This week's podcast episode is an insightful interview with Lisa Li, the founder of The Qi, a company dedicated to flower teas. Conducted in a serene New York City space, the discussion explores Lisa's personal health journey—from a challenging thyroid disease that was healed through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to her subsequent decision to create naturally caffeine-free herbal teas due to her sensitivity to caffeine. She highlights the medicinal properties and energetic balance of various flower teas, such as goji berries, chrysanthemum, and rose, explaining their roles as anti-inflammatory, detoxing, and nourishing agents. The interview delves into the philosophies of Eastern culinary traditions, emphasizing "light and gentle" flavors that support digestive health, contrasting them with Western preferences for "extra" flavors. A significant part of the conversation focuses on the importance of self-care and evening rituals for better sleep, advocating for herbal teas as a healthy alternative to addictive sleeping aids. Lisa also introduces several of The Qi's specific tea blends, explaining their benefits, ingredients, and the careful formulation process guided by TCM principles.

Check out the show notes at https://thisismodernaging.com/podcast/

ABOUT LISA

As a child who grew up Northeast of Beijing, I drank a lot of teas with my grandma. And those moments were some of the most nourishing and healing times of my life. Holistic wellness for me as a child was much like brunch… it was simply a way of a joyful life.
After feeling stressed, anxious, and burnt out from working in the notoriously grueling fashion industry for 10+ years I desperately wanted to go back to a time and place where taking care of myself was simple and wonderful.

In the beginning of 2018 I took a transformative trip with my mom to Shangri-la, Yunnan where I discovered the Rose tea the locals enjoy. It was so unique and special - it was like nothing I've ever had, it transported me to a whole new floral paradise universe. After tasting and testing over 100 flowering herbs and tens of thousands miles more traveled to source the finest ones The Qi was born. To bring you the most beautiful sensory tea ritual for a daily dose of Zen, beauty, and nourishment.