Reading the Leaves

Staying well can be confusing in this age of constant information that seems to contradict itself from day to day. But there are local women whose hard work takes the guesswork out of healthy choices whether that be the food, supplements, or herbal remedies.

MADELINE LEE, owner of Superfree Food, has created a line of anti-inflammatory foods that will satisfy and heal.

Owner of longtime favorite Lovey’s Natural Foods & Café, MARIE MONTEMURRO has the knowledge and experience to help select the best food and supplement choices.

ADRIENNE ARRINGTON-KENION, owner of Queen Esther Teas, has created immunity-boosting tea blends to help the body feel its best.

Each of these women has put their heart and soul into helping others feel good.

Their dedication to health and wellness provides tangible approaches to being well and staying well.

When over-the-counter medications for digestive issues such as heartburn and indigestion stopped working for ADRIENNE ARRINGTON-KENION, she turned to herbs.

“I started researching natural remedies, which led me to herbs,” she says. “I became interested in how to get them inside my body and found the easiest way was to make tea.”

Arrington-Kenion says she felt an immediate change in her body, “It seemed like my throat, esophagus, and body relaxed.”

Soon her friends asked her to make teas for them and a business was budding.

Tea, which has its origins in China, contains substances linked to a lower risk for heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, according to an article by Harvard Health Publishing.

“With the pandemic, my side business turned into my full-time business,” Arrington-Kenion says.

The mother of four with a degree in psychology worked in the school system. Now, Arrington-Kenion runs Queen Esther Teas and can be found sourcing organic ingredients from local co-ops such as Lovey’s and Tidal Creek Co-op and selling her teas at markets and online.

The business is named after her grandmother, Esther. “She carried herself like a queen – with grace – and was so kind,” Arrington-Kenion says.

After making the initial tea blend, Arrington-Kenion researched teas that could help boost immunity.

“Vitamin C, magnesium, and zinc are found naturally in herbs,” she says.

When creating new tea blends, she considers what she wants the tea to do, such as help with sleep. The result is tea blends with clever names such as Immunitea, Sleeping Beau-tea, Anti-Anxitea, and Diabetea.

“Teas are easy and don’t have to be complicated,” Arrington-Kenion says. “Our body is naturally made to interact with natural herbs. My teas help your body operate at its best.”

Arrington-Kenion uses loose teas. “It’s more flavorful because it’s the whole leaf and not broken down.”

When mixing blends, she is very picky about the flavor. “Even though tea is good for you, I want my teas to taste good,” she says. “By using teas that have naturally bright and beautiful flavors, I want to make sure that it’s pleasing to your palate so that you can enjoy it, as well as feel good from drinking it.”

She says tea also encourages people to slow down.

“It quiets the mind,” she says. “As you wait for your tea to steep, you can be present, offer gratitude, and focus on what you can control, right now.”

To view more of photographer’s Malcolm Little work, view their instagram here. 

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