Lisa Li started The Qi on a mission to help people feel more joy, nourishment and inner calm on a daily basis through the power of sensory whole flower tea rituals. Prior to launching The Qi Lisa worked in fashion for 10+ years and was really burnt out and not well. Inspired by her childhood’s simple, beautiful, and nourishing tea time with her grandma in Asia, The Qi was born to to create a whole new blooming universe for all.
P.S. Find Jujube Rose Tea on our Instagram for a delicious postpartum elixir inspired by this conversation!
As someone who fully believes in the power of ancient Eastern healing philosophies, I'd love to learn more about what key components we might be missing out on still in the west that you feel passionate about shedding light on?
One key component we’re missing in the West is the holistic approach to wellness found in Eastern healing philosophies. In the East, health is seen as a balance between the body, mind, and spirit. Practices like qigong, acupuncture, and herbal medicine focus on restoring this balance and preventing illness, rather than just treating symptoms. I’m passionate about sharing the benefits of these practices, particularly the way they encourage a deeper connection with our bodies and the natural world.
What is your earliest tea memory?
My earliest tea memory is sharing tea with my grandma as a child, it was a time of a refugee and nourishment for me. I remember feeling a deep sense of peace and connection. That experience ignited my love for tea and the tradition of using flowers and herbs for healing.
How has drinking flowers enhanced your life?
Drinking flowers has brought me a sense of tranquility and mindfulness to my daily routine. I make a pot of flower tea every morning as the 1st thing I do after I get to the studio. I take 10 mins to make it before I open my cell phone or computer. It sets a calm and joyful intention and tone for the rest of my day. Each sip feels like a small ritual, a moment to pause and appreciate the beauty and benefits of nature. Flower teas have also helped me with reducing stress to improving digestion, making them an integral part of my self-care practice.
What are your favorite flowers to support postpartum?
My favorite flowers to support postpartum are rose and chamomile. Rose is known for its uplifting and soothing properties, which can help with emotional balance. Chamomile is incredibly calming and can aid in relaxation and sleep, which are essential for new mothers. Both flowers provide gentle support during this transformative time.
The Qi's mission is to help us all feel more alive. What are some ways we can all feel more vital in addition to drinking flower infusions?
In addition to drinking flowers, we can feel more vital by incorporating practices that nurture our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This includes spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness or meditation, and maintaining a balanced diet rich in whole foods from the earth. Cultivating meaningful connections with others and engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment are also essential for vitality. And also take naps! I'm a big fan of taking a 15 min nap vs having a coffee break everyday.
I loved something you shared on social media recently about playing the long game with slow holistic nourishment vs the big fast "pharma" world. What are a few ways we can lean into this wisdom?
I was diagnosed with a Thyroid disease when I was in my late 20s and the hospital Dr. told me "The only solution I have for you is to perform surgery and remove your thyroid and I can prescribe hormone pills for you the rest of your life." I was shocked! I'm really lucky as I grew up in China with a understating that I have natural holistic options like Acupuncture and herbal teas. I found a local Traditional Chinese Medicine Dr Acupuncturist and after 2 weeks of treatment he cured me. When I went back to the hospital, my blood words came back totally normal. My mission is to share with more women that we have options. Seek other opinions and natural holistic solutions that that's based on curing the root cause of the diseases vs just treating the symptoms.
Leaning into the wisdom of slow holistic nourishment involves prioritizing long-term health over quick fixes aka investing in our future self where our 60 year old self will thank us. This means embracing natural, whole foods and herbal remedies, and making lifestyle choices that support sustained well-being. It also involves being patient with our bodies, recognizing that true healing takes time. Practices like mindfulness, regular movement, and adequate rest are crucial. Additionally, staying informed and advocating for natural health options can help shift the focus towards more sustainable wellness practices.
What is a dream you're dreaming lately that you'd like to plant the seed for here?
I dream of a retreat resort place somewhere deep in the high mountains, with incredible views and stunning gardens where we can host workshops, tea ceremonies, and wellness retreats, fostering a sense of connection and shared growth.
