Do you love the comfort of a warm cuppa? Great news: it doesn’t just taste good, it also provides a host of benefits for mind, body & soul. From green to black to herbal varieties, each tea has its own set of healing properties. We can definitely drink to that
A worldwide trend
Tea has been extremely popular in the East since ancient times. However, here in the West, tea is currently undergoing a bit of a renaissance. Sales of green and herbal teas have never been higher, and the emergence of tea bars suggests that people are starting to think of the drink more like coffee. Namely, that you can become a connoisseur and develop a deep appreciation for certain types. In fact, most high-end coffee houses have an extensive selection on the menu for those who would rather forgo the bean in favour of a tea bag.
How tea can help heal you
Depending on which type you drink, tea has significant health benefits. For example, herbal tea can help alleviate frequently occurring health problems like stomach pains and headaches. If you select a herbal tea with ginger, this stimulates circulation and can combat nausea. Ones featuring liquorice can act as a cough suppressant, soothing a sore throat.
Green tea can definitely be considered a superfood, thanks to its abundance of antioxidants. It is widely acknowledged in Eastern medicine as a way to purify the body and keep the mind sharp. Choosing one that contains mint is a great idea after exercising or in times of stress and is also gentle on the stomach.
People who consider themselves loyal coffee drinkers will probably feel most at home with chai tea. Chai is made from a blend of black tea, ginger and other spices. The black tea makes chai rich in the amino acid theanine, which improves your concentration and reaction times. It can also help boost your immune system and help to fight off bacteria.
A soulful tradition that started in Asia
After reading about tea’s various health benefits, it will come as no surprise that it originated as a medicinal drink in Southwest China. It evolved into a more recreational drink during the Chinese Tang dynasty and wasn’t exported to Europe until the 16th century.
In the meantime, tea became so integral in certain Asian cultures that entire ceremonies were built around it. The Chinese gongfu tea ceremony, for example, transforms the preparation of tea into an intricate practice. Gongfu, which literally means, “making tea with skill” requires the perfect water temperature and many specific pieces of equipment, just to name a few aspects.
Chadõ, translated from Japanese as “the way of tea” centres around the presentation of matcha, or powdered green tea. The Chadõ ceremony is counted as one of the three classical Japanese arts of refinement, along with incense appreciation and flower arrangement.
Creating your own tea ceremony
You probably notice that when you drink tea, you feel calmer. If you savour the various sensations: the aromatics, the warmth running down your throat and the way your hands feel around a mug, it’s easy to understand why. Tea, because it is served so hot, can’t be gulped down in a hurry—it must be sipped slowly. The physical act of slowing down can impact your thoughts and slow them down as well. This is why people often turn to tea when they need to unwind: it is a relaxing routine in and of itself.
Our herbal teas
By now you’re probably feeling very thirsty for a nice cuppa. Good news! We’ve got teas from some of your favourite collections to help you sleep better, warm the heart or refresh the soul. All of the teas are certified organic, and the bags are biodegradable. Even the secondary packaging is made using paper that comes from sustainably-managed forests. Just another way we’re trying to contribute to a better, healthier environment.
