QI Herbal Health Limited the specialist in Green and White Tea

QI Herbal Health

Herbal Health was established in 1997 by owner Joe d’Armenia

The company is a small family owned business specialising in China green & white teas. The head office is in the UK, based in Sissinghurst, in the Kent countryside. The company employs 9 people in the UK & Europe & 40 in China and 2006 saw the successful opening of it’s new manufacturing operation in the south east of China.

The brand name Qi (pronounced chee) is inspired by the ancient Chinese teachings for healthy living meaning the Natural Energy of Life. Qi teas are sold world-wide from Russia to Australia.

Company Information and background

"All our teas are sourced from our partner tea gardens in China. Herbal Health has always focused exclusively on teas from the Wu Yuan region in order to guarantee product quality and trace ability."

Wu Yuan is on the northeast border of Jiangxi Province, an area which has been famous in Chinese history for the quality of the teas produced and is also an area of outstanding beauty. It was one of the first areas in China to convert to organic agriculture.

The factory takes care of all production from picking to packing, ensuring the highest quality standards.

In 2006 the company opened its own blending and packing facility in the area of the tea gardens in Wu Yuan county, China.

"By doing everything ourselves, we now have the ability to directly control the whole process on site, from the tea harvest, right through to the final product."

Herbal health in China – latest developments

The Qi range of green & white teas are single estate sourced direct from the Xitou Organic Farmers Association in China. Qi teas are high mountain teas, the most sought after teas come from tea gardens located at between 600 & 900 meters above sea level. All 10 villages are within these altitudes.

"Most of our teas are spring harvest – these teas have more antioxidants,about 75% of the total tonnage is spring harvest. A high proportion is smaller leaf – harvesting is precise, because the leaves are picked by hand. We ensure rapid processing of the fresh leaf – tea is packed on site to preserve the nutritional value of the fresh leaves. Herbal Health produce teas which are rich in flavour with a pleasant refreshing mellow taste."

Characteristics of QI teas

Teabags use unbleached paper and no staples or glue
Paper envelopes are used to preserve the freshness and quality of the teas
100% natural ingredients
No artificial colours or preservatives
Real fruit & herbs
High levels of antioxidants and amino acids
Gluten free
GMO free

"We have taken fair trade to a higher level, involving ourselves directly with technical training, organic standards and the welfare of farmers, their families and community.
Fairtrade is an honest and fair reward for quality and high organic standards. Our Fairtrade premiums are paid direct to the farmers in China who produce the tea, supporting their communities and involving them in democratic elections.
Organic fair trade does not need to cost the consumer any more than ordinary conventional teas. It also offers green and white tea consumers the chance to make a difference.
A new school in Xitou has been opened,a large part of the cost was paid for by the farmers, fairtrade association."

Pioneering Fairtrade in China

There are only three certified Fairtrade suppliers in China and two come from Wu Yuan county. The Association brings together 465 independent farmers located in 10 mountain villages located high in the beautiful Huang San mountains. All the independent farmers who belong to the association have long family histories and traditions steeped in the preparation of fine teas.

The Association is registered with the Chinese government as a welfare farmers organisation and the representatives of the Association are elected by the members. Herbal Health enjoys a privileged position with the farmers, based on the friendship and trust developed over the many years of association with Wu Yuan teas and the people involved with Xitou. The partnership with the tea garden is based on mutual understanding and mutual respect.
Training courses are run on organic farming and environmental protection.

Protection from cancer

The catechins found in green tea selectively inhibit specific enzyme activities that lead to cancer and heart disease

Protecting skin cells from accelerated aging

The sun’s ultra violet rays creates free radicals which lead to premature wrinkles, blotches and freckles

Strengthening the immume system

Green tea has strong antiviral properties and research from Japan indicates that green tea may even inhibit the onset of HIV.

Antibacterial properties

Helps protect gums from the effects of food residues in the mouth

Protection of joints

Green tea may contribute to protection from arthritis and cartilage breakdown

The most important difference is the taste

Qi white tea is a smoother, more refined taste without the tang which makes Qi green tea so refreshing. The secret of Qi high quality white tea is in the preparation. Fresh young spring leaves are carefully selected and sun dried under expert supervision. After a short time of sun drying the preparation continues as with Qi green tea, that is, to block any further fermentation. Getting this right is difficult and complicated and is supervised by our tea expert.In contrast, the preparation of Qi special high mountain green tea requires that fermentation be blocked as soon as possible to preserve all the natural properties of the fresh leaf.Both teas are rich in antioxidants. Qi white teabecause of the very young leaves which are used and Qi green teabecause of the absence of fermentation.

Rich in antioxidants with a mild and delicate flavour

Jasmine - a delicate fragrant tea, delightful aroma & light taste
Ginko Biloba - good for the memory –uplifting for body and mind
Ginseng - for vitality –invigorating energy booster
Ginger - good for the digestion –comforting & warming
Detox - for cleansing and purifying
Peppermint - calming, cooling & soothing
Lemon - refreshing & invigorating, a thirst quencher

QI Organic White Fairtrade Tea

White Tea – purifying –rare, sweet & delicate
White & Blackcurrant – authentic white tea and real blackcurrant
White & Fruity – authentic white tea with real forest fruits
White & Spicy – rare white tea blended with warming spices

QI Organic Green Fairtrade Tea

Green Tea Pure & Simple – light & refreshing
Jasmine Tea – sweet scented & delicate
Ginkgo Biloba - & panax Ginseng
Green Tea Plus – blueberry, pomegranate & red grape
Ginseng Vitality– authentic 80% ginseng herbal tea

QI Lifestyle Range

White Tea & Goji Berry – nutritionally rich goji berry with red grape, blueberry leaf and a touch of raspberry
White & Pomegranate – authentic white tea with pomegranate, hawthorn fruit and grape seed. Enriched with natural raspberry for a full fruity taste
White tea & Acai Berry – acai berry is reputed to be one of the richest sources of antioxidants. Enlivened with organic blackcurrant
Blueberry Twist – combining the antioxidants of Qi green tea with those of blueberry. The twist is in the taste of citrus.
Lemon & Ginger Green Tea – our own version of a classic. Warming ginger with refreshing lemongrass, lemon peel and lemon myrtle.