This 2” diam. stainless-steel mesh herb ball strainer comes with an attached chain with a hook on the end to secure to the rim of your cup or pot.

These tea balls wonderfully simplify the brewing of a cup of tea.

Fill half way with the loose botanical of choice. Gently clasp the sides together to close (and unclasp to open) place in pot or cup and pour boiling water over to cover.

Details

Want a quick and easy way to brew a cup of tea?

These infusers are perfect for brewing up your favorite cup of tea quickly and easily. When making an individual cup of tea, this is definitely my favorite choice. 

Easy to use

1. Just set infuser in your cup.
2. Put in your tea of choice in infuser.
3. Pour boiling water over tea.
4. Let tea steep for 5 minutes.
5. Pull out.

Laser Cut (Good size for both cup and teapot):

Measures: 7" x 4.25" x 2.25" / 18cm x 11cm x 5.5cm

Laser cut perforations are great for any type of tea but superior for small leaves and fine cut teas.

Wide rim rests on teapots and cups.

Stainless steel

Regular (Good size for cup):

Measures: 3.75" x 3.75" x 2" / 9.5cm x 9.5cm x 5cm

This decorative tea infuser features sun, moon and star cut-outs along its rim.

The infuser is specially designed to use with teapot or cup.

Made of stainless steel.
  
Hand washing recommended.

TEA TREE (Melaleuca alternifolia)

THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES: antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, immune stimulant, antibiotic, antiparasitic, vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, decongestant, analgesic

AFFINITY FOR: tissue and skin, brow and sacral chakra, metal and fire elements

RESONANCE: physical, emotional

PLANT FAMILY: Myrtaceae

PART UTILIZED: leaves

EXTRACTION METHOD: steam distilled

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: Tea tree is a very strong and pungent oil. It is very effective in killing airborne bacteria.

APPLICATION: Tea tree should be diluted before applying to the skin except in the case of insect bites, where it is best applied undiluted.

EMOTIONAL / SPIRITUAL / MENTAL ASPECTS: The aroma of tea tree can help us replace a victim mentality with a desire to understand why events and circumstances happened as they did. Tea tree can be used to bring both tolerance and growth into our lives. Tea tree starts the process of spiritual and emotional cleansing. It can help us turn toward the positive and find refreshment for our spirit. The aroma of tea tree essential oil has the feel of a good friend who has come to help us "clean house". The cleaning up and throwing out will be good for us and will be far less painful than we have imagined it would be.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS: Tea tree essential oil is effective against some of the nastiest microbes on the planet. Tea tree can prevent sepsis in wounds and it (or something else effective) should be used to treat wounds, boils, sores, cuts, insect bites, and stings. The only way to kill a virus is to weaken or rupture its protective shell called a cyst. Tea tree oil has been shown effective in this capacity, which greatly shortens the duration of viral infections. Tea tree is also a mild tissue regenerator, making it a sensible choice for rashes, nail or skin fungal infections, wounds, cold sores, acne, athlete's foot, ringworm, head lice, vaginal thrush (dilute very well here), and candida.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Tea tree has been in use as an antiseptic for centuries. It was used by soldiers and sailors in World War II in the treatment of tropical infections.

THYME (Thymus zygis)

Thyme is revitalizing and nourishing to the nerves and emotions. It can help us overcome mental and emotional exhaustion, inability to concentrate, apathy, and uneasy feelings that have no cause. Thyme can aid us in finding a fresh view of a situation or a new way of doing something. It is specific for physical exhaustion, especially when there seems to be a lack of direction. General tonic for the stomach, thyme's carminative properties alleviate gas and bloating.

INGREDIENT IN:  LeBountiful, LeDelicate, LeDeliverance, LeEnergy, LeEternity, LeInsideOut, LeLifeForce, LeMariah, LeSimplicity, LeTendaCare

THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES: antibacterial, antiparasitic, antifungal, anti-infective, antiseptic, antiviral, antibiotic, pectoral, analgesic, expectorant, balsamic, stimulant, tonic, rubefacient, diuretic, emmenagogue, vermifuge, antivenomous, antiputrescent, immune stimulant

AFFINITY FOR: digestive system, immune system, lymphatic system, circulatory system, muscles, bones, base chakra, water element, metal element, heart meridian

RESONANCE: physical, emotional

PLANT FAMILY: Labiatae

PART UTILIZED: leaves, stems, flowers

EXTRACTION METHOD: steam distilled

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: Thyme should be diffused, either by itself, or as part of a synergistic blend, to purify the air of your home or office during the cold and flu season. (A blend would probably have a better aroma.)

APPLICATION: Dilute well to apply to the feet or body.

EMOTIONAL / SPIRITUAL / MENTAL ASPECTS: Thyme is revitalizing and nourishing to the nerves and emotions. It can help us overcome mental and emotional exhaustion, inability to concentrate, apathy, and uneasy feelings that have no cause. Thyme can aid us in finding a fresh view of a situation or a new way of doing something. It is specific for physical exhaustion, especially when there seems to be a lack of direction and motivation more than overwork. Thyme can give us strength, self-confidence, and will power. It can help us think positively, allowing us to give ourselves credit for every little bit of will power we possess, instead of berating ourselves when we display less of it than we think we should have.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS: As a general tonic for the stomach, thyme's carminative properties alleviate gas and bloating. Gas is an indication of poorly digested food. It can interfere with sleep, raise your blood pressure, become a threat to your cardiovascular system, cause severe stomach aches, cramps, and vomiting, as well as headaches and nausea. Thyme has a beneficial effect on heart valves. It relaxes the veins and arteries, reducing blood pressure, and as a result, reducing stress on the heart. It should be mentioned that, like nearly all natural remedies, thyme balances blood pressure, bringing it back to normal whether it is high or low.

The antiseptic and antiviral properties of thyme are strong enough to handle most situations. Thyme is even recommended, applied along the spine, for such ailments as spinal meningitis. Thyme, along with killing the invading microbes, aids lymphatic drainage and urine output, and strengthens the immune system. Thyme should be tried for lingering coughs.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Be sure to use Thymus zygis or Thymus vulgaris as they are milder; stronger types should never be used on children or those with high blood pressure. Red thyme is a Thymus zygis but the method of extraction creates concentrations of thymol that are excessive for frequent use or for use with children.

CAUTIONS: When not part of a blend, should be used with great caution or avoided altogether.

TURMERIC (Curcuma longa)

PART USED: Root

PROPERTIES: Hepatic (stimulates secretion of bile), Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Tonic (cardiovascular), Anti-inflammatory, Antilithic

SYSTEMS AFFECTED: Digestive (bile ducts and gastrointestinal), Cardiovascular

POSSIBLE USES: gallstones, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, liver disorders, inflammation

Turmeric, native to India and used there in both cooking and healing for all of recorded history, has experienced a tremendous surge of popularity in the United States in recent years—and it probably is as good an herb as its press makes it out to be. There have been thousands of studies conducted and articles published showing the benefits of Turmeric and its most renowned healing compound, curcumin.

I came across a reference to the University Medical Center so I went directly to their site to check it out. The rest of this section on Turmeric is taken directly from information on the University of Maryland site.

Turmeric has been used for 4,000 years to treat a variety of conditions. Studies show that Turmeric may help fight infections and some cancers, reduce inflammation, and treat digestive problems. Curcumin, the active ingredient in Turmeric, lowers the levels of two enzymes in the body that cause inflammation. It also stops platelets from clumping together to form blood clots.

Turmeric stimulates the gallbladder to produce bile. One double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that Turmeric reduced symptoms of bloating and gas in people suffering from indigestion. Turmeric may also help people with ulcerative colitis; in one study those who took curcumin had a significantly reduced rate of relapse than those who took the placebo. Stomach ulcers, osteoarthritis, and heart disease were also studied. (These studies were conducted using extracted curcumin. In my experience, the herb—before laboratories mess with it—is even more effective and has far fewer, if any, side effects.)

There is much more information on this site about studies and possible uses for Turmeric. The site is also quick to point out that most of these studies were conducted either in petri dishes or with animals. There is, however, ample anecdotal evidence from the last few years to establish Turmeric’s place in the herbal world as an amazing and effective healer.

The following paragraph is taken directly from the University of Maryland Medical Center website:

“There has been a great deal of research on Turmeric’s anti-cancer properties, but results are still very preliminary. Evidence from test tube and animal studies suggests that curcumin may help prevent or treat several types of cancers, including prostate, breast, skin, and colon cancer. . .”

In a separate article, the University of Maryland site lists Turmeric (along with Slippery Elm, Marshmallow, Cat’s Claw, and Boswellia) as possible herbal treatments for Crohn’s disease.

©Copyright Butterfly Expressions 2020, 2021

Measures: 2" x 1.25" x 2" / 5cm x 3cm x 5cm

Slow brewing turtle tea infuser offers up a perfect, relaxing cup of tea.

Little turtle charm hangs right along the rim of your cup.

Pull open stainless steel turtle shell and add your favorite loose leaf tea.

High heat resistant to 392°F / 200°C.

Fits any standard size cup.

VALERIAN (Valeriana officinalis)

PART USED: Root

PROPERTIES: Nervine, Sedative or Stimulant—for most people Valerian is relaxing but is highly stimulating (to the point of crazy) for some

SYSTEMS AFFECTED: Nervous, Brain, Cardiovascular, Muscular, Skeletal

POSSIBLE USES: managing stress, insomnia, calming erratic heart beat, headaches, anxiety, convulsions, colic, muscle cramps, improving circulation, shoulder, neck and muscle tension, menstrual pain and cramping

Valerian was known as “all-heal” in the Middle Ages and is still referred to by that name in older herbal texts.

Valerian’s main impact is on the nerves, brain, liver, and heart. Because it heals and rebuilds in these areas, people feel calmed, strengthened, and uplifted by this herb. This is one of the best herbs in the world for helping people sleep and helping them cope with high levels of stress. Valerian reduces mental over-activity and nervous excitability, and helps people who find it hard to stop the mental chatter and get to sleep. Valerian is beneficial for almost any stress-related condition and has a calming, rather than heavy sedative, effect on the mind and body.

Valerian contains large amounts of calcium and comes with its own supply of magnesium so the calcium is readily absorbed and made available to build bones, strengthen nerves, and relax the smooth muscles.

©Copyright Butterfly Expressions 2020, 2021

VETIVER (Vetivera zizanioides)

THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES: antiseptic, calming, immune stimulant, sedative, rubefacient

AFFINITY FOR: hormones, red blood cells, skin, joints, muscles, balances yin and yang energies—male and female hormones

RESONANCE: physical, emotional

PLANT FAMILY: Graminae

PART UTILIZED: roots

EXTRACTION METHOD: steam distilled

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: The aroma of Vetiver is reminiscent of Patchouli and Lemongrass, but is not a pleasant aroma by itself, in my opinion. Vetiver is physically, mentally, and psychologically grounding.

APPLICATION: Vetiver can be added to a bath. You can dilute Vetiver and apply to the body.

EMOTIONAL - SPIRITUAL - MENTAL ASPECTS: Vetiver is a useful oil for emotional and energy work. It helps us connect the past to the present, learning from the things we have experienced and using the present to heal the past. Vetiver builds bridges between our memories and experiences, our mental capacities, and our physical bodies. It transforms our memories and experiences into wisdom and maturity. Vetiver can be good for us when a “dose of reality” is needed in our lives.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS: Vetiver is an excellent oil for skin care. It speeds up the disappearance of scars from accidents or acne by promoting the growth of new cells patterned after the original blueprint of cellular structure rather than replicating the damaged pattern. The anti-inflammatory and sedative properties of Vetiver make it useful with arthritis, sprains, and muscle spasms. Vetiver is said to aid in the production of healthy red cells in the blood. Vetiver is considered a tonic oil. It is, to our bodies and minds, a bit like the complete overhaul and servicing that we routinely give our vehicles.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Vetiver is known in India as “the oil of tranquility.”

©Copyright Butterfly Expressions 2020, 2021

Virgin-Vitamin E Oil (Wheat Germ) - is a refined oil with a clear light yellow appearance and bland odor. The refining process reduces some nutrients from the oil but increases the shelf life.

LATIN NAME: Triticum vulgare

EXTRACTION METHOD: Solvent Extracted - Unrefined - Virgin

CONSISTENCY: Heavyweight

PART UTILIZED: Kernal

WHITE OAK (Quercus alba)

PART USED: Bark

PROPERTIES: Adaptogenic, Antilithic, Astringent, Anti-inflammatory, Emmenagogue, Antimicrobial, Hemostatic/Styptic, Diuretic

SYSTEMS AFFECTED: Structural, Endocrine/Glandular, Digestive, Mucous membranes, Integumentary

POSSIBLE USES: diarrhea, burns, cuts and wounds, dental/oral care

White Oak is one of the most valuable astringent herbs because it is useful for both external and internal bleeding and wound healing. White Oak heals damaged and inflamed tissues of the skin, mucous membranes, stomach, and intestines. A tea of the bark makes an excellent wash for gum infection, a gargle for sore throats, and a corrective for diarrhea. White Oak has proven to be an excellent remedy for gangrenous and other seriously infected flesh.

White Oak is one of the few herbs I have even seen listed (and had any success with) as an antidote for drug reactions and chemotherapy side effects.

©Copyright Butterfly Expressions 2020, 2021

WHITE PINE (Pinus strobus)

PART USED: Bark

PROPERTIES: Expectorant, Demulcent

SYSTEMS AFFECTED: Respiratory, Urinary, Skeletal

POSSIBLE USES: colds, bronchitis, croup, laryngitis, urinary tract infections, broken bones, bruises

White Pine was an essential part of Native American herbal lore. Its use was adopted by the Europeans when they arrived in America. They drank a tea made from the bark and the needles to ward off disease. This makes perfect sense since the brew would have been high in vitamin C.

White Pine is considered to be a remedy for coughs and congestion due to colds, bronchitis, flu, or laryngitis. The expectorant properties are nicely offset by the demulcent properties, helping the body to first expel phlegm and then heal the irritated tissues. As a poultice, White Pine speeds the healing of wounds and sores. The tea is excellent for kidney and lung ailments.

©Copyright Butterfly Expressions 2020, 2021

WINTERGREEN (Gaultheria procumbens)

THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, cholagogue, disinfectant, diuretic, warming

AFFINITY FOR: nerves, kidneys, bones, joints, muscles, respiratory system

RESONANCE: physical, emotional

PLANT FAMILY: Ericaceae

PART UTILIZED: leaves

EXTRACTION METHOD: steam distilled

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: Wintergreen has a wonderful aroma. It is stimulating, but deeper and more grounding than the essential oils of the mint family. Wintergreen is cleansing and opening to the physical senses.

APPLICATION: Wintergreen can be applied to any area of the body where it is needed. Be sure to dilute well. Wintergreen essential oil is very pleasant diffused.

EMOTIONAL - SPIRITUAL - MENTAL ASPECTS: Wintergreen essential oil is a very aggressive essence which stimulates very powerful responses in return. Wintergreen promotes change on a profound level as the mind/body complex responds. Wintergreen shakes up and wakes up the mind and every system of the body.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS: Wintergreen produces an analgesic, numbing effect on the nerves present in whatever tissue it is applied to. Wintergreen clears obstructions to the flow of blood in the tissues and in the veins and arteries. This increases circulation in general and brings warmth to the area. This warmth is as strong and as healing as anything you will experience with commercial athletic rub products. This warmth also relaxes the muscles in the area to which it was applied. As the circulatory system works more efficiently, many health problems are alleviated.

The stimulant properties of Wintergreen apply to all systems and organs of the body. Wintergreen increases the activity of the kidneys, preventing toxins, uric acid, fats, and liquids from building up in body tissues. Wintergreen essential oil aids digestion by stimulating proper secretion of gastric juices and bile. It stimulates the activity of the lungs, intestines, and other organs, preventing the accumulation of congestion and waste materials.

CAUTIONS: Wintergreen essential oil has a high methyl salicylate content. Nevertheless, it is safe to use. Please see page 111, (the last of the section on Birch) for safety information about this constituent. Birch and Wintergreen often receive very bad press because of misunderstandings about the effects of this “supposed” toxic ingredient. Wintergreen should be used cautiously if pregnant and always diluted well.

©Copyright Butterfly Expressions 2020, 2021

YARROW (blue) (Achillea millefolium)

THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES: anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, cholagogue, cicatrisant, diaphoretic, digestive, expectorant, hemostatic, hypotensive, stomachic, tonic

AFFINITY FOR: skin, tissue, and scalp, respiratory system, digestive system, bladder meridian, stomach meridian, wood element, metal element

RESONANCE: physical, emotionl, spiritual

PLANT FAMILY: Compositae

PART UTILIZED: flowering tops

EXTRACTION METHOD: steam distilled

APPLICATION: Yarrow essential oil is applied neat (without a carrier oil) to close a wound. It should be applied diluted for other applications and circumstances.

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: The aroma of Yarrow oil balances our highs and lows, externally and internally, physically and mentally.

EMOTIONAL - SPIRITUAL - MENTAL ASPECTS: In Chinese folklore, the aroma of Yarrow is said to bring about the meeting of Heaven and Earth in our lives. With our head in the clouds, we have far-reaching vision and inspiration to guide us, but we have the stability and common sense of having our feet firmly planted on the ground.

Just as Yarrow oil pulls together the edges of a deep wound, Yarrow pulls together and heals the damaged places in our energy and psyche. Yarrow, emotionally, is for those times when we feel that there are important parts of ourselves that have become lost or fragmented. We feel the pain of loss, like the pain of a wound. Yarrow pulls the emotional and energetic edges together and allows us to heal. Folklore of several countries states that Yarrow is associated with love and fidelity.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS: Yarrow is one of the truly great healing oils! Applied topically to a cut, even a very deep one, Yarrow will pull the edges together and help the cut to heal almost miraculously. Yarrow’s antiseptic properties are strong enough to prevent infection, no matter how dirty or contaminated conditions were at the time of the injury. Yarrow, known for centuries as an herb to stop bleeding, is even more effective in the concentrated essential oil form.

The anti-inflammatory properties of Yarrow are effective whether the inflammation is in the nasal or respiratory passages, the digestive tract, along the gum line, the uterus or ovaries, or anywhere else.

Like the anti-inflammatory properties of this essential oil, the astringent properties of Yarrow work throughout the body. Astringents cause the tightening of tissues. This makes Yarrow very helpful for such things as dandruff, hair loss, setting the teeth firmly into the gums, or firming up areas of sagging skin. Astringent oils such as Yarrow are beneficial as face washes for oily skin and acne. Yarrow is an excellent oil for the female reproductive system where astringency and a mild hormonal action combine to make this oil vital in treatment programs for ovarian cysts and uterine fibroid tumors.

It has been reported recently in several publications that Yarrow’s use with cancer and diabetes has been known throughout the ages. I can find no scientific studies to back these claims, but anecdotal evidence is certainly abundant. Yarrow essential oil also acts on the bone marrow to stimulate the creation of red blood cells and enhance the coagulation of the blood.

Yarrow is gently diaphoretic and a febrifuge. When you are ill, the use of Yarrow holds the fever from getting dangerously high and stimulates perspiration. Fever and perspiration are the body’s way of killing the microbes and then carrying them out of the system.

Yarrow improves digestion by stimulating the secretion of bile and restoring the liver and other organs. I could go on for several more pages about Yarrow. It has been one of my favorite herbs for many years and is one of my favorite essential oils. Enough cannot be said about the benefits of this amazingly versatile healing oil.

CAUTIONS: Reasonable caution should be taken during pregnancy. There are no other cautions connected to this oil. It is possible to find a use for it every day of our lives.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Many essential oil companies carry more than one Yarrow essential oil. A Yarrow oil which has a pale green color seems to be slightly stronger in hormone balancing properties than a deeper blue one. 

Deeper Blue Yarrow oils have an advantage as an astringent and in pulling the edges of wounds together. The blue one is the one sought after most frequently as a single oil.

©Copyright Butterfly Expressions 2020, 2021

YLANG YLANG (Cananga odorata)

THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES: sedative, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, nervine, antidepressant, calmative

AFFINITY FOR: adrenals and thymus, nerves, heart chakra, yin energy

RESONANCE: emotional, physical

PLANT FAMILY: Anonaceae

PART UTILIZED: flowers

EXTRACTION METHOD: steam distilled

APPLICATION: Excellent oil for diffusing. Diluted, it can be worn anywhere on the body.

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: Ylang Ylang can bring back feelings of confidence, joy, and peace.

EMOTIONAL - SPIRITUAL - MENTAL ASPECTS: The aromatic focus of Ylang Ylang is spirituality. It fosters a desire in our souls for deeper and more meaningful communication with heaven. As we develop the emotional, caring, nurturing, intuitive, spiritual side of our natures, many things shift for us. We find that we are able to block or filter the negativity and “garbage” around us. We are better able to focus our thoughts and our drive.

One of the behaviors that signals a need for Ylang Ylang is throwing temper tantrums that, if we are honest with ourselves, have the underlying intent of getting us our own way. Another indication for Ylang Ylang is sudden loss of interest in work, personal appearance, and even in family members and friends. Ylang Ylang may also be helpful for insecurity, low self-esteem, anger, rage, and dare-devil tendencies.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS: Ylang Ylang balances the male-female energies and hormones in the body by stimulating the adrenals and thymus glands. This can balance sexual energy and bring joy, harmony, and passion to relationships. The hormonal support properties of Ylang Ylang make it useful for the symptoms of PMS and many other hormone related complaints. Ylang Ylang is a uterine tonic. Dilute and apply to the abdomen for this function.

As Ylang Ylang’s hormonal properties work in conjunction with its nervine properties, Ylang Ylang becomes exceptionally effective for depression, irritability, anxiety, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, hypertension, nervous tension, physical and mental exhaustion, nervousness, and insomnia. Ylang Ylang is also excellent for routine skin care, more serious skin problems, and hair loss. Ylang Ylang is also used to regulate circulation, fight intestinal infections, and alleviate constipation.

GENERAL INFORMATION: The distillation of the delicate flowers of Ylang Ylang is a complex process. The product that is extracted two hours after the distillation process begins is referred to in the industry as the “extra.” This distillation is extremely heady, potent, and overly-sweet, and is not used in aromatherapy applications but is used by the perfume industry because a little goes a long way and the aroma remains stable longer.

Ylang Ylang is distilled in batches by time. As the process continues the oil changes as different components are distilled off. Some distillers separate as many as 5 or 6 batches and the resulting products are referred to as ylang one, two, three, and so on.

In aromatherapy, Ylang II is the more the more commonly used Ylang. Ylang comple is a reblending of all the batches. It is generally more expensive and is not used by some aromatherapists. Most of the desirable components are found in Ylang II. Ylang Complete is becoming more popular as people realize there are some benefits to the various distillations combined. I use both, and blend with both. Sometimes one is preferred over the other for various—or even unknown—reasons.

©Copyright Butterfly Expressions 2020, 2021

YW (Formerly Young Women’s Formula)

INGREDIENTS: Oregon Grape, Blessed Thistle, Cramp Bark, False Unicorn, Ginger, Raspberry Leaf, Squawvine, Uva Ursi, Cayenne

This formula is meant for women in their childbearing years and the years preceding menopause. It will often, if taken for a month or two, straighten out irregular periods, heavy clotting, profuse flow, menstrual cramping, premenstrual headaches, and premenstrual tension. Many times, once the underlying hormone issues that are causing the above symptoms have cleared up, infertility issues also disappear.

YW is also helpful with kidney, liver, and bladder problems in women, and is essential for prolapsing uterus or bladder situations.

Consider Sepia homeopathic in addition to this formula.

©Copyright Butterfly Expressions 2020, 2021