The Power of Tea
by Laura Platino

Behind water, tea is the most consumed beverage worldwide. Order a cup at just about any café — from a basic black tea with lemon or milk to a fruit-infused tisane — and you’ll find there is a brew to suit just about every taste. In addition to taste, several teas offer medicinal elements which can help soothe physical and mental stress. Some can even counteract the aging process and prevent diseases like cancer.

Here are just a handful of ancient and contemporary teas from the countless variety of tinctures currently available. Some stand alone and can be ordered or bought as described, while others are herbal teas and can be found in loose tea mixtures or added to traditional black or green tea.

Peppermint. Peppermint can be steeped and consumed on its own. The refreshing aroma promotes clear thinking and focus while soothing the digestive system — especially after a meal.

Ginger. Traded for over 4,000 years, this spice is known in many cultures as a preventative medicine against colds, flus and even hangovers.

Pu-erh Tea. This hand harvested tea is from the wild antique tree — some of which are hundreds of years old. It cleans the body of fat and toxins from meat and oily foods while promoting weight loss. It is often blended with ginger or peppermint to enhance the flavor.

Organic Dragonwell Tea. The most famous green tea in China is prized for its cooling and detoxifying powers.

Throat Tamer Tea. Found in many cafes under various names, this is a concoction of black tea combined with rich, sweet licorice root, slippery elm and wild cherry to calm inflammation in the throat and soothe soreness.

Keemun Mao Feng. Known as English Breakfast, this tea was one of the first to arise from the province Anhui in China after the process for making black tea was invented in the 19th century. Prior to that, Anhui only produced green tea. Like most black teas, it is believed to assist in lowering cholesterol and is good for the heart and arteries.

Chamomile. This flowery flavored tea has gained popularity for its potential to relax jittery nerves and help insomnia.

Rooibos. Pronounced “roy-boss” and originating from the mountains of South Africa, this all-natural tea has been recently touted as the next great natural health wonder. It is said to be anti-mutagenic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging. Rooibos also is believed to contain the minerals copper and potassium as well as aid in the absorption of iron. Because it is 100% natural, some researchers insist it is safe for children to soothe colic and can even be added to breast milk.

The health benefits of all different tea types and their herbal counterparts are considered endless. So make time for tea each day and sip your way to a better body.

photo by kevin jaako

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