ROCKLAND — On Wednesday, March 5, at 5:30 p.m., Abi Morrison L.Ac. will be speaking on selecting and blending teas appropriate for the season, for health, and for flavor, at the Hole in the Wall Bagel Café, 754 Main Street, in Rockland. The gathering will start at Hole in the Wall and move next door to the Good Tern Co-op natural foods store for a hands-on experience of herb and traditional tea selection.

The energetics, five essential flavors, and thermal properties of some common herbs that Good Tern carries in bulk, such as ginger, mint, and licorice, will be discussed as a way to aid in their appropriate use for individual makeup and for the season. Participants will sample a custom blend and come away with information to create their own mixture to enjoy at home.

Morrison has been experimenting with plant-based beverages since she discovered licorice root and sassafras in her teens. Her acupuncture practice includes Chinese herbal formulas, and she encourages people to use plants they can find locally if possible.

“The more we can be in touch with plants, and therefore our environment around us, the more likely we are to stay happy and healthy," said Morrison, in a Good Tern news release. 

An active member of the Good Tern since its founding in 1980, Morrison has been been practicing acupuncture and herbs in Rockland for 20 years with an emphasis on meditation and movement for pain management and maintaining general health. She believes that what you eat is more important for long-term health than any medicine, herb, or treatment. Her favorite activities include messing around with heirloom apple trees and foraging in the bog.

There is no fee for this workshop, and registration is required. Participants may register online (https://www.goodtern.com/events/tea-blending-workshop), in-person at the Good Tern Co-op, or by calling the Co-op at 207-594-8822.

Good Tern Natural Foods Co-op is a member-owned health and food store committed to providing affordable, healthy food options for the Midcoast Maine community. The Co-op’s Education & Community Outreach Committee organizes volunteer-led programs to inspire learning, promote wellness, and encourage sustainable living practices for a healthier planet.