Meredith is the Founder and Owner of Lake & Oak Tea Co. Inspired by nature, wellness, flavor, and organic ingredients, Meredith creates delicious teas and adaptogen blends that will nourish your body and mind keeping you feeling balanced as you move through your daily life. She shares her own personal wellness routines including some tips on recipes and what remedies are good for certain times of day and activities. You’ll definitely want to sit back and relax with one of her delicious remedies after reading what she has to say!
What inspired you to start Lake & Oak Tea Co.? What does Lake & Oak Tea Co. mean to you?
Honestly, I wasn't your standard tea-loving gal, but I loved the natural relief that my nightly herbal “sleepy time” tea had on my anxiety, and my daily matcha had on boosting my mood. I couldn't find a tea on the market that spoke to the modern wellness nerd in me - something highly functional (hello superherbs and adaptogens!), something cravable, and something that looks aesthetically pleasing on your pantry shelf. As a nutritionist and flavour-obsessed cook, it’s a deal breaker if blends aren’t both tasty and delicious.
Lake & Oak Tea Co. was inspired by the feeling of being in nature. Where everything “just is”. I dreamt up my blends while enjoying the waters of Georgian Bay, Ontario. With every cup, I hope to provoke that feeling of “ahhhh” that you enjoy when you unplug in the wild, or just on your couch.
Why are tea ingredients so important? How do you go about selecting and sourcing your ingredients and testing your blends?
During my research I found a lot of the fun and flavour-forward blends on the market use ambiguous natural flavours to enhance their blends. “Strawberry flavour” or “Bergamot flavour”. On the other end of the spectrum you have the super healthy herbal blends that taste like grass or potpourri. I work carefully with the plants to combine and complement flavours, so drinking therapeutic tea doesn’t feel like drinking your medicine.
I create blends by first thinking about what flavour profiles my customers enjoy - if it doesn’t taste good, what's the point? Then I combine that with how they might want to feel (relaxed, balanced, cleansed). Then I bring in the super herb army! All organic ingredients, and the very best we can source. Dandelion for detox, schisandra berry for immunity, all while carefully balancing flavour. It’s my favourite part of the process.
Here at Cori we believe Cannabis is an ingredient that can be incorporated into our daily lives to enhance our wellness goals. How do you see cannabis in the wellness space?
I see cannabis as a very versatile ingredient, perfect for anyone who experiments with cooking or is interested in wellness. I have lots to learn, but I love how it can be used in a variety of mediums - anything from artisan chocolates to tea – while also having varying positive effects on the mind and body.
In my current self-care practice, I use CBD oil in my lattes, teas and elixirs that I mix up every afternoon and evening. It pairs really well with the relaxation and mood-boosting benefits of our Organic Superfood Tea & Adaptogen Blends. Specifically I make a super tasty Chaga Coconut Chai latte with a few drops of CBD. It’s a caffeine free chai, making it perfect for winding down.
Walk us through your daily wellness routine. How do you incorporate your teas? What makes you feel your best? Any tips and tricks you can share would great!
I start the day with a short “meditation” in bed setting positive intentions for the day and a quick gratitude check-in doesn't hurt either. First thing consumed is a tall glass of water with raw apple cider vinegar. This is great for resetting the body in the morning, and overall gut health. Then I have our Mega Matcha latte to get the feel-good energy boost I need. Our Matcha has the adaptogens Maca and Ashwagandha, that help with regulating stress. My trick for the frothiest Matcha latte is coconut oil, collagen, maple syrup and almond milk. Warm up your milk and combine all of the ingredients in a blender, and you’re set for a delicious at-home luxury latte!
Throughout the day I hydrate with carbonated water + liquid chlorophyll which is great for detox and energy. At dinner time I cook for my partner and I whatever we are craving - we don’t hold back. I have been trying to tone down the sugar lately (recovering dessert fiend) and I find our Tea and Adaptogen blends really help in the evening, especially when anxiety is a contributing factor. Sun Mylk, our adaptogenic turmeric latte blend, whisked with warm milk, CBD, coconut oil or ghee, and raw honey is as healing as it is decadent (see recipe below!). I’m never shy with the honey or healthy fats, which actually help your body absorb the nutrients in curcumin. The day ends with a really strong steep of Ashwagandha + Chill tea, a hot bath, and an audiobook that helps me drift off to sleep.
Wellness is all about achieving balance from the inside out. We find that we either need to restore, rejuvenate, revive, or relax ourselves when our bodies and minds are out of balance. What helps you feel balanced?
Taking time away from work and social media makes me feel balanced. When you’re pulled in so many different directions with business, social and family obligations, you can feel like a hamster running on a wheel. Sometimes this calls for alone time, taking myself on a date to Kensington Market to grab bagels and coffee. Sometimes this means a few beers at a local brewery with my partner.
Because real life happens and taking a break isn't always doable, I rely on nutrient-dense foods, supplementation, adaptogens and mindfulness to keep things balanced.
We all want to feel amazing, but it’s hard to make changes to our routines or adopt new ones. What would you suggest are some easy steps for our readers to take to help them make positive changes to their daily wellness? What has helped you?
Mindfulness and Hydration are great places to start. And luckily they are both customizable to your lifestyle! In terms of mindfulness, start with a few minutes in the morning while you are laying down, or moments in the evening practicing gratitude. Just check in with how you are feeling without judgment. You can also set intentions for the day/month/year and envision how you want everything to play out. If you don’t feel energetically on the level of where you want to be, my best advice is focus on a future mind-set and envision the way you want to be feeling.
Hydration is the root of all health. If you find you're not consuming enough liquids, find a way to make it fun! For me that’s with teas, lattes, elixirs and tonics that give you the added boost of nutrition too. For you that might be soda water with a muddled strawberry and basil, or a cold brewed herbal tea.
Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about your story, Lake & Oak Tea Co, or wellness insight that we missed?
Healthy teas, foods or supplements are not a band-aid solution, but a part of a healthy life well lived. Same goes for Adaptogen Blends and Superfood teas we create. Our goal is to fit seamlessly into your wellness routine, so overtime your body adapts to stress better, your skin has a cheeky glow, your energy levels are smooth and consistent, and you're having an easier time falling asleep at night. It should be effortless, delicious and fun. Because life is too short for anything else!
I post lots of inspiration on my social channels @lakeandoaktea and @meredith.youngson for cooking. Come by and say hey!
Super CBD Turmeric Latte
Ingredients:
- 3/4 tsp Sun Mylk - Lake & Oak Tea Co
- 1 1/4 cup milk 1-3 tsp maple syrup (optional)
- 1/2 tsp ghee or coconut oil
- 3-5 drops CBD oil
Directions: In a small pot, add Sun Mylk, maple syrup and milk. Bring to a low simmer over medium heat. Add mixture to a blender along with CBD and ghee. Blend for 5-10 sec, just until combined and frothy. Enjoy right away. *alternatively, simply whisk everything in the pot to combine*
Thank you Meredith!
We loved hearing Meredith’s story and cannot wait to use her recipe tips and relax with her products while we stay home.
*For the next two weeks all Lake & Oak Tea Co. products will be 15% off, use code LAKEANDOAKBLOG at checkout!
*Offer valid from May 25th – June 8th
