Creating Nettle Blend Herb Tea with Tokyo Students: A Unique Collaboration

Collaborative Effort Begins

In November 2025, a unique initiative took flight through a partnership between the Herb Blend Style Association and Tokyo Woman's Christian University, alongside healthcare professionals. The aim was to encourage young adults to reflect on their mental and physical health using herb tea as a means to engage.

This project seeks to explore the unspoken concerns regarding health that shape our daily experiences. It encourages students to articulate their feelings and thoughts about their well-being and the bodily changes they face.

Insights from 400 Student Voices

Continuing from last year, we conducted a comprehensive survey involving around 400 students, guided by healthcare experts. The responses offered a window into the various health challenges faced by students, revealing authentic concerns.

A particular focus of the survey was the term “preconception care.” We noted a significant increase in awareness among students, with recognition rising from just 5.3% in 2025 to 13.7% in 2026. Conversely, those unaware of the term dropped from 94.7% to 86.3%. While awareness is still growing, this indicates a positive shift towards acknowledging health matters that impact future well-being.

Our engagement with students wasn't limited to surveys. We organized events that fostered direct dialogue, allowing for more personal interactions to learn about health. Our objective is to ensure that the feedback we gain shapes future initiatives rather than being the end of a conversation.

Transforming Tea Time into Self-Care

In response to insights gathered from the survey, we worked closely with students to develop herb teas that resonate with their experiences. From this collaborative effort emerged the “Nettle Blend Herb Tea.” The goal extends beyond crafting a beverage; it’s about encouraging a deeper understanding of health.

Drinking herb tea can become a ritual of self-care—a moment to focus on one's mental and physical wellness. We believe that such practices can foster a greater awareness and ultimately contribute to healthier lifestyles.

Herbs as a Society Connector

With over two decades invested in exploring herbs, this initiative has renewed our belief in the importance of sharing herbal knowledge. The collaboration with university students, healthcare professionals, and the community allowed us to develop a product that reflects shared values and insights.

Integrating an understanding of herbs into daily life promotes self-awareness about personal health. We hope that our Nettle Blend serves as a gateway for individuals to engage with their well-being on a day-to-day basis.

Looking ahead, we aspire to enhance self-care opportunities through herb tea by fostering partnerships with universities, healthcare providers, local communities, and businesses. Our heartfelt thanks extend to everyone involved in this project, particularly the students who contributed to its realization.

Upcoming Event: Tokyo Woman's Christian University VERA Festival 2026

Join us on November 14 and 15, 2026, at Tokyo Woman's Christian University (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM) for the VERA Festival. Expect exciting activities including:

• Student panel exhibitions
• A workshop on herb tea and its mental health benefits
• The launch and sale of the “Nettle Blend”
• Opportunities to explore domestic herb teas

This festival promises to be an engaging and educational experience!

About the Herb Blend Style Association

Founded by Tomoko Iida, our association is located in Minato-ku, Tokyo. For more information, visit our website: hbsa.or.jp or follow us on Instagram: hbsa_official.

Contact Us

For inquiries, please reach out to the Herb Blend Style Association Secretariat via email: [email protected].