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

Dear List Members,

In response to another list member I suggested putting 7 tea bag in a
gallon of water and let it set overnight in or out the refridgerator,
this makes a nice drink to sip on all day and you can use benificial
herbs too.

Then she asked about gf status.  I emailed Celestial Seasonings last
night and I have a response:

> Thanks for your e-mail.  We appreciate your interest in Celestial
> Seasonings.
>
> We hope the following information will be helpful to you.
>
> Gluten
>
> Persons that have reactions to gluten should avoid consuming any
> wheat, barley, oats or rye.  Some Celestial Seasonings' products contain
> roasted barley and/or roasted barley malt.  These ingredients are always
> listed on the label when present.
>
> Celestial seasonings position on natural flavors:
>
> Celestial Seasonings uses a variety of natural flavors in many of our
> products.  You can check the ingredient declatation on the side of the
> box to see if they are present.  We use natural flavors because they
> enhance the flavors of other ingredients.
>
> Celestial Seasonings does NOT use natural flavors* derived from proten
> hydrolysate, edible yeast, meat, seafood, poultry or eggs.  These
> flavors are commonly referred to as "savory" or meat flavors, and they
> do not fit with our teas.  Moreover, Celestial Seasonings does NOT use
> monosodium glutamate (MSG) in any of our products.  Our natural flavors
> are derived primarily from fruits, spices and herbs.
>
> Q: What is the natural flavor?
>
> A: Celestial Seasonings is very proud of the unique flavor blend in
> our teas.  We go to great expense to ensure you of the highest quality
> ingredients in our teas.  We do not divulge the specific components in
> our unique flavors;  to do so would compromise the very distinctiveness
> that allows us to thrive.  If you have specific allergies or
> sensitivities to certain flavors, we recommend that you avoid all food
> products with added flavorings.
>
> Natural flavors may contain sucrose, maltodextrins (cornstarch) and
> corn syrup solids at very low levels.  While we ensure that the
> ingredients of these natural flavors are all natural, the exact amounts
> in the flavors are trade secrets.
>
> Assuming that up to 50% of a natural flavor could be sugar, those teas
> that are flavored might contain anywhere from 0.01 to 0.15 grams of
> sugars.
>
> All of our natural flavors are used at levels that are below that
> which requires nutritional labeling by the FDA.
>
> *The Food and Drug Administration in the Code of Federal Regulations
> [21 CFR 101.22 (3) ]
>
> The term "natural flavor" or "natural flavoring" means the essential
> oil, oleoresin, essence or extractive, protein hydrolysate, distillate,
> or any product of roasting, heating or enzymoysis, which contains the
> flavoring constituents derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice,
> vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf
> or similar plant material, meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products,
> or fermentation products therof, whose significant function in food is
> flavoring rather than nutritional.
>
> Celestial Seasonings Teas with No Added Natural Flavors include
> Chamomile
> Mint Magic
> Peppermint
> Sleepytime
> Organic Chamomile
> Organic Peppermint
> Organic Green Tea
> Decaffeinated Green Tea
> Authentic Green Tea
> Morning Thunder
> Classic Black Tea
> English Breakfast
> Organic Black Tea
> Organic English Breakfast
> Echinacea Complete Care
> Ginseng Energy
> Sleepytime Extra
>
> You may want to discuss this information with your health care
> provider.
>
> Best regards,
> Sleepy Bear