrating effects on your body.

Tea & Sustainability

Are tea leaves good for the garden?

Tea leaves are great for your garden as they are organic matter and can improve the structure of the soil. Please feel free to put your steeped tea and herbs into your compost after brewing.

Are tea leaves compostable?

Composting your tea leaves is a must. They are terrific for the health of all your plants, providing organic matter to increase drainage while maintaining moisture, promoting earthworms, increasing oxygen levels, and maintaining soil structure for a more beautiful garden.

Are tea bags compostable?

This really depends on the brand. We produce biodegradable tea bags for our private label clients however we do not have them as part of our core range. Most tea bags these days are eco-friendly buy you need to look out for those that still contain heat resistant polypropylene.

Are tea trees native to Australia

The tea plant is not native to Australia but is grown here commercially. Most tea production has been in humid areas with rich, acid soil and high rainfall. It grows well in tropical and sub-tropical climates with partial shade, but in other areas it needs full sun as long as it receive sufficient water.

Why buy organic tea?

The principles of organic agriculture say that organic production must sustain and enhance the healthy soil, animals, plants and people, should be based on fair living ecological systems and should protect the health and well-being of current and future generations and environment. When you are buying organic, you are not only supporting organic farmers but you are investing in the environment and receiving chemical free produce.

Why is organic tea more expensive?

Organic food is often more expensive than conventionally produced food. This is because organic farming generally operates on a smaller scale, production is more labour intensive. Also, without herbicides, pesticides and other chemicals, yields are generally smaller.