American Botanical Council Featuring The Meaning of Tea Film

AUSTIN, TexasOn March 24, 2011, the American Botanical Council (ABC) will open its doorslocated at 6200 Manor Roadto the community for a benefit event featuring director Scott C. Hoyts documentary film, The Meaning of Tea®"

The event will begin at 6 .p.m. in ABCs annex building and tea will be served. This benefit marks the first screening of The Meaning of Tea" in Austin, and both ABC founder and executive director Mark Blumenthal and director Scott C. Hoyt will be on-hand to discuss the mission of ABC and The Meaning of Tea."

The Meaning of Tea® has many fine meanings," said Hoyt, And a tea-inspired journey may mean, simply, to stop.H ow can we recognize that boundless spirit of tea, and its connection to the well-lived life? One way to experience this sense of pause is to join with others in support of The American Botanical Council, Austin's own source for reliable information about herbal medicine, for a special screening of my lyrical documentary film. I look forward to meeting you at the post-screening tea party!"

About The Meaning of Tea"

The Meaning of Tea," is a 74-minute documentary film that investigates the different beliefs, practices and cultural traditions surrounding tea (Camellia sinensis, Theaceae) in eight countries: India, Japan, Taiwan, England, France, Morocco, Ireland and the United States. Produced by Tea Dragon Films, the film uses a mix of interviews, music and visual elements to explore tea on many levels. From tea rituals in various cultures where tea is cherished, to those who mold the very instruments used to carry tea, the film asks a variety of characters around the world about their relationship to tea as a beverage, a means of relaxation, andin many casesa way of life.

The Meaning of Tea is a valued supporter of ABC and its members through the Adopt-An-Herb" program. It has appropriately adopted tea (Camellia sinensis). Each adopting organization helps ensure he most current information on their herb is available in HerbMedPro, an online tool which enables consumers, researchers, educators, media, health practitioners, government agencies and members of industry (including retailers and other) to have easy access to abstracts of the latest scientific and clinical publications on the adopted herb.