<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

Dear Listmembers,

Thanks for all who replied to my request for "safe" herbal teas for my
eight year old daughter.  A short summary follows:

Most people who called Celestial Seasonings stated that their single flavor
(i.e. peppermint, chamomile, etc.) teas don't have gluten added, but are
processed on the same lines as their many gluten teas.  The ones that state
"natural flavorings" or barley are the ones that contain gluten.  They
cannot guarantee against cross contamination.

Most people who called Bigalow said the same thing as Celestial Seasonings,
but they only make four gluten teas.

One person said that Stash teas are GF according to the company.  They make
no tea with gluten so their lines are clean.

One person suggested hot water, fresh squeezed lemon juice and honey.

One person suggested boiling mint leaves for 4-5 minutes.  Good for upset
stomach.

Another person suggested grating about one thumbs worth of fresh ginger
into a container, pour boiling water over, let steep for 5 minutes, strain
to remove chunks, add honey for sweetener.

Someone said they use bulk herb teas at home all the time with no problem.

Someone else wrote from the Tri-County Celiac Support Group, they post the
following herbal teas as GF:  Lipton - Soothing Moment:  Cinnamon Apple
Country Cranberry, Gentle Orange, Ginger Twist, Lemon Mint Refresher,
Peppermint, Quietly Chamomile and Sweet Cinnamon Spice.  They did not call
the company though.

I did buy Celestial Seasonings Chamomile tea and my daughter seemed to be
okay, but she is sensitive to cross contamination, so I think I'll switch
to Stash.  I have no affiliation with these companies or a vested interest
in promoting them.

I am happy to say that my daughter had the mildest case of the flu of any
of my family and needed no medical attention or medication and the other
members of my family did.  Thanks for your help.

Bev Wahl in Chicago, IL USA