You Must Try Orange and Cinnamon Tea

People that are drinking a cup of tea are almost everywhere. These types of tea are served in numerous coffee shops or coffeehouses across the globe. It is a great way for people to start their day right. As other may claim, they can't simply start their day without taking in their favorite cup of tea. Funny, isn't it? It is because before, people utilize coffee instead of tea on their daily lives. But the table just turned towards tea and it has been embraced by many people now.

And the wonderful thing with it is that the demand of tea is continuous. It gradually grows larger and larger as people drink them. This beverage has a calming, soothing and warming effect that has turn out to be the most well-liked form of drink over the past decades. The fragrance and aroma itself are huge reasons to get pleasure from a cup of tea. Truly, it is a cup in hand that is worth your while.

In addition it has been loved by people because of its mega health benefits which geared up wonders to the lives of people especially those with ailments. There is completely no doubt that it could be a great replacement to coffee. Even though coffee has health gains too, teas are more packed out with benefits. It has been universally used as an antidote for many diseases and illness conditions.

So in many varieties of tea, we have come up to another kind. This kind is a multipurpose mix together that includes orange and cinnamon, which makes it ideal as a winter tea. It can also be used in events like holidays and any thanksgiving parties.

If this is paired with a hot and fresh apple pie in the winter, it is just simply divine. You can also dish it up in ice as a warm-day refresher for each member of the family. So here are some steps in making you Orange and Cinnamon tea.

Initially, create your own cinnamon chips by pounding at a cinnamon stick by the use of rubber mallet or the bottom part of a powerful glass. Then, mingle tea leaves, cinnamon chips and compacted orange peel in your bowl. After which shift it up to the airtight container and stock it up in a cool, dry place to avoid moisture. When you want to prepare a cup of your tea, all you have to do is use 1 tablespoon for every cup of hot water. Leave it for about five minutes and decorate with cinnamon stick. And there you have it. However, to make it more beautiful, pour it out on a glass teapot.

Drinking Tea Regularly and Get the Advantages

Drinking tea is loved by the people of China and they believe it can benefit the health of the body. Green tea is even used as a kind of medicine in the ancient China. Today many researches and reports have showed that drinking some tea everyday can be good for your health.

Drinking tea can help you to lose weight. Since the tea contains many kinds of ingredients such as caffeine, cholestenone, and pantothenic acid and so on they can prevent and suppress the obese effect. Oolong tea from China has the best effect in decomposing the fat and making you feel less greasy. It can also help you have a good digestion but keep less fat into your body. Therefore, drinking some tea after the three meals can reduce the amount of acids glycoside and cholesterol and have obvious effect in losing weight.

Drinking some tea or brush your teeth with tea will not only remove bad breath, but also protect your teeth from being destroyed by acid. Tea contains different forms of fluoride which can form into calcium fluoride which is antacid and become a protective layer to protect the teeth from decaying. And 10 grams of tea per person per day for drinking or brewing will meet the fluoride need of the body.

Nowadays, some researches confirmed that the tea is good for the curing of the intestinal tract disease, because the polyphenols in the tea can enhance the coagulation of the protein. And they can even kill the bacterium during the process of the coagulation with the protein. And drinking tea can also be able to slow the process of growing old and help the human to prolong the life. It is found that the anti-aging effect of tea is above Vitamin E 18 times.

Generally speaking, drinking some tea not only help you keep many diseases away but also make you be healthier and young. The tea can also promote the hematopoietic function and the anti-radiation materials can reduce the harm of radiation, so, you can feel much safer to watch TV or surf on the Internet. Since there are so many benefits, why not make some changes on your drinking?

What is Tea Tasting?

Wine tasting is a popular party, social or other get-together idea, but not everyone can take part. Some have physical issues with alcohol and others don't want to drink for a variety of reasons. Fortunately, there are alternatives. 

There are many ways you can do this. The leaves of the tea tree come in many varieties, and even among these varieties there are flavor variations. It would be easy to develop a range of flavors from mild to very robust. These variations are almost endless and it may take many such gatherings to taste them all.

There is another idea that has occurred to me. Herbal teas may also make good tasting party themes. Bear in mind that while the phrase herbal tea is commonly accepted, it is not exactly the right term. You may find yourself using a variety of methods to prepare the teas, but that can make the idea more interesting.

If you choose to use herbs, you will have to select the ones you use very carefully. Some have major interactions or can cause problems for medical conditions. It might also be wise to have a list of possible problem teas ready for your guests. That will allow them a way to safely choose which to taste without having to explain the various problems to all and sundry.

The best place to start with herbal teas is the GRAS list. The acronym stands for "generally regarded as safe." These herbs have the least amount of interactions, which will help protect your guests. A sampling of these include allspice, bergamot, chamomile, cinnamon, ginger, hibiscus, lavender, lemon balm, licorice and the various mints. You may have to be careful with the cinnamon and the licorice, as they can cause problems, especially for diabetics or those with high blood pressure.

When planning your party, you may want to consider food, especially those that can cleanse the palate. The best choice may be sliced apples, as it should not interfere with the ability to taste the delicate flavors of the milder herbs. Crackers and very mild cheeses may also be helpful.

A question that comes up every now and again is that of adding other things to the tea cup. I suggest that this is a personal choice, so you could benefit by having some of the expected companions ready. Sugar, cream and milk may be useful if you are tasting from the tea tree. For the herbal teas, you may want to add honey and stevia.

You may be able to boost the enjoyment of your guests with a subtle use of essential oils. These won't be for consumption, rather to scent the room. Lavender and chamomile are good choices as they are gently soothing. Peppermint may be helpful, but the scent may be too strong.

A tea tasting may be the very thing to meet your neighbors, for a church get together or just to have a bunch of friends over for a pleasant afternoon. It is less likely to cause problems, as alcohol is not involved and the teas mentioned usually do not impair driving.

What is Kung Fu Tea?

The Japanese, Taiwanese, and Chinese are the most involved people when it comes to tea drinking. Not only is it a favorite pastime among them but it also serves a deep purpose and meaning in their culture. Tea drinking are often seen in their ceremonies as well as greeting guests. Kung fu tea, a well known tea-brewing and drinking process conveys friendship and solidarity, art, appreciation, peace and decency.

Not only the tea itself but the utensils as well play a great part in the activity. Not having the appropriate utensils will reduce the pleasant atmosphere and the purpose it conveys.

The utensils used vary a little depending on how the kung fu tea is prepared but usually, the set consist of a cast iron kettle called tetsubin, cauldron, griddle or tray with grates for holding the teapot and cups. The teapots, cups and other utensils are designed intricately and with emphasis to the Asian heritage.

In a nutshell, the kung fu tea is prepared by boiling hot water to the teapot that contains the tea leaves. In addition to that, there are also techniques involved when it comes to preparing and serving the tea such as pouring it into cups in a high or low level. The steeping and cleaning as well have their own essentials. The teapots, for example shouldn't be washed with soap or water for it will lose its ability to absorb the tea's aroma. It is also best to regularly season the teapots by regularly heating them in the oven for approximately an hour.

Mint Tea for Relieving Pain

Mint is a therapeutic herb, which grows all over Europe and North America. It can be found in the East, as well. Simple mint tea is used as a daily refreshing beverage. In its fluid form, it also helps in different conditions such as: headache, cold, indigestion, stomach sickness, asthmatic spasms and variety of stomach pains. Apart from chamomile, the mint is most famous and most popular therapeutic herb, which has been used in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome.

Mint is a one season plant, growing up to 80 cm in height. Its stems grow in egg-shaped, pointy leaves with strong and characteristic scent. The taste is bit strong, peppery and cooling, which are indeed some of mint's major therapeutic benefits, containing etheric oil, flavonoids and iron.

It blooms from June to August, which is the time of its harvesting. We use leaves, but also young plants with flowers. It is to be stored in a dry, shaded and cold place.

The main ingredient and the active substance in mint is the etheric oil. Leaves contain up to 4% of the oil and its quality mostly depends on the factors such as stand age of the leaves, harvesting time, soil and climate.

Mint acts both as antiseptic and analgesic and small doses, such as tea, chewing gum or a mint candy are generally considered harmless, though mint products containing menthol are almost never prescribed to small kids, pregnant women or persons with allergies.

Mint herb is mostly grown in gardens, while the one, we encounter around us, is known as wild mint (lat. Mentha sylvestris, Mentha arvensis, Mentha crispa) and water mint (Mentha Aquatica), which mostly grows around springs and ponds, with its exquisitely aromatic scent. However many types of mint are used, the most therapeutic is surely the famous pepper mint (Metha piperita). Its oil can be purchased as an ointment or jelly capsules.

While there are numerous mint ointments, oils and tinctures, mainly used in inhalation, massages in rheumatic or muscle pain, headache and other, the widest and most common use of any kind of mint is the famous mint tea.

Water mint has been often recommended for tea, due to its particularly strong scent and test. It is extremely efficient in calming heart thumps, vomiting, various stomach pains, anxiety and insomnia.

However, most mint types found their use as excellent therapeutics.

Not only it is excellent against stomach pain - it is a fabulous anxiety reliever and savior in many similar situations. Many people do not know a cold mint bath is an excellent way of relieving pain from your feet. Simply put your aching feet into a tub filled with 3 liters of lukewarm mint tea and move your legs as if walking. You will feel the great effect after mere three minutes.

Only the scent of mint is sometimes enough to calm down our aching stomach. It is surely not a wonder why everyone is always a hot customer for a cup of this king amongst teas.

Hot mint tea will soothe our stomach after vomiting or nausea of any kind, even better than chamomile, due to its particular scent and refreshing taste.

A compress sodden in hot mint on lower belly in women will remove most of the menstrual pain.

A typical cold can be very boring. Your nose is either clogged or running, eyes swollen and throat is sore. Our grannies' prescription: A bucket of hot mint tea is all you need. Bend your head, cover yourself with a thick towel and just inhale as long as you can. The mint oils will unclog the breathing channels for you and additionally soothe the discomfort in your head and lungs.

Crush some dried mint leaves and put them inside your pillow. You will sleep better and your room will be filled with a refreshing scent, making it easier to get up and start your day!

It is a miracle what a mint tea does for our heart. If consumed regularly, meant tea is proven to act as prevention in everyday anxiety born heart problems, such as uneven pulse and thumping.

Apart from all the above, is one of the most popular and most simple beverages in the world - consumed cold during summer or warm during winter. With addition of some orange skin or slices, it would taste even better.

How do we prepare the most classical mint tea? For half a pint of tea, flush one table spoon of mint leaves with boiling water; cover it and leave for approximately half an hour. Distill and pour into a clean cup or glass. Unsweetened tea is consumed before a meal. After we have eaten, we will drink our milk tea, sweeten with honey.

A precious "minty" remark: Mint again insomnia:

1. Stir together 60 grams of hop (Humulus lupus), 20 grams of mint, 20 grams of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis); 3 table spoons of the mixture flush with half a liter of boiling water. Cover and distil after two hours. Drink an hour before you go to bed, preferably without any sweetener, sugar or honey.
2. Stir 10 grams of mint and 10 grams of valerian (Valeriana officinalis), flush with half a pint of boiling water. Leave for ten minutes, distill and drink before you go to bed.

Ten Important Things about Loose Tea

Loose tea is becoming more popular now, due to the health benefits that it brings and with the added media attention. Many of us drink tea regularly but I can assume that most of us drink tea from a teabag, now loose tea or known as gourmet tea is coming to the front.

Here are ten facts that you never knew about loose tea:

1. Herbal and fruit teas alike are not really teas as such but infusions. These types of teas can have health benefits and teas such as peppermint is known to settle upset stomachs. A certain tea from South Africa called Rooibos has a calming effect and will help you relax more. Herbal infusion teas are drank a lot by people who like to have natural cures for certain illnesses.
2. White teas have a fruity and sometimes nutty taste to them, and white teas get there name from the fresh tea leaves and the buds are dried instead of fermented.
3. Loose teas will give a better taste then a tea bag as usually loose tea is of a higher grade of leaves than the tea bags and this will allow it to be brewed better.
4. Different types of loose teas will require different ways of being made. Some will need boiling water where as others only need hot water. Some will require to be brewed for longer and others need only be brewed for a short time. By getting the brewing time or the water temperature wrong will result in a poorly made cup.
5. Certain black varieties like English breakfast and earl Grey are an excellent way to start the day and can be a form of pick me up when you are feeling sluggish. These teas can also be drunk after a meal to aid you body’s digestion.
6. Pu erh teas are aged for many years and this will result in a mellow brew which has a unique flavor. These teas have many health benefits and in Chinese medicine are classed and used as a medicine.
7. Loose teas such as black and green varieties are known to assist existing arthritis suffers from getting diabetes and also many other common illnesses and diseases.
8. Different teas can be drank at different times of the day, like English breakfast can be drunk in the morning to pick you up, a green tea during the day would be good after a meal to aid digestion and a herbal type that is good for relaxing during the evening before sleeping.
9. Different teas are produced in different countries are much like a good wine, each region or country will have its own unique taste and aroma. As the climates and soils are different we are offered so many different choices in the teas we drink.
10. Loose teas generally take longer to make and with this extra effort comes the satisfaction of having a better quality tea. Gourmet teas are more available than ever so why not try one today.

As you can see loose or gourmet teas are here to stay, they have different health benefits and some wonderful and aromatic smells, so go try a new gourmet type today.

Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea is a caffeine free herbal tea made from the flowers of the Hibiscus sabdariffa or "Roselle" plant. The tea is made from the sepals or calyces (the petal-like structure at the base of a flower), and not out of the actual petals. Hibiscus tea is a popular beverage in many countries from Asia through Africa to the Caribbean, and different countries have their own unique ways of preparing the drink.

In some areas, including parts of China, hibiscus is blended with black tea. Although not as well-known in the U.S., hibiscus is a very common ingredient in herbal teas. Hibiscus imparts a tangy flavor and a deep purplish-red color to blends of which it is a part.

Health Benefits of Hibiscus and Hibiscus Tea

The traditional uses of hibiscus include the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension), the lowering of fever, and treatment of liver disorders. Unlike many herbs, hibiscus has been studied fairly extensively and there are even some fairly conclusive human studies establishing not only its effectiveness for various treatments, but comparing it to widely-used medications and exploring side-effects. Although most of the studies use standardized extracts of hibiscus, hibiscus tea has been studied to some degree and shows promise that the tea itself can be useful as a treatment in some cases.

Lowering blood pressure - On top of a number of animal studies supporting its use for hypertension, human studies have validated that hibiscus, including hibiscus tea can effectively lower blood pressure. Hibiscus sabdariffa extract has been compared to the drug captopril, and was found to be equally effective. A more recent study compared it to lisinopril and found that it was less effective than that drug, but showed an absence of intense side effects.

Lowering fever - Hibiscus has been shown in laboratory animals to have fever lowering (antipyretic) properties. There is evidence suggesting that its mechanism of action is different from that of aspirin, which also lowers fever.

Protecting the Liver - The effects of different chemicals on the liver are much more complex and poorly understood, but there is nonetheless some evidence that hibiscus can protect against liver damage caused by a number of different chemicals

Safety and Side Effects

Hibiscus tea is widely used as a beverage and generally recognized as safe for regular use. In addition, the few human clinical studies that have explored side effects have found a noticeable absence of strong side effects. However, as with any medicine, caution should be warranted with its use. The acidity of teas containing hibiscus can make them unpleasant for some people to drink, and people suffering from heartburn or otherwise wanting to avoid sour or acidic food and drink may wish to avoid it. Also, since it is known to lower blood pressure and thought to act as an ACE inhibitor it should be used with caution by those who already have low blood pressure.

Buying Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea is widely available through a number of online retailers. It is sometimes sold under the name Roselle tea. In addition to pure hibiscus teas, it is frequently blended with other teas, and there are a large number of herbal blends in which it is either the main ingredient or one of the primary ones.

Start Your Tea Drinking Experience with Buying Loose Leaf Tea

As more and more studies about the power of tea come into the mainstream media, it's no surprise that people are becoming much more interested in drinking tea than ever before. However, if you've only had cup after cup of bad tea, you might be a little skeptical about trying tea again. This is a very natural thing, and the good news is that it truly doesn't have to be that way at all. In fact, you truly can have a great cup of tea if you just take a closer look at the process of making good tea.

In a nutshell, buying loose leaf tea is the start of what makes a truly delightful tea-drinking experience. One reason why people don't get into buying it is that they believe that it's too hard, but that's not the case at all. In fact, it's quite possible to not only get quality loose leaf tea, but make it with enough ease to have it every day you want. Like any other food and drink decision, there are a few things you will need to keep in mind in order to buy good loose leaf tea.

First, you will want to make sure that you have the right materials. Indeed, you don't want to end up getting a great tea that really matches up to your own unique tastes and still not have what you need to really take advantage of all of it. Thankfully, there are only a few tools you'll need to get the perfect cup of tea: an infuser, a teapot, and a filter for the loose leaf tea to go in.

Next, you will want to focus on the loose leaf tea itself. It may sound like common sense that you should think carefully on what tea to start out with first, but that's exactly what you will want to do. A common mistake that ends up turning people away from tea is selecting the wrong starting teas. Of course, you're more than welcome to pick up any tea that sounds really good to you, but there are a few classics that many people stick to.

If you're concerned about having more energy, you may want to look into starting with it tea such as green tea. On the other hand, if you want to work on sleeping better through the night or just needing a way to wind down after a long day, you might want to look into getting a chamomile tea.

No matter what tea you get, you want to make sure that you get loose leaf tea from a reputable source. Despite popular opinion, there are plenty of online sites that sell quality one. Once you've experienced the convenience of ordering your own loose leaf tea, you'll be completely hooked!

All things considered, getting great loose leaf tea is just a matter of having the right tools, and being willing to try a few different teas before you settle on your signature tea. If you're willing to do that, then you should have no problem buying loose leaf tea at all!

Myths about Tea

Tea has been a part of our routine since ages. More common in Britain and Europe, tea has been a very popular drink among people. Whether it is for starting your day or getting green tea health benefits, tea is common to nearly every kitchen. Moreover, health conscious people have seen healthy tea as a helping hand in losing their weight and maintaining a healthy living. Whatever may be the reason, after coffee, it is the most popular drink across the world.

The origin of tea dates back to 2700 BC. With such a long journey, it has gone through a lot of myths and stories about it. Even today there are a lot of modern myths associated with tea and its types.

1. Many consider white leaves as the baby leaf. This is not true. All leaves, white, green, and black, are young when they are used to make tea. White tea may be defined as the leaves that are uncured or unfermented. Sometimes it is also known as the steamed part during the drying process.
2. A common myth is that air is good for tea. This may not always be true. While air may be good for a few, it may not be good for the rest. Teas like pu'er are deeply fermented and carefully oxidized.
3. Many may think it would taste best when it is old. This may not be true. Many lose their original flavor when they are exposed to air for long.
4. A myth might also say that some might be caffeine free. This is not true. All tea will contain natural caffeine, called as theine. However, do not confuse this with herbal teas. Teas like chamomile are not derived from the tea plant; therefore the rule does not apply to them.
5. Some might also say that ice tea is same as hot tea. The reason why this is not true is that ice tea is usually served as a ready-to-drink beverage and is prepared by acidifying tea with ascorbic acid or citric acid. Later, the mixture is heated at higher temperatures. Furthermore, studies have shown that caffeine levels are more enhanced in drinks when they are chilled. Ice tea would therefore have higher sugar and caffeine content and lower antioxidant properties.
6. White is perceived to be healthier than green. However, latest researches have proved green tea to have the highest levels of antioxidants.
7. A very common myth is that green has lower caffeine content than black. Lab tests have proved this myth wrong because green tea has shown higher levels of caffeine as compared to black tea, and higher caffeine levels than coffee as well.
8. White and black teas are also thought to be derived from different plants. This is not true because both of the types are derived from Camellia Sinensis. The difference lies in their preparation. Black is fermented, whereas green is heated in ovens. Some types of green tea may only be partially fermented.

The History of Ceylon Tea

Under Dutch rulers, Ceylon started out as a country with cinnamon plantations. However, when Britain took over the country, private cinnamon plantations were prohibited. This change was made for financial reasons to create a monopoly for the East India Company, owned by Britain.

When cinnamon plantation owners lost money in economic bad times in 1833, the cash crop became coffee. This ended in 1869 when a fungal disease called Coffee Rust Disease wiped out the coffee crop. But bad fortune is just an opportunity in disguise.

Tea plants were brought to Ceylon as early as 1824 by the British but it wasn't until 1867 when James Taylor, a British planter started the first tea plantation at the Loolecondera estate in Ceylon. His plantation was 21 acres. Five years later, he built a complete factory and one year after that, he began selling tea in London.

Opportunity Knocks and Ceylon Grabs It

Shortly after that, coffee plantations were turned into Ceylon tea plantations. By 1888, tea plantation acreage increased by 21000%. Tea plantation owners sent representatives to make a debut at the Chicago World Fair in 1893 and sold a record one million tea packets. The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and Ceylon Tea Traders Association were formed in the late 1800s and these two organizations still exist as a resource for Ceylon tea businesses. Businessmen realized that research is always the cornerstone of innovation and soon established a Tea Research Institute that would give the best tips at growing and harvesting Ceylon loose tea and tea bags.

Worldwide Demand

In 1903, Ceylon loose tea was being transported to worldwide destinations. The process of reaching Australia, England, America and other countries that wanted the gourmet tea was slow. Ceylon loose tea was first packaged in tea chests. Bullock carts, two-wheeled carts pulled by oxen, carried the tea chests down railroad tracks to the railroad station. The train puffed and puffed at 6 mph through the hills until it got close to its destination where the tea was to be auctioned. Next, the tea chests were boarded onto steam ships sent to their final locations.

Fast Forward to Ceylon in the 1960s

By the 1960s, Ceylon tea plantations were exporting over 200,000 metric tons. In 1965, Ceylon gained worldwide recognition as the world's largest tea exporter. In 1972, Ceylon officially became Sri Lanka.

Unfortunately, Sri Lanka government took over the industry and decided that no cultivator could have 50 acres in 1975. Despite this, Sri Lanka gained more world fame when they supplied tea to the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympic Games. The industry seemed to flourish again but the government decided to sell 23 state-owned plantations and privatize the industry.

What is Ceylon Tea?

Ceylon black, green, and white teas are all are produced in Sri Lanka. Ceylon black tea however is the country's specialty. It has a rich taste and strong aroma and has a golden yellow color. Sometimes it can be flavored with spices or orange-flavored.

Authentic Ceylon tea, whether Ceylon loose or Ceylon tea bags, have a logo of a lion carrying a sword. The logo tells you that the tea has been grown and harvested in Sri Lanka. Loose tea is always the better purchase because the leaves give you a more complex and sophisticated tasting tea.

Ceylon tea plants are grown on mountainsides at various levels above sea level. Pesticides are not used. Ceylon loose teas can include Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Green, and a variety of green teas combined with fruity flavors and flower flavors.

The Art of Blooming Tea

If you're not familiar with the whole culture surrounding tea, then you're probably unfamiliar with the term, "blooming art tea". It's a pretty neat concept and is something that can amaze your party guests of all ages. You'll never grow tired of serving blooming teas.

Most likely, it was the Chinese that came up with the idea of a flowering or a blooming tea because the flowers used in these teas are commonly found in China and shipped around the world.

What is a Blooming Art Tea?

A flowering or blooming tea is exactly as it sounds. It is a bundle of dried flowers and tea leaves that expand and "bloom" in the hot water in your personal teapot. When the bundle blooms, it looks like a little bouquet. For this reason, it's good to have a glass teapot whereby the blooming can be "experienced" in real time right at the table you're sitting at. The amount of size difference of the finished bloom can be five or six times that of the dried flowering tea ball. It takes about 5 minutes to bloom.

The flowers used in flowering blooms include jasmine, chrysanthemum, amaranth, hibiscus, lily and osmanthus. They smell great and lend a little aromatherapy to the tea party. Flowering teas don't get bitter even though they may steep for extended periods of time. (Remember, the average green tea only steeps for 5 minutes.) The mild flavor of the flowers neutralizes any bitter taste of the steeped green or black infusions.

How are Flowering Blooms Made?

There's a special art to the making of flowering teas. They are hand sewn by women in tea gardens far away from civilization in the southwestern Yunnan province of China. This area is near Laos and Vietnam. The types of tea leaves generally used in flowering teas are white, green and black. While the leaves are still somewhat wet, it's easy to flatten them and sew them together into a bundle. Each one is handcrafted and some may take up to 10 minutes to craft. Some are sewed together in long garlands that can look absolutely beautiful in the teapot.

Making Artisan Teas Part of Your Memories

Blooming teas really deserve their own glass teapot. You can buy blooming tea sets that include a blooming tea pot, hand painted small cups and assorted blooms.

Blooming teas make excellent gifts! You can continually add water to the teapot, increasing the steeping time to get more flavor with each cup of tea. The aroma smells best when you drink the first cup.

One way to present a blooming tea at your party is to give everyone their own large glass with a wide base. This will allow the tea ball to fully bloom. Imagine a party where everyone has their own flowering tea with a completely different flower, aroma and taste. It's the foundation for one of the most memorable tea parties your friends will ever experience; guaranteed!

Weight Loss or Diet Tea

The best tea for weight loss is those that are from China and Japan. Why is that so? This is because there tea product is proven to work all through the years, some said over centuries but other would say three thousand years. Nonetheless, if you look at Chinese and Japanese people, they have lean body, beautiful skin and are healthy people. Of course, these only refer to people who incorporate tea in their daily meal.

Let us understand that people's lifestyle have been changed through the years. So, some have been introduced to a different diet from other cultures. Acculturation is happening everywhere across the globe. This is especially internet plays a big part in educating people all over the world the different lifestyle. But in the southern part of China, you can still see that tea is served every meal time.

Anyway, tea has different types based on how they are processed. But these types of tea use Camellia Sinensis. Based on the studies conducted, this plant contains antioxidants, polyphenols, essential nutrients, theaflavins, and epigallocatechin gallate. These substances found in the tea make it beneficial to the human body, thus it enhances metabolic rate, reverse the effect of obesity, and other health benefits.

There are only two clinical studies conducted which have Japanese men as the subject. The first study revealed the result that catechins present in tea can really control the person's body from becoming overweight. The Second study gave a conclusion that green tea has the thermogenesis effect in the body thus it boosts the heat production in the body at the same time improve the metabolic rate.

Other health benefits that a person can reap in drinking tea are controlled cholesterol levels and high blood sugar levels. Since the tea has antibacterial properties it also protects your gums from antibacterial infection and your teeth from having cavities. The best tea for weight loss is not only effective in trimming down excess weight but also in improving your overall wellness.

The Best Herbal Tea

Chances are you are trying to select form the various varieties such as Wuyi Cliff, Oolong or Wu-long, Pu-erh and Sencha.

No doubt, such varieties are good and provide immense health benefits but the best herbal tea is not any of the above. 

The best herbal tea is a potent combination of various varieties including Wuyi Cliff, Pu-erh, Sencha and Oolong.

These are some well known varieties of tea and you can well imagine the health benefits you are likely to get from a combination of all such varieties packed in one package.

Some of the benefits of such tea include:

1.Natural Weight Loss

Such a tea that is made with full leaves of various varieties of tea rather than tea dust, can ensure very fast and quick weight loss. Such tea tends to lower the production of Insulin after ingesting carbohydrates and sweet foods. Since it is the hormone that is responsible for storing fat in your body, its reduced secretion can affects fat accumulation.

Hence, it is a good idea to have a cup of such tea after meals.

Such tea not only prevents fat accumulation but also helps speed up your metabolism. This helps your body burn more fat quick and fast. In addition to the above, it also helps suppress your appetite and reduce food cravings.

It is needless to say that such tea is the most effective weight loss product available. One of the biggest advantages of using such tea to lose weight is that there are no side effects as is the case with pills and other diet supplements.

2. Improved Immunity

Such tea also helps provide a boost to your immune system and increases your body's resistance to diseases and infections. It can also improve your overall health and longevity.

3. Increase Energy levels

Such tea also helps lower cholesterol levels in your body. This helps improve cardiac function and one of the most immediate effect of improved cardiac function is an increase in your energy levels.

4. Calms Body and Mind

Another health benefit of such tea is that it provides a soothing effect and helps calm down both your body and mind.

Some Interesting Facts about Russian Tea

There are some very interesting facts about Russians and their love of this drink. Tea was not introduced into Russia until the seventeenth century. This is late compared to the rest of the world.

The process of making it is quite different from other cultures. A concentrate (known as zavarka) is prepared in a small pot. Then, each individual pours some of this zavarka into their tea cup.

Here was a fact that I was surprised to discover. It is not uncommon to drink two or three different kinds of tea at one time. Russians mix herbal teas and black or green teas (in the form of zavarka) together, and then dilute this mixture with hot water. Adding hot water allows one to make tea according to taste. Adding sugar, lemon, honey or even spoonfuls of fruit jam are the finishing touches to the tea.

If you have not experienced a traditional Russian ceremony, or tea from a samovar, you are missing out on the essence of tradition, hospitality and comfort to the Russian people. It is an unforgettable experience.

First of all, it is always time for tea. The expression "to have a sit by samovar" means to have leisurely conversation while drinking next to the samovar.

If you have not seen a samovar, please take the time to investigate this beautiful piece of functional artistic equipment. This is a heated metal container, many have an attachment on the tops of their lids to hold and heat a teapot filled with tea concentrate or zavarka.

The traditional recipe uses black tea that became known as Russian Caravan tea. This was a black tea that was transported from China to Russia. The trip took 18 months by camel caravan. During the trip, the tea acquired a smoky flavor from the caravan campfires.

Today the black or green tea is used, and may be mixed Keemun tea (also known as Chinese tea sweetness). Keemun is generally a fruity tea, but can be bitter and have a smoky flavor after fermentation.

The layering of teas occurs in the Russian tea pots. There are three layers. Of course, as we have already established the bottom and largest teapot holds hot water for diluting the tea. The middle tea pot contains the tea concentrate. The smallest tea pot on the top usually has an herbal tea in it, of course.

There is a whimsical beauty to the composition of the complete teapots structure. It reminds me a lot of the Russian Orthodox Church pattern of onion-heads roof. If you have an opportunity to see some of these beautifully made tea pots, they will sure put a smile on your face. Many are decorated with scenes and figurines of people and animal of everyday life.

The History and Evolution of Tea Strainers

Growing fond of using herbal leaves for concoctions, the ancient Chinese devised a modified process by adding a simple accessory: the tea strainer. Thus, an incredibly useful tea making tool began its history alongside, of course, the birth of traditional loose leaf tea drinking.

Many people, especially health enthusiasts, across the globe have adopted the practice of tea drinking owing to its relaxing effects and to its deemed health benefits. As a result, many different ways to enjoy the beverage have evolved. Commercially-prepared tea bags have become common since they provided people the convenience of purchasing tea from grocery stores, and allowed the easy preparation of a pot of tea.

Despite the widespread use of teabags the majority of people would still state that the loose leaf version of the drink, which is the use of whole or large-cut leaves, is still the best. It therefore follows that for many, making a cup of tea will not be proper tea unless they have used a proper strainer.

A tea strainer is, of course, a tool to prevent large tea leaves from mixing with the liquid infusion when it comes to drinking your brew. Spherical in form and perforated, it is usually placed on top or inside of the cup to catch the leaves while the beverage is being poured. There also exists a type of strainer that can be placed inside the teapot as it is brewed and then removed when it is ready to be drunk.

It is believed that the bamboo tea strainer was the first of its kind. Nowadays, sterling silver, stainless steel and china are the commonly used materials for making them. The sold product is either coupled with a teapot or with a cup. Seeing that it has cultural value, many collectors have surfaced and antique or vintage tea strainers have popped up online.

It is without a doubt that the pleasure of drinking loose leaf tea simply wouldn't be as great as it is now if the large leaves remained and if the tea strainer had not been made.

The Old Fathers' Tea Bar in Hainan Island

The most special tea bar in Hainan Island is called Old Fathers' Tea Bar. Why is it called as Old Fathers' Tea Bar? Because a long time ago, many old men who retired would get together to drink tea in such tea bars. Gradually, these tea bars gained such a name. The old fathers' tea bar is special scenery of Hainan. Most of these bars locate at the corners of old streets or under the big trees.

Usually they do not have a lot of interior decorations, and there are several tea tables and chairs inside. The old men always order a pot of tea and drink tea with big tea bowls, also order some peanuts or desserts, all of these will only take several Chinese dollars. And the old men can talk freely and spend their time happily there. Most of them will go to the old fathers' bar at 2 or 3 o'clock in the afternoon and go back home for dinner at about 6 o'clock, so they mainly spend 3 or 4 hours there each day. The old fathers' tea represents a relaxing life in Hainan.

People in Hainan would rather live a relaxing life without having too much money than live a busy life with a lot of money. So the old men usually gather in tea bars to chat or play pokers, but in the recent years, even the young people like to spend their time there. Sometimes it is good to spend your time at these bars, because you can feel relaxed there, but if you are young, do not usually go there, the reason is quite obvious: you need to work hard and make money but not to spend too much time in these bars, because they are for old men who are retired.

Another special thing I need to mention about this kind of special bar is that most of bar products are all made of coconut trees, so they are natural and special. If you go to Hainan Island to have a travel, you can have a visit the old fathers' bar to experience its atmosphere.

When You Make a Cup of Tea, Don’t Forget to Use Tea Strainers

Tea strainers are a very big part of the tea drinking tradition. Before the days of teabags, the strainer was an essential item in woman's kitchen. You could not make a cup of tea without this nifty little item to keep those pesky leaves out of your cup.

The only people who would possibly not have used tea-strainers are fortune tellers who read the leaf pattern at the bottom of the empty cup to tell the drinker's fortune.

There are the standard tea-strainers that everyone knows, the rounded sliver ring with the mesh wire inner and a handle. These are the plainly functional items. Then there is the mesh ball on a chain. This piece of equipment is used differently. You place the tea leaves inside the ball, close it and then put it into the cup. Then pour the boiling water over the strainer and allow your beverage to brew for while, before removing the mesh ball strainer with the used tea leaves. You then add your milk and sugar and stir. Viola, no leaves!

From this purely functional item of tea strainers a whole industry has developed, with designer strainers in every shape and form. They could become quite a collector's item.

There are as endless a variety of strainers on the market as there are people who still prefer their tea made from real tea leaves. Somehow the teabag is just not the same as a pot of tea made from tea leaves you can see, even if you do have to remove them with tea strainers.

There is nothing more satisfying than making yourself a cup of your favorite drink, made from proper leaves and using one of the tea strainers available today, to sit and relax and ponder the complexities and wonders of life and count your blessings.

Ritual in a Cup of Tea

If you are someone who enjoys a cup of tea regularly then you may not realize it but there is more to tea making than just dropping a tea bag into a mug, adding some boiling water and giving it a stir. There are many people for whom the ceremony of making tea is almost as important as the drinking of the subsequently. If however you do want to make your tea in a slightly more special and meaningful way then you need to gather together the important tools associated with the making of a proper cup of tea.

The first component that you need to decide upon, and in many ways perhaps the most important, is the actual type of tea that you prefer to drink. Fortunately there are many different types of tea ranging from English Breakfast through to a number of exotic Chinese teas. You can usually find a wide selection at your local specialty tea shop.

You will also need a good quality teapot, perhaps even one with an infuser, although as we shall find out you do not necessarily need an infuser, allowing the tea leaves to float freely within the water is just as good if not better. You will need a tea strainer, especially if you choose a teapot without an infuser. Tea strainers are not as common as they used to be in the not too distant past as they have largely become redundant following the spread of the tea bag.

You then need to select your favorite cup to pour the drink into and you are almost done. Making a cup of tea is a very therapeutic process. It can take you out of the day to day hustle and bustle and allow you a little bit of time alone to gather your thoughts and to relax a bit. It is well worth trying.

Many Types of Green Tea

There are many types of green tea although it is derived from the same basic plant source as the common black tea that everyone drinks both hot and cold. Green tea is simply derived by drying the plant. Black tea is processed by fermenting the plant which causes the flavor to be stronger and causes it to loose some of its nutrient rich power.

That is one of the reasons many people have switched to this drink is because dried items tend to retain most of their natural nutritional value. There is a wide selection that appeals to various tastes. Even though generally it is a lighter flavored drink than black tea, there are subtle differences in the various types.

Green tea has been around for many years and is a favorite among Asian countries before it ever took the U.S. by storm. Some of the most interesting flavors come from Japan and China. The difference in some of the favors comes from the different ways that the dried plant is packaged, preserved for its flavors and in the suggested way that it is prepared. Also, some types come in combination with other dried herbs or plants that add special flavor.

Some of the most common green tea comes from Japan and has a slightly sweet flavor. Sencha tea is a bit sweet and is less expensive than some other types. It is easy to use large amounts of this tea and not break your budget. Another popular Japanese tea is called Macha which is commonly used in the Japanese tea ceremonies. This beverage is also slightly sweet and is very good when served with sweet deserts.

One of the most expensive green teas you can buy is Lung Ching tea from China. Be prepared to pay a pretty penny for this item which is very green in color as well. It has a distinctively interesting flavor and is a favorite among those who want to drink quality teas.

If you are just getting interested in trying some of the various types of green teas available but aren't sure which you might like, you can always select a tea sampler which will give you various flavors to try. Be sure to try several types of green tea so that you can decide which one suits your taste.

Cho Yung Tea and Its Benefits

Cho yung is a popular brand for getting naturally slim. It is really doing well in China, Thailand and America. It is widely known for its unique flavor, aroma and innumerable health benefits. It is blessing for obese people all over the world. Unlike frizzy drinks, it ensures overall well-being to the user.

As the name suggests, it is chiefly made via a premium Chinese herb which has been used in the concerned country for treating numerous ailments and diseases. This herbal tea is prepared from freshest and purest traditional herbs such as oolong tea, lotus leaf and jiaogulan. In addition to this, it also consists of medical grade hawthorn, alisma rhizome, cassia seeds and poria.

All these ingredients make this the most powerful appetizer for fat loss. Relish this tea to stay fresh, vibrant and active throughout the day. It is found very beneficial for preventing irregular metabolism and fight back fatigue dramatically.

It is increasingly becoming popular worldwide. It is the safest way to boost your internal health and increase your life expectancy in nature. This energy drink helps you achieve all fitness goals so that you look and feel younger forever.

The product is highly suggested for reducing destructive actions of the free radical present in the food we eat or inhaling air. This advanced organic solution caters to varied needs of a person that ascertain his or her better health and living style. It is an emblem of purity and quality for sexy slim physique and fit body. The product can be easily obtained through the internet retailer that helps you get the best.

Shincha, Green Tea from Japan

Shincha is a type of green tea produced in Japan. It comes from the year's first harvest and is immediately processed and packaged, ready for sale -- unlike other green teas which are put into cold storage to maintain their freshness, allowing companies to sell them throughout the year.

As a result, shincha is a seasonal tea, usually available between May and July. Its rarity means that it commands higher prices than other green teas. If you are looking to buy shincha, you can expect to pay anywhere between $10 and $50 USD for a 100-gram packet (which is not to say you can't spend even more than that!).

Shincha generally has a more astringent flavor than other green teas. As with other high quality green teas, it can be re-steeped multiple times, but its stronger flavor means that it requires special care when brewing. Use slightly less than a teaspoon of shincha leaves per cup (assuming your cup holds about 8 ounces/240 ml), and only leave it to brew for a minute to a minute and a half. The second infusion should be shorter, as it will brew quicker -- aim for around 30-45 seconds. For subsequent infusions, add about a minute each time, until you notice that the tea is starting to taste too weak.

To maintain freshness, it's best to store shincha in the fridge in an airtight container. Even with the shincha stored in the fridge, it is advised to consume the shincha within three months to get the most out of it.

The History of Flowering Tea or Blooming Tea

Flowering tea, say some, developed as recently as the 1980s in a Chinese province. Given the ancient history of tea, it would be truly remarkable to think that flowering tea (or blooming tea as it is also known) was such a recent innovation.

There are many claims to the creation of this 'artistic tea' although hard facts and proof seem to be thin on the ground. This leaves a lot to the imagination and assumptions! There is no doubt though that artisans created flowering tea buds or balls, and that this craft originated in China - some say the Anhui Province, others say the Fujian Province. For most of us, it really does not matter where it was invented; suffice to say that it has become a strong export for China to the western world and as a result, we have a lovely choice of flowering tea products.

Artisans, skilled workers who produce items by hand, make the flowering tea buds. Loose green tea, together with loose white and black teas are combined with flowers tea and petals in unique styles to create flowering tea. Once the combination of teas is selected, the buds are hand sewn, covered with material, put in a kiln to dry out, packaged individually and then despatched. As the process is labour intensive, the price of these buds is consequently relatively high.

Watching the first flowering tea is an amazingly satisfying experience. As the bloom emerges from a tight ball, to become something completely different and quite indistinguishable from that grey lump of tea, there is a sense of wonder that something like this can be created.

With immersion of around three minutes, the tea bud will be transformed into a blossom. Some buds will be more spectacular than others, varying from a lump of long green leaves, to incredible blossoms with wafting tentacles such as "Touching Dragons". The names alone are enough to build much anticipation - "Jasmine Silvery Strawberry Ball", "Double Lion Pearl", "Seven Sons Congratulating".

After the initial visual impact, it seems somewhat of an anti-climax to drink the tea. But that is exactly what the flowering tea is designed for. Again, there are varying levels of quality of tea. Some blossoms are made from quality white tea, but most are made from loose green tea. It is generally true that you get what you pay for. A cheap product is likely to be made of inferior products and may not have the desired pleasant taste - or any taste at all. Not all teas are borne equal!

A satisfying blooming tea is definitely a trial and error process, and even more so when the quality of tea is taken into account. But it is not hard to find fabulous flowering teas these days. Most tea stockists provide pictures so you can be assured of seeing a beautiful unfolding of handmade tea buds.

Green Tea Capsules Solve Many Health Problems

Green tea capsules are a great natural substitute for modern medicine. In fact studies show that these capsules can naturally help with the many health problems we have today. If you are tired of trying over the counter drugs you should try this as an alternative medicine.

Research shows that green tea has native antioxidants called cathechins. These antioxidants are proving to be useful in many areas of helping your body the natural way.

Green tea capsules can be a good weight loss product if not used too often. The cathechins I spoke of before cause your body to heat up from the inside, this starts a fat burning process in your body. The effect is called thermogenics, and as long as you do not drink too much tea during the day you will find that this will help you shed pounds.

This tea is also used as a colon cleanse or detox for your body. You have probably heard about Hollywood stars using the capsules to clear the toxins from their bodies and also to lose weight. This is similar to Ballerina tea which is used for the same purpose. The only difference being that ballerina tea is made from herbs and tea of the green variety is made from tea leaves.

Now for some of the other things tea capsules are good for. Everyone wants to lower their bad cholesterol and raise their good. Studies have proved that elevating your good cholesterol removes the plaque that forms in your arteries and is so dangerous. Besides for being able to help you raise your good cholesterol tea au green will also help to thin the blood the same way an aspirin does. This can help to prevent dangerous blood clots.

These things alone are truly remarkable. You never see an ad on TV recalling green tea capsules like you do with so many medicines that are out there now. It is no wonder that people are going back to natural cures, people even lived longer way back when.

There is more to know about tea capsules. Polyphenols which are a natural part of green tea help the growth of the good bacteria our bodies need to defend against the dangerous bacteria like E.coli from growing. When you are given green tea in a Chinese restaurant you don't even know that it kills the bacteria in your mouth which causes bad breath.

Now you know a bit more about the benefits of green tea capsules. There is certainly more to it than just a great taste and a way to shed some unwanted pounds.

Spend Your Time with Tea Party

What else could be the best way to spend a long lazy afternoon than enjoying a tea party with your dear friends and family? Tea parties are suitable for all age groups; everyone from children to adults will enjoy the opportunity to snack, talk and drink tea. Whether you are planning to throw a formal party or simply host a casual get-together, tea parties are a fantastic solution for all occasions.

You can throw tea parties at any place, but nothing beat a green, grassy lawn on a warm spring day, the perfect place to host family and friends and enjoy the weather. If you are planning your tea party during the spring you can tastefully decorate the table with seasonal flowers to give elegant touch to your party. Whatever teh reason for the event make sure that your tea time table is adorned with best crockery, cutlery and linen. Decorate your tea table with a centerpiece made from fresh flowers and it's the perfect spot for your pot of tea and all your tea related accessories.

Choosing a snack is a typical task - make sure that your tea time menu has savory as well as sweet items. Cucumber mint tea sandwiches, Madeleine and raisin scones are most popular tea party items. You can pick different kind of sandwiches. Now people prefer vegetarian sandwiches like asparagus logs, pineapple nut tea sandwiches or traditional egg salad sandwiches, tuna salad sandwiches your tea party will be incomplete without cream cheesy sandwiches.

For making delicious sandwiches use good quality bread, it should be properly trimmed at the edges, thinly sliced and cut it into small pieces. A proper tea party is a fantastic way to spend time with family and friends, or to simply relax on a nice spring afternoon!

Lime Blossom Tea and Its Benefits

Reality check, almost everyone nowadays has been claiming that herbal medicines do have a lot of benefits to men and especially the Lime Blossom Tea. True enough that there is a good effect of it to those who drinks it because it is indeed an anti-oxidant and it does free the body from toxins. However, there are still some people who look at it as non-effective because they were not healed by it. In the next paragraphs of this article, we will discuss the reasons why people should not doubt blossom teas.

What is Lime blossom?

First and foremost, Lime Blossom is also known as linden. This flowering-blossom tree grows in the northern hemisphere specifically North America and Europe. It is considered to the most used among all other herbs because they say it has a calming effect. Today, it is very popular to those who always get into stress because of heavy workload and unchanging schedules. As many people say, its sweet and clean aroma can relieve the unwanted sensation.

The Facts

Did you know that Lime Blossom is said to treat nervous disorders? Some says that it is a good remedy of stress, tension, insomnia, anxiety and even depression. It is said also to be a good medication because it is rich in renewing volatile oils such as farensol. Indeed, it has a certain calming ingredient that soothes the nerves of a person wherein he or she would no longer feel restlessness and agitation.

Although the pain of having nervous disorders is unbearable at times, the procedure of preparing Lime Blossom is in fact very easy. You can even drink it to relieve the stress immediately or take a bath with the linden blend. Even though how little the amount of lime blossom you put in your drink or while taking a shower, you will eventually notice the effect.

Where to buy?

Today, many have been selling Lime Blossom extracts because many believes that it can cure nervous disorders, but how do they do this? Well, everything can be brought now online and Amazon got a lot of this in-store. So, if you do not know anyone who lives in North America or Europe, you might want to try ordering it online and the package will arrive before you know it. Also, other than teas they have shower gels and other selections too.

Octavia Tea Organic Lime Blossom Green Tea

The main content of this organic drink which is Lime Blossom tends to rejuvenates both body and mind. It is made possible because of the opulent combination of fresh lime and calming blossoms. It also has the mild mixtures of citrus and other botanicals for a more graceful flavor. It is indeed full of powerful antioxidants and health benefits that can give a cool feeling. Always make sure to mix this one with hot water so that the extracts will really deliver its flavor. As they say, it is more effective.

Drinking lime blossom gives a lot of benefits to the body. It can treat nervous disorders and it can also give soothing effect that is comparable to those medicines bought in drugstores. However, the most important thing that makes Lime Blossom Tea different from the conventional drugs is that it is100% natural. You will never feel any side effects since there are no inorganic chemicals involved.

Enjoy a Cup of Tea by Using Chantal Tea Kettle

If you enjoy a nice relaxing cup of tea then a Chantal Tea Kettle may just be the thing for you. A kitchen that doesn't contain a kettle just isn't complete. Even if you don't drink tea yourself tea kettles are used to boil water. They can be used to quickly boil water for food instead of using a pan on the gas.

Over the years the kettle has developed changing everything from shape, color and design. However the simple stove top whistling kettle has maintained its popularity. But gaining its own popular is the electric kettle. They come in all kind of designs and you will have no problem finding one of these to match the design of your kitchen. In terms of convenience is surpasses the stove top kettle as you fill it up, flip and switch and it will automatically turn itself off when done. No waiting for a whistle and running into the kitchen to turn it off. However for a lot of people they are set in their ways and maintain that a stove top kettle will provide you with a better cup of tea.

If you prefer the stove top whistling kettles then a Chantal Tea Kettle would be a great buy for you. They have many designs so you have a very good chance of finding a one you like. They also maintain the traditional look giving an antique and stylish look. Although this brand of kettle is a bit on the pricey side you get what you pay for. They are built to last and should serve you well for years to come. One good advantage is that the parts of the kettle are detachable which is great if years down the road one part breaks you only need replace that part instead of the whole kettle. That is one of the disadvantages of the electric kettles, once they break its most likely easier and cheaper to replace the whole kettle.

There are many reviews and special offers for kettles online so a good browse is needed to find what is right for you. Be careful for some kettles which can often give the boiled water a bad taste to it. This is something no tea or coffee drinkers wants when they sit down for a relaxing evening. So choose carefully but for a good tasting and relaxing cuppa you can't go far wrong with a Chantal Tea Kettle.

Wu Yi Tea is the Natural Way to Lose Weight

Wu Yi Tea is thought to be one of the finest weight loss teas sold today. High in the Wu Yi Mountains of China is where this tea is grown. The tea leaves are gathered only by hand, dried to perfection out in the sun and then hand packed.

The other benefits of this fine tea come from the antioxidants present in it. The results from studies done show that because of the antioxidants, Wu Yi tea can help reduce age spots and wrinkles. Other research provides information that the tea lowers blood sugar to a normal range reduces high blood pressure and lowers the bad cholesterol in your body. Research done around the world backs up these studies on this tea.

The same claims of weight loss are made about Ballerina tea. But Wu Yi tea is made from tea leaves and ballerina tea is made from an herb called Senna. This herb is a stimulant laxative. The tea leaves have polyphenol which occur naturally. The properties of polyphenol are what reduces cholesterol and causes the weight loss.

The weight loss that occurs from Wu Yi tea is due to the polyphenol which is a bio-active agent that activates enzymes in your body that dissolve the fat that has accumulated in your body. This action speeds up your metabolism and causes you to lose more weight.

Researchers at the University of Geneva Switzerland found that the flavonoids in the tea combine with the caffeine to alter the norepinephrine chemical in our bodies. This chemical is a transmitter in our nervous systems that increases the way we burn fat. Every bit of research that was done on Wu Yi tea came back with great results. A reduction in waist size, body fat and body mass index. 

More and more people are looking for natural products, not a pill with chemicals and who knows what else in it. Wu Yi tea has been proven with studies from around the world to be a great weight loss product in both men and women.

Organic Green Tea Health Benefits

A main green tea benefit is that it contains powerful antioxidants that favor bacteria beneficial to the human body while killing those that are harmful. Organic green teas have a high rate of antioxidants which are really important to protect the cells from a natural process that prevents toxins that build up from unnecessary oxygen.

Organic tea is the more natural form of modern tea plants that are sprayed with pesticides and other artificial methods of growth. Many tea plantations are now converting to organic due to the harming effects of chemical fertilizers- this organic tea provides a fuller taste that heightens the green tea benefits. The process of green tea formation includes only the leaf bud and top two leaves of the tea plant. The leaves do not become oxidized as they are not fermented like black tea. This process helps to preserve the leaves without destroying the beneficial compounds in the plant. Organic tea benefits also include various nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, manganese and potassium and the vitamins A, C, E and K.

Consumption of organic tea helps prevent diseases such as arthritis, improve bone density, reduce the risk of heart disease, and helps fight cataracts. Green organic tea is beneficial for almost every organ in the body. Organic green tea helps control blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart attacks. Its daily consumption has shown results in preventing viral infections. It is a very soothing drink that can help you control stress and slow down the aging process. Many people have used green tea for aid in weight loss as well as it works wonders for your metabolism. Tea is also a wonderful alternative to coffee, with many varieties having just half of the caffeine.

Sage Tea and Its Health Benefits

The ancient Romans associated sage with immortality, longevity, and strong mental capacities. The Latin verb sapere, from which the common name derives, means both "to have a good taste" and "to have good sense," thus linking the plant with wisdom. Artemis, the Greek goddess of forests and hills, inspired the genus name Artemisia, which is also the Latin word for mugwort.

Most of the herbal and ornamental sages fall into two great camps: the genus Salvia, which lies within the great Labiatae (Lamiaceae), the mint family, and the genus Artemisia, which belongs to the compositae, or asters. The dominant sage across Europe, a Salvia, differs markedly from the American prairie sage, or sagebrush, an Artemisia.

Artemisia includes about two hundred species of aromatic annual, biennial, and perennial herbs and shrubs native mostly in dry, stony areas of the Northern Hemisphere. Many species create their own colonies, or eco-niches, quickly taking over disturbed ground in the wild. They are grown as ornamentals and for their medicinal, insecticidal, and aromatic qualities, and we know them mostly as the sagebrush, mugworts, wormwoods, and fragrant annies. Southernwood, absinthe, dusty miller (beach wormwood), and garden tarragon are striking Eurasian species of Artemisia familiar in many of our perennial gardens. Their small flower heads are generally in spikes or racemes of tiny disk-like flowers that can range from white to yellow-green, and even brownish to purplish. The alternate leaves can be lobed or dissected, and most have unusual fragrance.

The most common species west of the Mississippi River - and the most sacred smudging herb - of the rugged, attractive native sages growing in dry areas of North America is the classic sagebrush, A. tridentata. This rounded evergreen shrub can grow up to ten feet tall, and its silvery-gray foliage and branches are highly aromatic. Nineteen species of sage are native to the greater California - West Coast regions. Sand sage, A. filifolia, can grow to five feet tall in the desert Southwest regions, while Alaskan sage, A. frigida, is a more prostrate, mat-forming species, which grows south into Kansas and Arizona. The highly aromatic white sage, A. ludoviciana, found across the West, has been hybridized into garden varieties called Silver King and Silver Queen. This native herb was first collected in the Louisiana Purchase regions in the eighteenth century - a bit of history reflected in its Latin species name.

The genus Salvia embraces more than 750 species of herbs, some growing as shrubs, widely distributed throughout the world's dry, stony regions. Salvia comes from the Latin salvare, meaning "to cure," and these are certainly healing plants. Some Salvias are cultivated as ornamentals and for culinary, perfumery, and medicinal uses. Our native scarlet or Texas sage, Salvia coccinea, is one of the most widely cultivated ornamental sages, along with the aromatic native pineapple-scented sage, S. elegans, which can grow to more than three feet tall.

Common (culinary) or garden sage, S. officinalis, is the familiar Mediterranean herb we use in cooking and some teas. This species was a favourite ancient potherb, cultivated for many centuries. Attractive cultivars grown today in varieties of purplish-red variegated leaves are purpurascens and purpurea along with the gold/white/green tricolor and the albiflora, which are favoured in many of our kitchen gardens and are welcome additions to any garden. A California native, the aromatic blue sage, S. clevelandii, is often recommended as a substitute for culinary sage.

Many more native Salvia species are used ceremonially and medicinally, especially the southern California greasewood or white sage, Salvia apiana, which can grow three to eight feet tall, with oblong leaves covered in white hairs and white to pale lavender blooms. The Great Plains blue sage, S. azurea, has been naturalized in the East and hybridized into several showy varieties. The white woolly Mexican bush sage, S. leucantha and the tall rosy-leaf sage, S. involucrata are stunning southern perennial shrubs. 

Traditional uses

Indians throughout the Americas extensively use numerous species of native sage. For example, in the Artemisia genus, many western tribes use Alaskan sage, A. frigida, and sand sage, A. filifolia, medicinally and ceremonially. Rocky Mountain sage, A. arbuscula, and California sage, A. Californica, are collected and dried for ceremonial smudging, and their leaves are chewed for relief of congestion and sore throat. Native peoples have long exploited Salvia carducea for its aromatic qualities and cooling, fever-reducing principles, along with gray or purple sage, S. leucophylla, the West Coast gray ball sage, S. dorrii, and the stout thistle sage. Some sage species are now commercially grown to meet the growing demand for their use in sacred and ceremonial rites.

Dried sage leaves, stems, blossoms, and seeds have long been used as sacred smudging herbs, and many tribes traded for favourite species to use for medicinal teas, sedatives, insecticides, and fumigants. Special clothing, especially ceremonial apparel and masks, was often packed away between layers of dried sage to protect it and keep it fresh. The spirits associated with ceremonial items were and are blessed with sage, and these items were often tied with a sprig of sage for strength and respect. Sage was and is one of the foremost sweat lodge herbs, used by American Indians to banish all negative spirits and emotions and to smudge over the fire. This beneficial herb has long been important on tribal and personal altars and carried in the medicine bag and the car.

Modern uses

Today, herbalists around the world use the sages to relieve many problems. Chinese red sage, Salvia miltiorrhiza (dan shen), is traditionally used for heart and circulatory problems. Many of the European and native American species serve similar needs and also as digestive tonics, gargles, and a valuable hormonal stimulant for women throughout their childbearing years and menopause. Culinary sage, S. officinalis, is also a traditional treatment for asthma, and is drunk as a tea to clear the mind and stimulate thought. Many of us wear a sprig of sage in the garden as an insect repellent.

Cautions

Some individuals can suffer respiratory problems, such as hay fever, and some may even experience slight dermatitis from handling certain species in these two large families. Yet many people rub sage leaves on their bodies to ward off insects and never have any skin problems.

Growth needs and propagation

Most species of sage tolerate sandy, alkaline soil that is well drained. They flourish in rich soil and full sun. Plants do not seem to come as well from seed as they do from root and stem cuttings; they take a good two years to come to maturity from seeds. Once mature, the blossoms and leaves can be clipped repeatedly for ritual or medicinal use. Check them carefully for plant pests, and spray with an organic soap mixture if you detect spittle bugs or spider mites. Sage has many antibacterial properties and usually remains pest-free.

Companions

Sage grows well with other gray-leaved herbs that like slightly alkaline soil, such as coneflower, evening primrose, yarrow, rosemary and lavender.