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Have a cup of tea.

 


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Disclaimer

Tea is generally safe in moderate amounts. There are many reported benefits from drinking different types of tea. However this article does not deem to replace medical treatment or take any responsibility for unwanted reactions from drinking tea. Please check with your doctor and do your research for problems and drug interactions from drinking tea. Some teas contain caffeine which is an addictive substance. Too much caffeine can have adverse effects such as anxiety and jitteriness. However caffeine in small doses can increase alertness and motivation. 

Black teas


Most teas contain anti-oxidants. Oxidation in the body creates free radicals which can damage cells and can lead to cancer. Anti-oxidants scavenge free radicals. It is best to get your free radicals from food sources rather than supplements. Supplements might even be bad for you and do the opposite of what you want. So what better way to get your dose of anti-oxidants from a nice hot cup of tea. 

Black teas may be good for the heart; lower cholesterol; improve gut health; lower blood pressure; protect from strokes; lower blood-sugar; anti-cancerous; and improve focus; 

Black tea can be served black; with milk, honey, lemon, mint or even made into Indian chai. 

Assam

Often used in 'breakfast teas', it comes from the lowlands of Assam, India. It has a full bodied brisk and malty flavour. 

Darjeeling

Darjeeling comes from the Darjeeling district in India. It has a musky, spicy flavour. 

Ceylon

Ceylon tea comes from Sri-Lanka it's flavour is full bodied and rich with hints of floral and citrus. 

English Breakfast

A blend of assam, Ceylon and Kenya teas. It is many peoples favourite tea, with it being, full bodied, robust and rich. 

Earl Grey

A tea blend usually flavoured with oil of bergamot. giving it floral and citrus notes.  

Lapsang Souchong.

Originating in the Wuyi Mountains of Fujian, Lapsang Souchong  is a smoked tea, with flavours of wood, pine, paprika and longan. 

Green Tea

Green tea is harvested before it turns into black tea. It is very refreshing. There are many claims made about it's healthiness but these are debatable. Green tea is supposed to be part of the blue zone in Japan, that it prevents certain diseases and increases longevity. Apparently too much of it can lead to toxicity in the liver. But many people believe the anti-oxidants in the tea are beneficial. That green tea can prevent cancer, prevent Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, help control blood pressure, prevent type 2 diabetes as well as stress, bone health, cholesterol, risk of stroke and even memory and weight loss. Wow, that is a lot of claims and the information is mixed. So use in moderation and hopefully reap the benefits. 

Oolong tea

The flavour of Oolong tea can be sweet & fruity, woody or green and fresh depending on production levels. Some teas are oxidised, the leaves are left in the air to ferment and the length that  they are left influences the colour flavour and nutrition of the tea. Green tea is not oxidised and black tea is fully oxidised. Oolong tea falls somewhere in the middle, reaping both the benefits of green tea and black tea. Now there are claims that Oolong tea is very beneficial to your health. Such as: prevent diabetes, lowering cholesterol, Help with weight loss, lesson stress, and the ability to scavenge free radicals due to it's content of anti-oxidants. 

Herbal teas

Peppermint

A sweet, non-caffeinated hot tea. It may be good for digestion, focus and migraines. 

Chamomile

A mild tea with a pleasant aroma and taste, it is nice for when you are feeling a bit upset such as during menstruation or having issues with something or someone. Chamomile may help to manage period pain, insomnia, diabetes, osteoporosis, cancer, including  glioma, liver cancer, cervical cancer, and leukemia; colds and acne. 


Hibiscus

Contains anti-oxidants which we know are good for you. May help with weight-loss; bacteria; cancer and be beneficial to your heart and liver.  

Cinnamon

Cinnamon tea is drunk in Chile, Korea and Lebanon. It's flavour is sweet and spicy. A nice way to have it is to just place a cinnamon stick into your regular black tea and add some milk if desired. Packed with anti-oxidants, The claims are that it can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, lower blood sugar, anti-bacterial, period pain and upset, and aid with the health of skin, cancer, (including skin cancer), brain power and HIV. 

Ginger

Ginger is a spice which is native to Asia. It has long since been used in folk-lore to treat various ailments. With a pleasant hot and spicy flavour, ginger has been used for thousands of years for a variety of ailments including: Car and sea sickness, nausea (including morning sickness and chemo), blood, heart, (prevent heart attacks), cholesterol and circulation; weight-loss, blood sugar, inflammation, arthritis, diabetes, cancer, brain power, coughs and colds. There can be side effects such as gas and nausea, but not usually if you have less than 3 cups per day. 

Rooibos

Rooibos is grown in South Africa, it has an earthy tobacco-like flavour. Like most teas it is full of anti-oxidants. It may be good for your heart, cancer, and diabetes type 2.

Dandelion

Dandelion is a great coffee substitute. There are many claims about it's healthy properties but  they are not necessarily proven. It may be beneficial for liver, digestion and cancer. 

Lemon balm

Lemon balm is part of the mint family. A versatile plant it has many uses including to attract bees, for use in food flavouring and perfume to name a few. It is apparently good for treating herpes and anxiety and may even cheer you up! 


Echinacea

Echinacea is from the daisy family. It has a floral flavour. It is often used as a traditional medicine to support the immune system and several other ailments such as anxiety, inflammation, acne, and cancer.  

Lemongrass

Originating in Australasia and Africa, and, part of the grass family, it is also known as citronella grass. Like it's name it has a lemony flavour. It's used in soaps and insect repellants. it may help with sleep, pain and immunity. 

Passionflower

Passionflower originates in the Americas. It has an earthy and grassy flavour. Passionflower is a sedative, it can be useful for anxiety and insomnia. It is not recommended to have it all the time. 

Lavender

Lavender is part of the mint family, A sweet flavour, it has many uses including food flavouring, honey propagation. It may be used for sleepy-time tea, acne, depression and menstrual cramps. It is likely safe in foods however the essential oil can have allergic reactions which you should check by diluting in a carrier oil and applying a small amount to your wrist for 24 hours. 


Licorice

Licorice root is native to Asia, Africa and Europe. it is used to flavour tobacco and candy. It can be used as a mouth freshener. Take note, it can be dangerous to your health in high amounts.  It may be able to help with coughs, ulcers, mouth sores and liver problems. 

Rosehip

Rosehip comes from the rose plant. It has a mild floral flavour. Rosehip contains anti-oxidants such as vitamin C & E. It may boost the immune system, prevent heart disease, assist weight-loss, prevent diabetes type 2, reduce pain and inflammation, and may be anti-aging for the skin, 

Bergamot

Bergamot is a type of citrus. It is used to flavour food, tea, perfume and cosmetics. Topical application can cause photosensitivity. The claims are that it can assist with anxiety, wakefulness and joint pain. 

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum is a flowering plant native to East Asia. It is said to be good for angina, high blood pressure, diabetes type 2, fevers, colds, headaches and swelling. 

Sage

Sage is part of the mint family. It is often used for chicken stuffing and other culinary uses. In antiquity is was believed to promote memory and wisdom. 

Yarrow

A good herb for general well-being. sometimes said to heal any disease, it is also said to be good for wound healing, inflammation and menstrual pain. 

Rosemary

Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean region. It has an earthy, woody, minty and lemony flavour. Traditionally known as the herb of remembrance, there might be some truth in that rosemary can be good for memory and brain health. Like most teas it is packed full of anti-oxidants; anti-inflammatories; may lower blood sugar, may protect the health of the eyes, be beneficial to heart, digestion, weight-loss and can be used as a hair tonic.  

Chai

Chai originates in India. Chai is a black tea complimented with milk, sweetener and, flavoured with ginger, cinnamon, clove, cardamom and, black pepper. Chai tea Can support the immune system,  help with digestion, reduce stress, lower the risk of heart diseases, and, be an anti-inflammatory. 

 Hot Toddy

A hot toddy is a cup of black tea with milk with a small shot of whiskey. It's good for stress, colds and flu's, if you are feeling very cold and for period pain. It is also nice when added to chai.  (Not suitable for children). 

Detox tea

There are a few blends of detox tea on the market and they may added to a detox practice such as a weekend detox every few months to cleanse your system. Basically, a fasting diet for a couple of days you can complement the treatment with a detox blend. For example, a lemon, ginger and turmeric tea. 




I cannot think of a nicer thing than a tea break. Or, you can have a tea party with friends, for example a Devonshire tea which is black tea served with scones, jam and cream; Or tea with cucumber sandwiches and cake. There are many beautiful tea-pots on the market for serving black tea. Or Chinese tea-cup sets with a strainer in them; Or Japanese tea-pots with tiny cups for serving green tea. Tea is a self-care ritual. It promotes courage and refreshes. And as you can see there are many beneficial uses for various teas. Please enjoy your cup of tea.



References


Assam tea, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assam_tea, accessed 23/02, 2024

Darjeeling tea, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darjeeling_tea, accessed 23/02, 2024

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceylon_tea, accessed 23/02, 2024

English Breakfast tea. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_breakfast_tea, accessed 23/02, 2024

Earl Grey tea, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earl_Grey_tea, accessed 23/02, 2024

Lapsang Souchong, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lapsang_souchong, accessed 23/02, 2024

Green tea, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_tea, accessed 24/02/2024

12 Science backed benefits of peppermint tea and extracts, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/peppermint-tea#TOC_TITLE_HDR_8, accessed 26th.02/2024

What are the benefits of chamomile tea? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320031, accessed 26th/02/2024

8 Benefits of hybiscus, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/hibiscus-tea-benefits, accessed 26th/02/2024

Cinnamon tea, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinnamon_tea, accessed 27th/02/2024

12 Impressive health benefits of cinnamon tea. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cinnamon-tea-benefits, accessed 27th/02/2024

Rooibos, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rooibos, accessed  28th/02/2024

5 health benefits of rooibos tea, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/rooibos-tea-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3, accessed 28th/02/2024

Dandelion Coffee, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dandelion_coffee, accessed 29th/02/2024

7 ways Dandelion tea could be good for you. https://www.healthline.com/health/ways-dandelion-tea-could-be-good-for-youraccessed 29th/02/2024. 

Lemon Balm,https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemon_balm,  accessed 29th/02/2024

Lemon Balm, https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/lemon-balm#:~:text=Lemon%20balm%20(Melissa%20officinalis)%2C,%2C%20as%20well%20as%20colic). accessed 29th/02/2024

Lemongrass tea, 10 Benefits, https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/lemongrass-tea, accessed, 02/03/2024

Cymbopogon,  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cymbopogon, accessed 02/03/2024

Passiflora, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passiflora, accessed 02/03/2024. 

Passionflower, https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-871/passionflower, accessed 2/03/2024

Four benefits and uses of lavender tea and it's extracts, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavandula, accessed 03/03/2024

Lavandula, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavandula, accessed 03/03/2024

What are the health benefits of ginger tea? https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-ginger-tea, accessed 04/03/2024

8 Surprising Health Benefits of Rosehip tea, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/rosehip-tea#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2, accessed 03/03/2024

Bergamot, uses, side effects and more, https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-142/bergamot, accessed 05/03/2024

Bergamot orange, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bergamot_orange, accessed 03/03/2024

Chrysanthemum, https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/chrysanthemum.htm#:~:text=Chrysanthemum%20(mum)%20is%20a%20plant,headache%2C%20dizziness%2C%20and%20swelling. Accessed 05/03/2024

Chrysanthemum, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysanthemum, accessed 05/03/2024

What is Yarrow?https://www.verywellhealth.com/yarrow-health-benefits-4586386, accessed 07/03/2024

 Achillea millefolium, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achillea_millefolium, accessed 07/03/2024


6 benefits and uses of rosemary, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/rosemary-tea#6.-Other-potential-benefits-and-uses, accessed 07th/03/2024


About rosemary uses, pairings and recipes, https://www.mccormick.com/articles/mccormick/about-rosemary#:~:text=WHAT%20DOES%20ROSEMARY%20TASTE%20LIKE,deep%2C%20yet%20complex%20flavor%20profile. accessed 07/03/2024


Rosemary, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosemary, accessed 07/03/2024


Masala Chai, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masala_chai, accessed 10th/03/2024




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