May 03, 2024
Unlock Your Inner Samurai This Spring
We can all draw lessons from ancient Japan in order to overcome fatigue, ill health and the stress of modern life.
It is currently the spring harvest in Japan, a time when the very best matcha tea leaves are picked and turned into Matcha powder.
With National Matcha Day UK taking place on Sunday (May 5th), Katherine Swift, founder of OMG Tea and a matcha tea expert, is encouraging those in the West to embrace this tradition.
“This is the season in Japan, known as ‘Ichibancha’, when the very best Japanese green tea is harvested.
“But many people in the UK don’t yet realise just how special these precious, top quality tea leaves can be.
“For example, Matcha green tea has been drunk by Buddhist monks for centuries and is known to help to still and focus the mind - it is regarded as a drink of meditation.
“This practice is now widespread in Japan which is one of the healthiest countries in the world and is renowned for its longevity.
“Samurai traditionally consumed Matcha before battle, whereas Buddhist monks drank it for relaxation and to achieve a sense of Zen.
“In today's fast-paced world, many individuals facing challenges at work and home could benefit from tapping into their inner samurai or Zen. A good cup of matcha is a great way to start.”
Swift says matcha tea has contributed to her success in business and says it makes her more resilient.
“I’ve been running a business for ten years while raising a family. It has been tough but one thing I’ve learned is how important it is to take some time for myself. I’ve learned to relax, focus and try not to get dragged down by life’s challenges.”
Studies show that drinking matcha can increase brain functions such as focus and concentration.
“Matcha tea contains L-theanine and caffeine,” Swift explains. “L-theanine stills and focuses the mind encouraging the generation of alpha brain waves that support relaxation.
“If everyone drank a cup of matcha a day, I genuinely believe the world would be a better place.”
It is currently the spring harvest in Japan, a time when the very best matcha tea leaves are picked and turned into Matcha powder.
With National Matcha Day UK taking place on Sunday (May 5th), Katherine Swift, founder of OMG Tea and a matcha tea expert, is encouraging those in the West to embrace this tradition.
“This is the season in Japan, known as ‘Ichibancha’, when the very best Japanese green tea is harvested.
“But many people in the UK don’t yet realise just how special these precious, top quality tea leaves can be.
“For example, Matcha green tea has been drunk by Buddhist monks for centuries and is known to help to still and focus the mind - it is regarded as a drink of meditation.
“This practice is now widespread in Japan which is one of the healthiest countries in the world and is renowned for its longevity.
“Samurai traditionally consumed Matcha before battle, whereas Buddhist monks drank it for relaxation and to achieve a sense of Zen.
“In today's fast-paced world, many individuals facing challenges at work and home could benefit from tapping into their inner samurai or Zen. A good cup of matcha is a great way to start.”
Swift says matcha tea has contributed to her success in business and says it makes her more resilient.
“I’ve been running a business for ten years while raising a family. It has been tough but one thing I’ve learned is how important it is to take some time for myself. I’ve learned to relax, focus and try not to get dragged down by life’s challenges.”
Studies show that drinking matcha can increase brain functions such as focus and concentration.
“Matcha tea contains L-theanine and caffeine,” Swift explains. “L-theanine stills and focuses the mind encouraging the generation of alpha brain waves that support relaxation.
“If everyone drank a cup of matcha a day, I genuinely believe the world would be a better place.”