The Teas I Love…

Coffee may seem like a much sexier hot drink, but believe it or not there are those of us that either cannot tolerate it that well, or do not actually like the taste! I happen to be of the latter, and other than when I have 1-2oz for a headache, it does not make my body feel all that great. However, I do think that it smells nice while brewing, before all of you coffee lovers faint ;)

Therefore, this makes me a tea drinker and I recognize that not all people that dislike coffee, prefer tea. But I it and have for a long time. I drink tea for the taste, the way the warm liquid feels in my tummy, and for medicinal purposes. In other words, tea makes me happy and I would argue, healthy, as well.  

The origin stories of medicinal tea are almost as old as recorded time. Medical practitioners from ancient times would find a plant they would get a desired effect from, then place that herb in a pot, cook it, and have the patient drink the water. If you visit a Chinese traditional herbal shop, they will still concoct a bag of herbs and plants for you to cook, based on your malady.

Below you can find what is in my tea cabinet and the reasons I choose these different teas: 

Note: I am giving steep times for medicinal purposes – these do tend to make the flavor of the tea stronger. I also am not going over the fact that you can often do more than one infusion with some teas.

Lemon Balm (Steep for 10 minutes at 200 °F)

• Helps with mild hypertension, anxiety, restlessness, palpations, headache, and irritability. 

Chamomile (Steep for 7 minutes at 160 °F)

• Helps with irritability, restlessness, decreases inflammation, menstrual cramp relief, indigestion and gas, and gastritis.

Mint (Steep for 4 minutes at 212 °F – over steeping this one will make it very bitter)

• Helps with itchy skin, spasmodic respiration, digestion, urinary tract irritation, abdominal cramping and gas, and nasal congestion.

Roasted Dandelion (Steep for 10 minutes at 212 °F)

• Helps lower high cholesterol, improves liver conditions, heartburn, reduces high blood pressure, prevents liver damage, and is a good prebiotic.

Tulsi aka Holy Basil (Steep for 8 minutes at 212°F)

• Decongestion, anti-asthmatic, expectorant, reduces stomach spasms, and reduces kidney issues.

Green Tea (Steep 3-4 minutes for at 180 °F)

• Antioxidant, reduces cholesterol, improves memory, prevents atherosclerosis, and reduces LDL oxidation.

Passionflower (Steep for 5 minutes at 212 °F)

• Sleep aid, reduces tension, reduces nervousness, reduces restlessness, helps increase serotonin, anxiety reducing, and anti-inflammatory

Raspberry Leaf (Steep for 5 minutes at 180 °F)

• Uterine tonic, helpful during menstrual cycles for cramps, helpful during labor, reduces diarrhea, gastrointestinal spasms, and stomach pain.

…..I love black tea, but I don’t drink it as often due to less health benefits.

I have many more teas I like to taste and sample through the years, but these are my cabinet regulars that keep me happy and healthy. Tea can also be consumed cold, just add ice after steeping for the proper time. Have fun sipping out of your favorite cup!