The Uses and Advantages of Herbal Beverages

In the past, herbal medicine was more frequently used compared with the present. More recently the interest in herbal medicinal products, especially in the field of healthy nutrition, dermatology and cosmetics, has risen enormously. Many plant-derived substances show photo protective properties in terms of absorption of UV radiation and preventing photo damage to molecular structures of human skin. Modern phytopharmaceutics as well as phytocosmetics have standardized, defined methods for the herbal matrix.

The pharmacological effect of the compounds could be foreseen from their chemical structure. The development of rational technology of pharmaceutical preparations follows the identification of active constituents in pharmaceutical herbs their good-to-excellent effect.

Numerous examples can be found in many literature citations, and in fact in many potions are used for different ailments e.g. The buckwheat herb (Fagopyrum esculentum is rich in flavonoids, which have been identified as potent antioxidants and have a high content of phenolics, and a low content of the phototoxic fagopyrin. the extractable matter, contains fagopyrin, rutin, and chlorogenic acid.

Pharmaceutical herbal preparations have been used for the treatment of respiratory diseases for a long time. Alongside with the well known herbs, there are many of crude drugs to be investigated and applied in therapeutics. Respiratory diseases are mainly treated by chemical medicines and antibiotics. The use of herbal preparations is limited and they are usually used as supplemental ones. Biochemical processes in plants, chemical compounds and information on their value in therapy were shown too beneficial. The pharmacological effect of the compounds often arises from their chemical structure elucidation and knowledge. Hence, the development of rational technology of pharmaceutical preparations follows the identification of active constituents in pharmaceutical herbs. The proper use of pharmaceutical herbs supplies the organism with the natural substances, thus preventing various diseases.

An anti-influenza virus agent contains the medicinal herb extracts including Houttuyniae herbal extract, Acanthopanax sessiliflorus, Seem extract, Saposhnikoviae Radix extract and Bupleurum falcatum L. extract, wherein the medicinal herb extracts are prepared by extracting the medicinal herbs with at least one solvent selected from C1-C4 lower alcohol, ethyl acetate, acetone, water and hexane.

The traditional Chinese herb tripterygium wilfordii contains diterpenoid triepoxides comprise triptolide, triptodiolide, triptonide etc. are used to prepare a drug for treating neoplasm.

A nutritious food composition containing an herbal extract as a main component isomaltooligosaccharide,, high fructose and other additives which supplies sufficient nutrients to a woman in childbed and improves the immunity and thus helps the child-bed woman maintain and improve the health. The nutritious food composition contains 10 to 20% by weight of a herbal extract e.g.arabic gum, taurine, silk peptide, polydextrose and herb flavors.These are but a few examples of the many that are developed, and introduced in the market instead as a subsidiary or complimentary medicine.

However, it is worthy to note, and in long time use, that some of these potions have side effects and slow toxic inducement, e.g. the Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum L.), is known to contain a neurotoxin, and may have been inadvertently mixed into the herbal tea. In view of the severity of the adverse health effects and the clear association with consumption of a specific herbal tea, the suspected herbal tea was quickly withdrawn from the market. Consumption of the herbal tea caused required hospitalization of persons due to generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Morphologic and organoleptic investigations of the suspected herbal tea indicated that this possibly contained the neurotoxin anisatin, a non-competitive GABA-antagonist which can cause hyperactivity of the central nervous system and tonic-clonic seizures. Hence ingestion of a herbal tea containing anisatin caused the reported serious adverse health effects.

Our advice is that one has to treat these herbal drugs with caution and after considerable consultation lest serious adverse or allergic effects may arise during treatment and use.

Health Benefits of Chinese Green Tea

Chinese green tea benefits are numerous - most are health-related but some are cultural, especially in China, the home of green tea. Here, people drink green tea during meals to improve digestion and dissolve oil or fat in the food, and throughout the day as a refreshing beverage. Green tea is also offered to visitors to welcome them into the home or workplace, and it's a common ingredient in many traditional health remedies. Listed below are some Chinese green tea benefits, as well as common green tea uses, and tips on how to make a cup of green tea.

Chinese Green Tea Benefits
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, these are some important green tea medical benefits:
• Stops thirst
• Stimulates appetite
• Improves digestion
• Diuretic
• Clears heat from your body
• Removes phlegm
• Reduces fat
• Reduces high cholesterol

Green Tea Uses
While there are numerous Chinese green tea benefits, there are also many traditional green tea uses, not just as a drink, but as a skin wash, a mouthwash, and as an ingredient in folk remedies.

Green tea mouthwash: Trying to find green tea mouthwash to buy? The traditional way is to simply place 1-3 grams of loose green tea leaves in a cup and add hot water. When it cools, use the tea to rinse your mouth. Repeat as often as you like. Green tea cleans your teeth and prevents tooth decay and problems like gingivitis.

Green tea cleansing skin care wash: Another of the traditional green tea uses - to cleanse and cool your face and body skin. It's also used in cases of swelling, inflammation and itching, e.g. from insect bites and sunburn. Steep 6 grams of loose or whole green tea leaves in a bowl of hot water. When cool, apply the leaves directly to the skin or use the tea water to wash the skin.

Green tea and weight control: It is generally believed in China that you can drink green tea to lose weight. For this reason it is not uncommon for thin people to be advised not to drink too much tea. Pu Er Tea from Yunnan province in China is renowned for its ability to benefit digestion, reduce fat and treat obesity. Steep 6 grams of the tea in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Drink throughout the day by topping up the cup with fresh, hot water as required. Cover the cup when not in use.

Green tea infusions: As mentioned, green tea is also a common ingredient in traditional Chinese medicinal teas, for example:
1. Green tea and honey - constipation remedy.
2. Green tea, garlic and natural brown sugar - to kill germs and resolve toxins.
3. Green tea, chrysanthemum flowers and honey - for headache, dizziness and sore eyes.

Caffeine Content in Green Tea
The caffeine content in green tea depends on the type of tea, brewing time in the cup or pot, and what part of the plant the leaf is from. One cup of green tea may contain 20-40 mg of caffeine - a cup of coffee may contain 100mg or more. Unless you have a medical condition or are taking medication requiring you to limit your caffeine intake, you shouldn't be too concerned about the caffeine content in green tea. What you should do is replace coffee (which does far more harm than good) with 3-5cups a day of green tea - there are so many Chinese green tea benefits you're really missing out if you don't drink it.

How to make green tea (cup)

• Boil water (use as pure a water as possible and a non-plastic kettle) then let it cool for a few minutes.
• Place desired amount of whole green tea leaves in the cup & add a small amount of hot water. Swish the water around to wash the tea leaves, and then tip it out.
• Top up the cup with hot water & let steep for 2-3 minutes before drinking.
• Re-use the leaves up to 3 times throughout the day by topping up the cup with fresh, hot water each time. Cover the cup when not in use.

With the interest in Chinese green tea benefits increasing in Western countries, more studies are being conducted to verify the traditional claims from China. Chinese people don't need scientific proof of the benefits of green tea though - they've been consuming it for at least 2 thousand years, so they already know it's good for you.

Health Benefits of Tea and Coffee

Overall, the research shows that coffee is far more healthful than it is harmful," says Tomas DePaulis, PhD, research scientist at Vanderbilt University's Institute for Coffee Studies, which conducts its own medical research and tracks coffee studies from around the world. "For most people, very little bad comes from drinking it, but a lot of good."

Consider this: At least six studies indicate that people who drink coffee on a regular basis are up to 80% less likely to develop Parkinson's, with three showing the more they drink, the lower the risk. Other research shows that compared to not drinking coffee, at least two cups daily can translate to an 80% drop in liver cirrhosis risk, and nearly half the risk of gallstones.

Coffee even offsets some of the damage caused by other vices, some research indicates. "People who smoke and are heavy drinkers have less heart disease and liver damage when they regularly consume large amounts of coffee compared to those who don't," says DePaulis.

Indeed, the brain responds to coffee in a unique way. The extra alertness can often help to focus, concentrate and even remember details at a higher rate.

Coffee also aids workers to concentrate. 200mg of caffeine can significantly reduce the tendency towards sleepiness and convert grogginess to alertness and concentration. In fact, coffee usually helps workers for at least 5-7 hours which can help out for the entire shift.

Also, many workers will find themselves feeling especially groggy after lunch. This is also an efficient time to drink coffee because attention, memory and concentration are most likely a part of the job. There are also studies that have shown that people who drink coffee over the lunch hour are more contented and more interested in their work, as well as more alert. However, it is also important that addiction to coffee can eventually increase the rate of irritability.

It is also important to consider what is necessary to perform at your best. Coffee can actually increase information processing by 10%. This is especially important for repetitive work. Coffee can also help to deal with the problem of headaches.

Another Health Benefits of Green Tea

The tea category that has lately increased its popularity in the Western consumer market is Green tea. As the rest three of the main four tea varieties (white, oolong and black teas), Green tea comes from the leaves of the plant "Camellia sinensis" after the process of minimal oxidation. Extremely liked for its taste and color in mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan and the Middle East, Green tea has become in recent times the focal point of research for its tremendous health benefits and has earned the attention of the general public.

According to Chinese legend, tea was born by an accident. It was due to a sudden wind that some tea leaves fell inside the Chinese Emperor's kettle while water was boiling. When he decided to taste the unique liquid that was been formed, he was so pleased with the outcome that he introduced it to his people and explored the various processes that would enhance its taste and coloring. But although many people believe Green tea to be the less oxidized form of tea, the truth is that White teas are the ones less processed from all tea categories. But as trade developed and Chinese products were exchanged as commodities which meant that they had to travel greater distances intact, the Chinese developed a process to store tea for longer periods of time. During the Tang Dynasty, wild tea was gathered and then steamed on a bamboo tray, which helped grinding the tea leaves into fine pulp called "tea mud." Then tea mud was pressed and left to harden, later dried in the sun and baked to prevent it from rotting. Although these stages of tea process are not similar to the ones used to produce Green tea today, they remained popular over different Chinese Dynasties, playing a significant role in the developing culture of East Asia and transcended through time as a symbol of power and status. This is probably attributed to the fact that it was directly related to the royal times of the great Chinese Emperors.

As early as the 9th century people have been praising Green tea's health benefits and when later in time lifestyle choices and fast-working environments made people extremely tired and stressed out, many began seeking the most appropriate natural methods known to man in order to decompress and find the needed relief or even the cure for their anxieties. Their prayers were answered by Green tea as its health benefits have been well-documented in China for at least 4,000 years. In fact, scientific research in both Asia and the West is providing hard evidence for the health benefits associated with drinking Green tea.

Green tea also fights infections, prevents food poisoning and tooth decay, is known for its positive effects on people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and helps reduce high cholesterol levels. In short, Green tea is a great source of antioxidants and is considered one of the healthier stimulants available to today's consumers. So, next time you need a beverage that will do you some good and taste something different, try consuming the Green tea leaves you can find and purchase from your local grocery shop. You will probably discover your new favorite drink as you can consume it hot or cold, depending on whether you need to relax or rejuvenate in an instant!

China’s Pu-erh Tea

The restorative and medical properties associated with Pu-erh tea are truly astonishing. Often referred to as the "Wonder Tonic" and the "Medicinal Tea", Pu-erh tea has been hugely popular in China for over 1700 years. For centuries it was given as a tribute to the Emperor and high ranking officials within the Imperial Courts of China. Its high value and many health benefits lead to high demands and the frequency of the tributes gave it the title "Tribute Tea".

Accounts on the health benefits and medical use of Pu-erh tea has been documented in various ancient scripts and famous books throughout Chinese history. Pu-erh tea is strongly believed to have wide ranging health benefits from anti aging, prevention of heart disease, diabetic control, removal of toxins to curing dysentery, inflammation, aiding digestion and weight loss, improving the eyesight, blood circulation and reviving those who are overly intoxicated with alcohol.

The long term consumption of Pu-erh tea is believed to help reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol levels and play an important role in preventing heart disease. Pu-erh tea made from wild old tea trees are reputed to be more potent, containing strong Qi (translated as "life energy" or "life force") that helps with the body's blood circulation and aiding the removal of toxins.

In many traditional Chinese restaurants especially those serving dim sum dishes Pu-erh tea is the customary drink served. Its ability to break down oily and fatty food and aid digestion makes it an ideal drink to have alongside delicious Chinese dishes that are often high in fat. After a heavy meal drinking Pu-erh tea is said to help clean the intestines and stomach. In some quarters Pu-erh tea is used as a slimming tea and consumed to assist with weight loss.

Green Tea’s Major Benefits

A plethora of images, memories and ideas come up when someone thinks of a cup of tea. For some it is gallons of sun tea brewing on the back porch while for others it is a memory of cold nights by the fireplace. One of the most popular teas to brew out of all the ones on the market is green tea. There are numerous benefits to green tea that can range from flavor to health benefits. The following are the three major benefits of green tea: enjoyment, energy and essential health benefits.

Enjoyment
The sheer enjoyment that goes along with a soothing cup of green tea is perhaps the simplest benefit. This drink is a favorite because of its light and delicate flavors which makes it a good complement to breakfasts, lunch and dinner. Green tea is fabulous with honey even though it can be served with or without sweeteners. Green tea is not longer only being served as a hot beverage. Now it is served as a cold bottled beverages and a component in smoothies or frappes. Now you can enjoy the flavor of green tea even on hot summer days.

Energy
Another benefit of green tea in addition to enjoyment is the energy factor. Green tea has caffeine like coffee. Green tea contains less caffeine, but it is still a great way to get over the late afternoon hump. The benefit of green tea is actually this small dose of caffeine since it is just enough to give you a boost but doesn’t cause the jittery, anxious feeling typically associated with other caffeinated beverages. So consider pouring a hot cup of water and dipping in a bag of green tea the next time you go to the coffee machine in your office.

Essential Health Benefits
Two great benefits of green tea are the enjoyment and energy, but the greatest benefit is the health benefits. These are becoming increasingly more noticeable with green tea. Antioxidants are abundant in green tea and they help counterbalance free radicals. As a result of our bodies natural metabolic processes, free radical are produced which cause damage to our cells. Antioxidants prevent some of this damage by counterbalancing these free radicals. Follow the urge to grab a cup and enjoy some green tea no matter which of the three benefits interest you.

Green Tea for Yeast Infection

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to ward off yeast infections in the first place. One home remedy for yeast infection is simply to drink good quality, fresh green tea everyday. Organic green tea would even be better. Also, limit the amount of sweet you eat. Candida breeds even more profusely when you ingest a lot of sugar.

Green tea is a known natural remedy for yeast infection. It is because polyphenols in green tea have been shown to inhibit many other bacteria capable of causing infections.

Green tea protects against disease-causing microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract. It also promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestine.

Other than making sure you drink quality green tea everyday, another home remedy for yeast infection is to make sure that you don't create a breeding ground for bacteria. Always keep yourself dry. Tight fitting clothes doens't allow for good air circulation. Use cotton or other natural fibers. Limit your use of lycra spandex, leather, and other fabrics that don't breathe.

Sugar can cause chronic yeast infections. Use brown sugar or honey, instead. They take longer to break down in your body, thereby lessening the amount of circulating blood sugars.

Avoid foods that are "yeasty" such as bread, mushrooms, and alcoholic beverages. Studies have shown that avoiding these types of foods for three to six months will often notice a significant improvement.

Avoid bubble baths, scented tampons, colored toilet paper, and products with dyes, perfumes, and other chemicals that can irritate vaginal tissues. Use unscented, white toilet paper instead.
Another great natural remedy for yeast infection is to eat a live-culture yogurt.

Keep stress under control. It's true! Stress can cause or aggravate your condition. Drinking warm green tea before you start your day and throughout the day, will not only cleans your whole system but provide a very relaxing mood as well.

Information about Tea

Some facts are fundamentally universal: when it is cold and damp outside, the human body craves something warm. Now, whether that warmness is in the form of steaming soup, hot tea or fresh-brewed coffee is up to the chilly consumer. But while the United States has become a seemingly Starbucks-infested coffee culture, a growing number of Americans are choosing tea for more reasons than simply warmth.

In 2005, the tea industry had its fourteenth consecutive year of sales increases, while retail supermarket sales alone surpassed $1.9 billion. This number is expected to continue to grow over the next five years. No longer just for the British, tea is fighting back as the beverage that is hard to ignore. In fact, 1.42 million pounds of tea is consumed every day in the U.S. and 519 million pounds are imported into the country each year.

But similar to choosing the perfect coffee bean or a complimentary bottle of wine, picking out the tea for your taste can be a dizzying task. Amazingly, all tea comes from the same plant called the Camellia sinensis, which is an evergreen native to China. It can grow up to 90 feet tall and in the past, some cultures taught monkeys to pick the tea leaves that they couldn't reach. However, modern times and technology have allowed farmers to grow the trees to just three feet for easier cultivation. The plant's leaves range from smooth and shiny to fuzzy and white-haired. Each of those is making up a specific type of tea. Totally, the plant yields up to 3,000 varieties of tea, which can easily be broken up into three main categories: green, black, and oolong teas. Flavored and herbal teas also deserve to be mentioned, though they are not officially "tea."

Green Tea: Making up about 10 percent of the world's tea consumption, green tea has gotten a lot of recent media coverage for its health benefits. Where it grows: Far East: China and Japan What is tastes like: Green tea is greenish-yellow in color with a delicate taste that is slightly astringent and grassy. What you should know: It is high in antioxidants.

White tea: The rarest of all teas, the leaves are the same as green tea leaves, but they are plucked from the plant when they are still very young, giving them their extremely light color. Where it grows: a Fujian province on China's east coast What tastes like: As one would expect, the tea is nearly colorless and is delicate in flavor with a slightly sweet and nutty quality. What you should know: You may recognize white tea from recent Snapple commercials launching their new line of "Good for You" white and green tea bottled drinks.

Black tea: This is the most common type of tea, which accounts for about 87 percent of America's tea consumption. Where it grows: Africa, India, Sri Lanka and Indonesia What tastes like: Black tea can come in a range of flavors, but is usually found to have a heartier taste than green or oolong teas. What you should know: The main difference between black tea and green tea is the oxidation process. Black tea leaves are fully oxidized whereas green tea leaves are lightly steamed before they are dried. This process contributes to the tea's taste as well as caffeine content. Like green tea, black tea has also been shown to have health benefits. Research has suggested that the antioxidants found in black tea may play a preventive role in conditions like heart disease and stroke.

Pu-erh tea: Also speller Puer, this tea technically falls in the black tea family, but is fermented twice (instead of once), which elevates it to its own category. The double oxidation process followed by a period of maturation allows the leaves to develop a thin layer of mold. Where it grows: Southwest China, Burma, Vietnam and Laos What tastes like: Due to the layer of mold, pu-erh tea takes on a soil-like flavor with a strong, earthy quality. What you should know: Although the tea is distinctly dirt-tasting, pu-erh is often used for medicinal purposes as a digestive aid.

Oolong tea: Considered to be among the finest (and most expensive) teas in the world, oolong
Tea is semi-fermented, which means that it goes through a short oxidation period that turns the leaves from green to a red-brown color. Where it grows: Taiwan What tastes like: Pale yellow in color, the tea has a floral, fruity flavor reminiscent of peaches with a hint of smoke. What you should know: Tea connoisseurs consider the oolong flavor to be the most delicate and frown on drinking it with milk, sugar or lemon as to preserve the natural taste.

Flavored tea, Blends, Herbal Infusions and Tisanes
Because tea naturally absorbs other flavors quite easily, cultures have been adding herbs, spices, oils and flowers to their tea for centuries. In China, adding flowers such as jasmine, orchard, rose and magnolia to teas is quite popular. In many Arabic nations, they add fresh mint leaves and heaping spoonfuls of sugar to their tea. And in India, they make spicy masala tea by adding spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and peppers.

If black and green teas are considered "purebreds," then blended teas are considered "mutts." Tea producers use different strains of tea to create flavors like English breakfast and Earl Grey.

Unlike flavored tea and other blends, herbal infusions and tisanes are not technically tea as they are not made with leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant. Instead, tisane (tee-ZAHN) is an herbal tea made from herbs, spices and flowers and added to boiling water. Herbal drinks are typically recognized for their caffeine-free quality and also for soothing and rejuvenating effects. Commonly found herbal teas include chamomile, peppermint, fennel, raised hip and lemon verbena.

Caffeine Conundrum
People find all sorts of reasons not to drink tea, but two of the most common center around the avoidance or obsession with caffeine. Consider these facts about tea and caffeine from the UK tea council:

• 4 cups of tea per day offer good health benefits without the contraindications of other caffeinated drinks.
• Four cups of tea contain only moderate amounts of caffeine, which has been shown to increase concentration, thereby improving performance.
• When drinking a normal cup of tea, you consume significantly less caffeine than a cup of instant coffee or one you would buy at a coffee shop.
• Tea contains at least half the level of caffeine than coffee.

Tea Traditions
Though not nearly as common in America as in other parts of the world like Ireland and Britain, the custom of tea still penetrates many households in this country. Afternoon tea is said to have originated in the early 1800s by Anna Russell, Duchess of Bedford who wanted some sort of mid-afternoon snack to ward off hunger pains until dinner. The tradition continues today, and while every British family does not sit down for a formal tea each day, many of the most elegant hotels in London (and in America) still serve a lavish spread for tea each afternoon. International chains like the Ritz-Carlton and the Four Seasons often offer a tea time treat, but check with your local hotels for times and pricing.

Tea’s Benefits

Claims have bombarded us regarding a specific product being the cure-all for all sorts of ailments. Some of these include the ability of snake oil products to cure baldness, rheumatism, weight loss and digestive problems. In curing your aches and pains this miracle product guarantees your complete satisfaction of your money back. Often times these extraordinary claims are viewed with skepticism.

However, for thousands of years a drink has existed that emerging studies have been able to support its reputation as a wonder product. Some amazing returns are starting to yield from drinking green tea. The human body can be aided in a number of ways by drinking green tea. Fighting viruses and other various ailments are some of the possible benefits from drinking green tea.

Viruses
Test results also suggest that another possible benefit of drinking green tea is the ability to negate viruses. Viruses that cause the body to experience diarrhea, pneumonia, inflammation of the bladder and infections of our skin have been shown in studies to be effectively counteracted by green tea. The mouth can also be cleansed of viruses by sipping the tea.

The immune system is also believed to be stimulated by certain ingredients in the tea. The role of the immune system is strengthened and increased in combating viruses and the bacteria that invade the body as a result of this stimulation.

Other Benefits
A broad spectrum of soothing ailments within the body is other possible benefits of drinking green tea. This includes cataracts, arthritis, hearing loss and tooth decay. The role of green tea in maintains health is larger than previously suspected as recent case studies have suggested, even though for thousands of years this drink has been popular.

A Little Information about Oolong Tea

Extensive research showed how oolong tea had magnificently made a difference on diverting the market into consuming a new breed of tea from the traditional green and black teas.

The benefits of oolong tea are diverse. From its unique flavor and aroma to its endless list of healthful benefits, oolong tea is definitely a must-add element in your everyday health regimen.

To know more about oolong tea, here is a list of its proven health advantages.
1. It contains higher amount of polyphenols

2. Foils skin damage
Sometimes the best way to fend off skin damage is to get back to the basics. So toss your high-tech skin treatments aside and indulge in great-smelling, mouth-watering oolong tea. According to the experts, oolong tea can significantly protect your skin from excessive appearance of dark pigments brought about by free radicals.
Moreover, these free radicals are known culprits for facilitating skin aging. With oolong tea, you can definitely stop the aging process by instilling polyphenols in the body, which in turn, delay the aging process.

3. Cut down triglyceride level
Too-high triglyceride levels are another factor associated with a greater risk of heart disease especially when the count reaches 150 or above. This is even true in some people with total cholesterol levels of 150 or below. If you have already had a heart attack, you need to take an especially aggressive stand against these troublemakers by aiming for a target of 100 or below.

If your triglyceride score is too high, restrict saturated fat. Weight loss is particularly important in normalizing triglycerides. With the help of oolong tea, you can easily gain control in losing triglyceride because of its polyphenol content. This substance activates the enzyme that is in charge of melting fatty deposits known as triglycerides. Plus, oolong tea can facilitate fat metabolism within the body.

4. Lesser caffeine content
For those who want to enjoy an afternoon cup of hot drink, instead of coffee or any other type of tea, it is best that they drink oolong tea instead. Experts say that the caffeine content in oolong tea is half as much as that of the black tea and green tea.

Higher dosage of caffeine in the body tends to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system that manages the heart rate. This will, in turn, trigger heart palpitations.

So for health reasons, it is best to drink oolong tea. You may never know its health benefits unless you try.

Drinking Green Tea

Green tea is the latest health drink that has taken the whole world by storm. Nowadays, if you want to be healthy, you have to be drinking green tea regularly. Although there are many studies that have provided well-documented evidence to the perceived benefits of green tea, only a few have extensively tackled the link between green tea and weight loss. Can this healthy drink lead the path to physical fitness as well?

The Health Benefits of Drinking Green Tea
Before we attempt establishing a link between green tea and weight loss, let's begin by studying the various health benefits associated with green tea.

Green tea is actually a drink that has been used for medicinal purposes as early as four centuries ago in China. Today, it continues to be a widely important drink in the Eastern world although its influence is growing in the Western hemisphere as well especially because more and more people are becoming health conscious.

Besides providing general aid to the human body and helping it become and stay healthy, green tea can also assist in the following situations:

• Reduce Cholesterol Levels - Several studies have also shown that there's a link between cholesterol levels and green tea. The more you drink, the lower your cholesterol levels. This will be discussed further later on and when the connection between green tea and weight loss will be established.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis - People suffering from arthritic problems can now have a less painful lifestyle with the help of green tea. The curative properties of green tea can effectively reduce the symptoms of arthritis in the long run, enabling affected individuals to have a normal lifestyle once more.
• Other possible benefits for drinking tea are a more effective treatment for infection and heart diseases and even the prevention of tooth decay.

The Link between Green Tea and Weight Loss
Finally, we come to the most important part: can drinking green tea help you lose weight?

If you ask the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, they'll either say no directly or appear undecided since they're maintaining the position that the health benefits of green tea are still unproven. The American Medical Association, however, states the contrary and some of the benefits it does acknowledge include possible links to weight loss.

Lowering Cholesterol Levels - Once again, we go back to cholesterol, which is a compound that can make it harder for us to lose weight. There are two types of cholesterol: HDL and LDL. The latter is what causes us weight problems, and thankfully, drinking green has been shown to effectively reduce the amount of LDL in our bodies.

Increased Metabolism - A body's metabolism rate determines the speed of which our body is able to digest the food we've eaten. A higher metabolism rate is generally better for people who intend to lose weight because this means that their bodies are able to quickly get rid of the food they've consumed, thus preventing them to carry excess fats.

Lower Stress Levels - Stress and pressure has been long acknowledged as an important factor in gaining weight. Consequently, if you can significantly lower your stress levels, you'll have better chances of losing weight. Drinking green tea has also been shown to have the desired effect on a person's stress levels because of the high amount of antioxidants it possesses.

Possible Concerns When Drinking Green Tea
Drinking green tea however is not for everyone. If you are carrying or breast-feeding, anemic, or experiencing sleeping problems, certain properties of green tea may simply aggravate your situation so it's best if you consult your doctor first before proceeding to drink green tea.

In the end, whether you believe or not that green tea can help you lose weight, you'll gain more and lose nothing at all if you try drinking it all the same. Drinking green tea to be healthy has already been satisfactorily proven; if it helps you lose pounds as well then so much the better! If it doesn't, then at least you're healthy!

The Wonderful Green Tea

Clever people those ancient Chinese, it's historically been used as an herbal remedy and really has stood the test of time. Let us take a look and see just why we should all be drinking the stuff.

Why the Color?

Green tea derives from the same plant (Camellia sinensis) as all other Tea but acquires its distinctive color from the way it's treated following picking. Normally tea is left to oxidize and turns brown as a consequence, but with green tea this oxidation process is prevented by steaming or pan frying the leaves to help retain all the health giving properties within the leaf. And of course it's color.

The Taste

Green tea has a light delicate flavor served without milk and normally without any sugar. Personally I found it a little bitter initially but have grown accustomed to this in much the same way as you would the bitterness in coffee. It's the tannins in the tea and coffee that cause this bitterness. Green Tea also makes a refreshing cold drink, with sugar or honey used to taste.

Health Benefits

Here are just a few of the "miracle" benefits of green tea, over and above the fact that it's a pleasant tasting drink:

· Reduce cholesterol

· Increase metabolism to aid a weight loss program

· Inhibit the formation of blood clots

· Prevent tooth decay and reduce plaque build up

· Helps reduce the impact of the common cold and flu

· Aids digestion if taken following a meal

· Contains more Vitamin C that 1 orange!

· Contains a variety of useful minerals such as zinc, potassium and follic acid

· Reduce bad breath

· Help regulate blood sugar

What Else Can It Do?

Additionally green tea can be used to help cleanse and freshen the face helping to speed the healing of minor cuts and blemishes. And is even used to clean computer disk drive heads as part of the disk production process, apparently it's unsurpassed in its ability to leave the disk heads 100% clear of dirt and dust particles.

Green tea has been used by the Chinese for over a thousand years for a variety of health reasons isn't it about time you tried some?

Discuss about Caffeine

Caffeine occurs naturally in more than 60 plants. It is found in many plants, including coffee beans, cocoa nuts, and tea leaves. When separated, caffeine is a bitter-tasting, white powder. It is then used in medicines and soft drinks.

Caffeine is an addictive drug. Some of the effects of caffeine are: your heart beats faster, your pupils dilate, blood pressure rises, your muscles tighten up, and the liver releases sugar into the bloodstream for extra energy. Caffeine operates using the same mechanisms that amphetamines, cocaine, and heroin use to stimulate the brain, and we crave it. It is estimated that about 90 percent of Americans consume caffeine in one form or another every day, making it the most popular drug by far, in America today.

Caffeine is available in so many of our foods and drinks. Caffeine is in so many foods that we eat, for instance, anything with chocolate, including cereals, milk, ice cream, coffee, tea, and colas.

Caffeine is a major ingredient in chocolate. Your best bet, for all of you chocoholics, is to buy dark chocolate, instead of milk chocolate. That way, you won't put too much caffeine into your body.

Caffeine is a major ingredient in diet bills. Those fancy diet pills being advertised online and on television are chock full of caffeine. It's the "energy" component that the companies keep harping on.

Caffeine stops absorption of beneficial vitamins and minerals in your body. Studies have shown that this chemical can prevent your body from receiving the benefits of vitamins and other beneficial ingredients in foods.

Caffeine Withdrawal causes many side effects. When one is trying to omit or cut down on the intake of caffeine, the body reacts by physical and mental side effects, such as nervousness, unable to concentrate, irritability, and hunger pains. But, in today's lifestyle, it is very difficult to stay away from it.

Drinking Green Tea for Healthy Body and Soul

Green tea is highly regarded by many people today as a “healthy” drink. Today’s generation of people have realized the folly of living purely for pleasure and have learned that the cost of some types of pleasure can be too high. Sure, some foods taste great because of chemical additives, but these foods can be deadly too. As an effect of this, many more manufacturers are turning to well-known healthy foods and beverages to appease the demand of the people. Many companies today promote green tea. They try to sell their products by showing people the various effects of green tea for the body and soul.

Many people think that the term “green tea” refers to a single type of tea. However, there are a lot of different varieties of green tea available today. There are, of course, the classifications of Chinese and Japanese green teas to consider. The two “nationalities” of the green tea also have their own sub-classifications. However, that’s another story for another time.

Now, we are discussing the benefits of green tea for the body and soul. And here are some of them.

Chinese and Japanese people have known about the benefits of drinking green tea for the body and soul for a long time. This can be evident in some of their philosophical sayings concerning tea.

One of these sayings is: “the first sip is joy, the second is gladness, the third is serenity, the fourth is madness and the fifth is ecstasy.”

The high regard of Orientals for the green tea is not only because of the fact that it is loaded with antioxidants and thus, good for the body. The high regard that people today have for green tea is because of the effects that it has on one’s soul. Each sip of green tea has a calming effect on people. It enables poets to write verses. It helps philosophers gain new insights into life. Although various medical bodies may deny the effect of green tea on the body and soul, thousands upon thousands of generations of Chinese and Japanese will still attest to the fact that green tea helps.

The effects of green tea and soul have been denied by some as the effect of a placebo. However, studies have also shown that people who do drink green tea have less risk of getting cardiovascular diseases. The antioxidants found in green tea also have the effect of fighting aging. One of the effects of green tea for the body and soul is that it could act as a virtual fountain of youth. You might not live forever, but you will live pretty damn long.

Smooth Chai Tea

The ancient and modern Chinese has believed that drinking tea can bring in good health. They have numerous reasons to assert that. Through centuries, Chinese health experts have been relying on herbal and alternative medications to illnesses and they have been quite doing well at it.

India would never be left behind when it comes to herbal treatments and supplements. Tea is not exclusive to the Chinese culture. India, being one of the oldest systematized and health conscious civilizations, also has its own sets of teas.

The chai tea is the best know tea that has originated from India. Actually, the word 'chai' itself is a Hindu term for the English word 'tea'. Globally, the chai tea is also popularly known as 'masala chai', which, when translated into the Hindu language would literally mean ' spiced tea'.

The chai tea is different from all the other types of tea that has been known and created by mankind. Because it originated from India, which is a mysterious culture itself, the tea is very mystique and is hugely arising curiosity all around the world.

The Chai Tea
The chai tea is a kind of tea that is particularly characterized by the presence of milk. Thus, the appearance of the chai tea is extremely tempting.

Chai tea is also having a distinct and strong color and flavor. Because of the presence of milk, one would certainly how it tastes like. To describe it, the chain tea has that appealing sweet taste because sugar or other alternative sweeteners are added to it.

The Milk in Chai Tea
What makes the chai tea different from all other teas is the presence of milk in the traditional Indian beverage. Usually, milk does not go along well with teas, but in this case, it can be extraordinarily noted that the milk and the tea work harmoniously to please the tea drinker.
The milk is proportionately added to the tea to give that distinct rich and creamy texture that would surely please your taste buds. It should be noted that milk is always hot before it is added to make the chai tea.

People who would like to make their own chai tea can easily do so. Another wonder of the chai tea is that it can easily be prepared nowadays.

Coffee and Tea Chains
Because the world is being taken by storm by different coffee and tea brands that establish chains in different countries, each of these coffee and tea stores are devising their own unique tea and coffee menu.

You could take note that the chai tea is fast becoming a popular choice for tea drinkers. This is evident at the way coffee and tea chains include the tea in their long list of menu.

From the United States-based coffee shops, to the localized Indian tea houses, demand for chai tea is rapidly increasing.

How to Make Chai Tea
But did you know that like ordinary coffee, you could also easily prepare your own chai tea? The process can be as simple as preparing instant coffee.

Of course making the traditional chai tea is not as simple because ingredients like curry leaves, cloves, lemon grass, cardamom and others are not that simple to prepare. But there are alternative and easy-to-make chai teas out in the market today.

For example, there are liquid and powdered chai teas in specialty tea stores. You could easily buy such products, but they can never as cheap as you would want them to be. Chai teas can also be marketed in tea bags.

Usually, these instant chai teas only need to be added with hot milk as the solvent, where the tea would be dissolved or immersed. Sugar can also be added if the drinker would prefer.

The advent of espresso machines can also be of great advantage. Espresso machines are necessary for preparing latte drinks. If you are creative enough, you could prepare chai tea in latte.

Imagine what smooth, milky sensation the chai tea would become if it is made into latte. It is in this form that modern and westernized coffee and tea shops are selling chai teas to sophisticated beverage drinkers.

Just like how spices make food better, spices are making chai teas distinctly different and appealing to the palate. Try it out and experience the rich Indian tea experience that is not only invigorating, but also health-giving.

Tea Addiction

Addictions
Addictions come in many guises, food, drink, alcohol or prescription or non-prescribed drugs to name but a few. All involve an over indulgence in one or a set of substances with attendant adverse effects on lifestyle and diet, an attack on mind and body. Tea can be of great benefit in the recovery from addiction. We are not necessarily talking here of the traditional and familiar better known black leaf tea - although some research would suggest that drinking this milder form of stimulant (as part of an overall package of prescribed care) can be an aid to weaning oneself from harder, more damaging forms - but of herbal infusions: mixtures of naturally occurring products which treat the body and spirit and aid recovery.

Herbal Treatments
Herbal treatments can help remove the residues of drug substances from the system by promoting sweating. Yarrow, elder flowers and peppermint are efficacious in this respect. Red root and Echinacea can assist in cleansing the lymph system whilst a blend of Fennel, Fennugreek, Flax, Liquorice, Burdock and Peppermint can help to stimulate the elimination of wastes from the body by providing a liver flush.

Calming Herbs
Bergamot, chamomile, geranium, lavender, patchouli, rose, sandalwood and ylangylang are all effective in helping to counter depression whilst clary, sage and jasmine can help to lift spirits. Nervous tension can be eased with basil, marjoram, neroli, rose and tangerine. Irritability can be alleviated by the use of chamomile, cypress, lavender and thyme. Insomnia might be eased through chamomile, marjoram, rose, and ylang ylang. Ginger and jasmine help to improve confidence, basil and patchouli are said to help where indecisiveness is an issue and chamomile, lemon and thyme are all said to boost the immune system.

Blends of herbs and essential oils taken as infusions can, then, be very effective as part of packages of care in the treatment of, and recovery from, addictions of many sorts. So, instead of 'more tea vicar?' why not ‘tea, the healthier alternative?'

Tea Bag Folding Creations

The increase in health awareness and organic living has helped spark the resurgence of tea drinking across the globe. In the United States alone, tea sales almost tripled from less than two billion dollars in 1990 to over six billion dollars in 2005, according to the Tea Association of the United States.

At present, you will surely find a variety of tealeaves, such as oolong, rose, vanilla, jasmine, mint, and even fruit teas, including lychee, lemon and mango, in local supermarkets and coffee shops. Even tea bags have evolved from the common rectangular shape to the new circular or pyramid-shaped tea bag that is infused with long tealeaves instead of dust, which are indistinguishable tealeaf particles.

Along with the rise in the popularity of tea drinking over the years is the emergence of tea bag folding. Tiny van der Plaas, a woman from Holland, was the one who created this tea bag envelope inspired paper craft. She came up with the idea of tea bag folding, which is commonly known as Miniature Kaleidoscopic Origami, when she started to fold up a fruit tea bag envelope while thinking of a novel way of creating a birthday card for her sister.

Tea Bag Folding Basics
Tea bag folding can be compared to origami, a popular Japanese paper craft, in the sense that both hobbies make use of paper to create various designs. However, tea bag folding creations are usually just used to decorate cards and are made using small matching paper squares. In contrast, the Japanese origami cannot only be used as decorations for cards and gifts, but also to produce paper replicas of different animals, flowers, and almost anything under the sun.

In the past, only tea bag envelopes were used for this paper craft technique. As more and more people all over the world learn of this paper folding art, however, paper manufacturers have started to produce specialty papers exclusively for miniature kaleidoscopic origami. Tea bag folding aficionados all across the globe have also modernized this paper craft art by coming up with more magnificent and intricate geometric designs and innovative and unique materials.

Kaleidoscope papers come in various colors and designs, such as flowers, stars, musical instrument, snowflakes, dragons, spirals, and even soccer balls. Most tea bag papers available in the market are printed in 90-100 grams per square meter paper.

Uses of Miniature Kaleidoscopic Origami
Tea bag folding was traditionally used to decorate birthday cards. Now, you can use this colorful and wonderful paper craft as decorations of greeting cards for all occasions. Some people utilize tea bag folding to decorate photo frames, wall frames, wall clocks, and even scrapbooks. With just a bit of imagination and creativity, you can make use of tea bag folding to decorate almost anything and everything.

Moreover, tea bag folding can be considered as a relaxing hobby. If you feel that you are on the edge, stressed out because of too much work, try creating tea bag folding designs, and you will definitely loosen up a bit.

Tea Bag Folding Materials
The most important material of this craft is tea bag envelope - if you want to be traditional - or colorful paper. For a more intricate effect, you might want to choose paper with geometric designs and elaborate patterns.

Other essential materials of tea bag folding are cutting mat, scissors, ruler (preferable metal edged), knife or cutter, and paper adhesive.

Popular Tea Bag Folding Designs
For people who are interested in starting a miniature kaleidoscopic origami, you can find a lot of materials and reference over the Internet. There are also some scrapbooking stores that carry tea bag folding materials and books that could help you learn this paper art. If you are on a tight budget, you can even just print tea bag folding designs that are available on the Net.

If you are a neophyte tea bag folding practitioner, you might want to start creating tea bag rosettes. This is a colorful flower-shaped design that can be used to decorate gifts, cards, and even bookmarks. Another beautiful tea bag folding design that has caught the hearts of many is the starburst design. You can use glitters so that your paper star design will look more brilliant and vibrant.

Tea bag folding is an easy and inexpensive hobby you can take on. Once you have started tea bag folding, you will surely get instantly hooked.

Healthy with Tea

We've been drinking Tea Europe for centuries and in China for Millennia. The health benefits of drinking tea are many and varied.

Here are some tea facts that I bet you were not aware of:

• Tea with milk provides 16% of daily calcium requirement in 4 cups
• Tea contains some zinc and follic acid
• Tea with milk contains Vitamin B6, Riboflavin B2 and Thiamin B1
• Tea is a source of the minerals manganese, essential for bone growth and body development, and potassium, vital for maintaining body fluid levels
• The average cup of tea contains less than half the level of caffeine than coffee. One cup contains only 50mg per 190ml cup
• Tea is a natural source of fluoride and delivers 45% of your daily requirement if you drink 3/4 cups per day
• Only 11% of UK water supply has fluoride added
• Green and black teas are from the same plant, Camelia sinensis, and contain similar amounts of antioxidants and caffeine

Did You Know?

• Tea outsells coffee by 2 to 1.
• 96% of all cups of tea drunk daily in the UK are brewed from tea bags.
• The UK drinks 165 million cups per day - 62 billion cups per year.
• 45% of people take sugar with their tea.
• 98% of people take milk with tea.

Additionally tea can be used to help cleanse and freshen the face (no milk required) helping to speed the healing of minor cuts and blemishes. And is even used to clean computer disk drive heads as part of the disk production process, apparently it's unsurpassed in its ability to leave the disk heads 100% clear of dirt and dust particles.

Weight Loss with Oolong Tea

What Makes a Tea an Oolong Tea?
There are 3 main distinct types of tea which can be generally categorized as follows:

1. Green Tea: is treated or boiled following picking to prevent the leaves from oxidizing and retaining their natural color.
2. Black Tea: is left to oxidize following picking, that’s how it gets their distinctive color.
3. Oolong Tea: the raw leaves are sun-wilted and then bruised, which exposes their juices to the air, so the leaves oxidize and start to turn brown like a cut fruit. They are allowed to oxidize only partially, giving them a rich, floral flavor. The tea is then dried fully; locking in the rich flavors that oolong tea is known to offer. Oolong’s unique drying process creates a tea that has many metabolic stimulating attributes.

Oolongs range from bright green and slightly fermented to dark-leafed and hearty. The greener varieties are less fermented. Oolong tea therefore comes in a wide range of tastes and aromas from teas very close in taste to green tea to those very close to black tea.

Health Benefits
Oolong tea burns over 157% more fat than Green Tea – and therefore becoming the most popular teas designed to accelerate weight loss.

Drinking two cups of Oolong tea every day not only helps shed stubborn pounds by boosting your metabolism, but also blocks the fattening effects of carbohydrates.

Wulong tea promotes beauty and health - Oolong tea contains a large quantity of polyphenol which:

• promotes strong, healthy teeth
• improves cognitive functioning and mental well-being;
• preventing eczema, allergies
• clarifies your skin, giving it a healthy, radiant glow
• strengthens your immune system.

How to Make a Good Cup of Green Tea

What is green tea?
All tea plants belong to the same species-Camellia sinensis, a perennial evergreen shrub. Due to the varied conditions under which tea plants are grown (different altitudes, climate, soils) this produces a wide range of distinctive leaves and flavors. The way the leaves are processed also produce different types of tea - including black tea, green tea and oolong tea.

Tea plants produce a berry, have lots of foliage, and also have a flower like a camellia. The smallest and youngest leaves are harvested by hand, usually every 1 - 2 weeks depending on the altitude where the tea plants are growing. Generally the lower the altitude the faster the plant grows.

Tea plants grow in warm climates. The best teas, however, are produced by plants grown at higher altitudes where the leaves mature more slowly and yield a richer flavor. Depending upon the altitude, a new tea plant may take from 2 1/2 to 5 years to be ready for commercial picking, but once productive, it can provide tea leaves for close to a 100 years.

Green tea is the least processed and thus provides the most antioxidant polyphenols, notably a catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is believed to be responsible for most of the health benefits linked to drinking green tea. Black and oolong tea is produced from tea leaves that have been fermented and then dried, whereas green tea is steamed and then the leaves are dried. The steaming process is the best for retaining all the goodness within the leaves.

How to Make a Good Cup of Green Tea?
The flavor of tea is enhanced with good quality water, although you should not use distilled water, as tea needs the minerals that are present in water to bring out the tea's flavors. After boiling the water it should be let stand for 2 - 3 minutes before being added to the tea. The tea should then be left to brew for a further 3 - 4 minutes. Green tea is generally taken without milk or sugar being added.

The Health Benefits of Green Tea Include:
• Promotes good heart health
• Lowers cholesterol
• Reduces heart attacks
• Aids in weight loss
• Prevents skin damage
• Improves circulation
• Helps with good digestive health
• Soothes stress
• Is antibacterial
• Helps protect against diabetes
• Strengthens bones

Avoid Green Tea if you have kidney disease, a weak heart, an overactive thyroid, a susceptibility to spasms, or a tendency to anxiety or panic attacks.

Adding Milk to Your Tea, Is It Allowed?

One of the most popular trends in staying healthy today is drinking tea and with good reason. Research has shown that tea may be highly effective in protecting our health and preventing aging and disease. As research continues, we’re learning more and more about the many health benefits of drinking tea.

But, what’s all the fuss about tea? Well, it’s the anti-oxidants that give tea its disease fighting power. Anti-oxidants are critical to our health, and many of us don’t get as many as our bodies need. But, it just happens that tea contains some of the most effective anti-oxidants you’ll ever find.

Anti-oxidants are important because they fight free radicals in our bodies. Free radicals are created in our bodies as it converts the food we eat into energy. These free radicals are oxygen-containing molecules that, over time, can damage our cells and our DNA. This damage leads to premature aging and significantly increases our risk of diseases.

Anti-oxidants work to all over our bodies to neutralize these free radicals before they can damage us. For example, the anti-oxidants in tea have been shown to prevent our bad cholesterol (LDLs) from oxidizing. If LDLs don’t oxidize, then they don’t harden into the plaque that can clog our arterial walls, contributing to heart attacks and strokes.

So, because anti-oxidants are so powerful at protecting our bodies, doctors recommend that we consume a diet high in these important chemicals. For most of us, this means that we need to increase the number of fresh fruits and vegetables we eat. And, we also can get anti-oxidants from other sources like chocolate, coffee, red wine and tea.

Green tea is a preferred source of anti-oxidants because it contains EGCG, one of the most potent anti-oxidants around. EGCG is 100 times more powerful than many vitamins known to be potent anti-oxidants, like Vitamins C and E.

Black tea also contains anti-oxidants, but lacks some of the EGCG that you find in green tea. This is because black tea is fermented during processing. The fermentation process destroys most of the EGCG in the tea leaves. This is why green tea is a more potent anti-oxidant source than black tea.

So, many of us are drinking tea, whether green or black, by the gallon. We’re brewing loose leaf tea, using tea bags and buying it bottled. And, when we don’t get enough EGCG from drinking our tea, we’re taking green tea supplements to get an extra dose.

But, what if we like milk in our tea? This question has come up regularly as people seek to balance the enjoyment of their tea with ensuring that they are getting the maximum health benefit from it.

And, it seems that it’s perfectly fine to put milk in your tea. A study reported by the UK Tea Council examined how adding milk affects tea’s anti-oxidants. The study reported that the addition of milk to tea had no effect on the tea’s anti-oxidant ability. Tea still contained the potent anti-oxidants when the milk was added, and the anti-oxidants had the same effect on the body whether or not the tea contained milk.

So, add milk to your tea if you wish. It’s not going to make your tea any less effective. And, if you enjoy your tea more, you may be likely to drink more of it, which we know is good for you.

Much of the reason that so much research has been performed on the effects of tea is due to the far lower incidence in serious diseases in Asian countries, where tea is consumed in large quantities.

But, Asians drink quite a lot of tea, most of it green. Many Japanese are reported to drink 8-10 cups per day. So, it appears that you should consume a fair quantity of tea if you’re consuming it for its health benefits.

Start by trying to include 3 cups in your diet each day. Work up from that amount, if you can. Remember that tea is just as effective iced as it is hot; you can enjoy it any way you like.

And, remember that green tea supplements are also available, if you find that you just can’t drink that much tea in a day. These supplements are widely available at drugstores and health food stores.

Tea drinking is one of the healthiest habits you can get into. It’s delicious, refreshing and contains less caffeine than coffee or soda. And, tea is available in numerous flavors and forms, making it easy to incorporate some form of it into everyone’s diet. Even your children can enjoy tea to give them a head start on good health.

Black Tea’s Health Benefits

Tea is the second most popular beverage in the world, after water. And, in all parts of the world except Asia, the vast majority of the tea consumed is black tea. Scientists have uncovered many healthful benefits of drinking tea, making drinking this very popular beverage a very healthy habit to get into.

All tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. Black tea differs from green tea and white tea in the way it is processed. Black tea is fermented during processing; green and white tea is not. This is what produces the differences in the color and flavor of the types of tea.

There are also some other differences between green tea and black tea. The fermentation process that black tea undergoes changes some of the plant’s compounds. For this reason, scientists have recently concluded that green tea is more healthful than black. Very little research has been performed on white tea, though it is likely that its compounds are very similar to those in green tea.

The reason that tea is so healthy is that it is a powerful source of anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants are important because they have the power to neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals are created during the digestive process. They are oxygen containing molecules that can destroy cells and DNA if not kept in check. Anti-oxidants prevent free radicals from doing their damage; in the long run preventing aging and disease.

Much research has been shown that suggests that some of the most important anti-oxidants in the tea plant are compromised during the fermentation process; leading to the belief that green tea is far healthier. EGCG is the anti-oxidant most revered in green tea. This anti-oxidant is almost completely destroyed during the fermentation process.

However, there is also research that shows that the one of the most important anti-oxidants in the tea plant – a substance known as theaflavins, are not compromised during the fermentation process. These theaflavins are also very healthy and may also have the power to prevent many diseases.

Theaflavins have also been shown to have the power to inhibit oxidation. There are many situations in the body where oxidation occurs and causes damage. The most significant example is the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.

The reason that a high LDL cholesterol level is bad is that the LDL cholesterol that is floating around in the blood oxidizes and hardens. This causes it to stick to the arterial walls, restricting blood flow. Tea’s anti-oxidants have been shown to prevent this oxidation process, reducing the damage that LDL cholesterol can do.

In other studies, black tea has also been shown to be just as effective as green tea in preventing certain diseases. So, as you can see, green tea isn’t the only tea that’s good for you. Drinking black tea is also a very healthy addition to your diet. And, that’s good news since 80% of the tea consumed in the world is black tea.

Black tea is available nearly any way you want it. There are hundreds of blends and flavors available, ensuring that every palate can be satisfied with some form of green tea. Nearly every restaurant you’ll visit offers tea as a beverage, and you can get bottled tea for when you’re on the go. No other beverage besides water is so easy to come by!

Tea, whether green or black, should be part of your everyday anti-oxidant intake, along with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Ensuring that your diet is rich in anti-oxidants is one of the simplest things you can do to slow down the aging process and prevent a wide variety of diseases.

So, go make yourself a big cup of tea. And, don’t feel guilty if it’s not a cup of green tea. Black tea is good for you too, and may go a long way to helping you stay healthy and young for many years to come.

Having Fun with Your Tea Gift Basket

Nothing says I love you like a gift basket – a collection of favorite things assembled in a beautiful package. And for the tea lover, a tea gift basket can be the most wonderful of gifts; a compilation of treasures to encourage relaxation and reflection as you gather around cups of tea.

The tea gift basket can be assembled in a number of ways. First, there are many gift basket companies – both large and small – that will put together your tea gift basket and ship it directly to the person of your choice. In many cases you will be able to choose exactly what you would like included in the basket to make it a unique and personal gift.

Some companies have a standard tea gift basket you can purchase and send. Most include teacups, tea itself, and tea accouterments such as sugar spoons, loose tea balls, strainers, and sometimes even baked goods.

In many cases, these companies will also allow you to pick the actual basket you would like to be used for your tea gift basket. You can have them include a personal note and your gift is complete.

The Internet is a fantastic resource for finding gift basket companies that will put together your tea gift basket. With the advent and subsequent growth of online commerce, more and more companies of this nature are offering their services through cyberspace. A few clicks of the mouse and you’ve assembled a beautiful gift for the tea lovers among us.

If you really want to personalize your tea gift basket and you have your share of creativity, go ahead and make your own tea gift basket. With a little bit of ingenuity, you’ll create a one-of-a-kind gift that will be most appreciated.

Assemble some favorite teas – some of your favorites and some favorites of the person to whom you are giving the tea gift basket. Include one or two pieces of some beautiful, reasonably priced china; perhaps you can find one or two antique teacups at a local antique store. Then round out the tea gift basket with personal touches; don’t be afraid to get creative! Throw in some delicate linen napkins, an interesting container for loose tea, and some chocolates. Whatever you think will make the tea gift basket unique is exactly what you should include.

Have fun with your tea gift basket. And anyone who receives it will feel the joy.

Natural Remedy for Constipation

If you are looking for a natural remedy for constipation, there is help.

Although each person's routine is different, you pretty much know when you're constipated. However, you might not know what's causing the problem.

Green tea is considered a natural cure for constipation mainly because it promotes "friendly" bacteria in the intestines thereby encourages bowel regularity.

These friendly bacteria help increase your resistance to infection, maintain bowel regularity, and promote digestion. It has also been reported that regular consumption of green tea results in a reduced odor from the feces.

Constipation can also be caused by stress, dehydration, hemorrhoids, or anal fissures. A colon with weak muscle tone can also cause constipation.

If there aren't any serious underlying causes, there is a natural constipation relief.

Make sure you drink plenty of water. Water adds soft bulk to stools. It's also required by the cells of the colon to lubricate the stools' passage.

You should drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. If you're physically active or if you drink coffee or soda that makes you urinate often, you should drink 12 glasses a day.

Dietary fiber absorbs water and makes stools fuller and easier to pass.

Good food sources include prunes, apples, kidney beans, and other legumes, and other oats.
Prune juice, of course, can help you with your problem.

Although it's best to get your fiber from food sources, you can also take a supplement when your meals aren't supplying enough.

If you can afford, eat organic foods. They are healthier choice because they are free from hormones, pesticides, and preservatives. These chemicals are toxic to our system which causes a "traffic" or delay to the normal flow.

In the long run, you would be saving money by buying organic items because you will be a lot healthier, thereby less prone to sickness.

The Power of Herbal Tea

Herbal teas have been around for thousands of years already but its rebirth in the Western world only happened in recent times. In Eastern countries however, the perceived powers of herbal tea has never waned and many Asians view drinking herbal tea as part of their regular routines.

What are Herbal Teas?
Also known as ptisans and tisanes, herbal teas are either fresh concoctions or packed tea bags produced from the extracted liquids of certain plants. Flowers and leaves are boiled in water. Roots and seeds can either be processed similarly or allowed to simmer on a stove. Herbal teas can also be sweetened if so desired.

Types of Herbal Teas

• Persimmon - This herbal tea is often used as a health drink and a supplement of vitamin C. It is not however a good choice for drinkers who are intending to diet as well.
• Raspberry - This is a popular flavor for teas and its commercialized version is sold in various establishments. Raspberry herbal tea is said to help in alleviating diarrhea.
• Birch - There are several varieties of this particular herb, although all can be consumed safely. Birch herbal tea is usually drunk hot and may aid people suffering from headaches and rheumatic problems. It may also help in treating fever and reduce the painful symptoms of kidney problems. Lastly, birch herbal tea can be used for oral hygiene.
• Blueberry - A popular ingredient in cakes, this herb can also be used for brewing tea although it possesses a slightly bitter taste. It’s said to help people with kidney problems as well.
• Sassafras - Drink this only for enjoyment. Although many people claim that it has blood-thinning properties and can help cure bronchitis, consult a doctor first before consuming it for medicinal purposes.

Tips on How to Brew Your Own Herbal Tea
Using Flowers and Leaves - Place the flowers or leaves inside a heated tea pot or jar then slowly pour boiling water. Replace the lid of the pot or jar to keep the mixture from evaporating and leave it untouched for fifteen minutes. Afterwards, uncover the container then strain. Each cup of water would require either 3 tsp. of freshly brewed herbs or 1 tsp. of dried herbs.

Using Seeds, Roots, or Stems - Cut roots and stems into tiny pieces and then grain them into powdery bits. Take 1 ounce of the concoction and pour it into a pot of water (approximately containing a pint) before boiling. Allow ten to twenty minutes to pass before straining once more. Add sugar if necessary.

Possible Concerns about Herbal Tea
Taking any herbal tea produced by any unlicensed manufacturer can lead to various complications. The following are possible dangers you might suffer from when consuming herbal tea that hasn’t been declared safe by appropriate regulating bodies.

Containing Harmful Ingredients - There are several herbs that will increase rather than reduce the risks to your health. Comfrey, for instance, when consumed excessively can cause liver problems. Lobelia can be as addictive as smoking, while pineapple weed (and occasionally disguised as chamomile), may cause extreme reactions from individuals with certain allergies.

Misidentification of Herbs - In the above situation, there could be a deliberate attempt to mislead consumers about the efficacy and benefits of the company’s herbal tea products. For homemade herbal tea however, an unintentional misidentification is when a problem arises. The comfrey, for instance, no matter how dangerous, is still comparatively safer than the foxglove, which is similar in appearance but infinitely more dangerous.

If you intend to brew your own herbal tea, make sure that you’re using the right herbs and following instructions to the letter. Research about the properties of each ingredient to ensure that there’s no possible harmful side effects.

Side Effects - Herbal tea can also have dangerous side effects when taken together with certain medications, vitamins, and food supplements. Thus, it’s very important that you consult a doctor first before taking any herbal tea if you’re already under medication.

Herbal tea may an ancient and long-standing custom for many, but this doesn’t mean you can’t partake of its benefits as well. Of course, research well and make sure that you’re drinking a herbal tea product which has the seal of approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. If it does, however, then all we’ve to say is "kanpai" to your health!