A Cup of Morning Tea

How do you start your morning? If you have breakfast, this often includes a meal with carbohydrates and protein and a beverage to give you a slight jolt to start your day. More often than not, this beverage is coffee. While coffee has recently been found to have antioxidants, not everyone drinks it black. The list of ingredients to coffee has since expanded from a bit of cream and sugar to syrups and whipped cream. If you cannot stand the taste of black coffee and want to eliminate the excess calories of added milk and sugar products, consider drinking tea instead.

Black tea, which contains the most caffeine out of all common varieties, can be closely likened to coffee with a milder taste. Although plain black tea is often found in varieties like Earl Grey and English breakfast, flavor infusions, which add taste but not too many calories, have become popular. Each blend of flavored black tea contains some dried fruits, spices, or even flower petals. When the tea is steeped, the flavors from the fruits or spices are released and mixed in.

From a different species of the camellia sinensis plant, green tea has also gained in popularity over the past 20 years. Even with less caffeine, green tea can still give you a morning jolt, but the beverage has come under attention for supposed health properties. Studies ranging from reducing risks of heart disease to weight loss have been done with green tea, but the results of all indicate that the beverage, even in concentrated form, is not a substitute for proper medical attention or a dieting and exercise strategy.

Health Benefits of Peppermint Tea

Peppermint Tea, also known as mint tea, is an infusion made from peppermint (Mentha piperita). Peppermint was first grown in England back in 1750 by combining spearmint and water mint. This caffeine-free drink is typically used to calm the nerves and even heal some illnesses because of the menthol it contains.

People often drink peppermint infused tea to relieve symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. Breastfeeding mothers are often advised to drink peppermint tea to prevent and reduce the occurrence of colic in babies. Because of its cool, menthol smell, this tea is also used to get rid of bad breath. Although it doesn't cure serious illnesses, it can decrease the severity of colds and asthma. It should be taken into account however, that although many people recommend peppermint tea as a natural remedy, no clinical trials have been made to measure its effectiveness and health benefits.

On the other hand, peppermint has been proven to be effective in relaxing a person's muscles. This has made tea made from peppermint a favorite treatment for relaxing muscle spasms and treating colic, indigestion, intestinal gas and diarrhea. However, this also means that it can make stomach contents move back up the esophagus by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter. Because of this, people who have GERD, or gastro esophageal reflux disease, are advised against drinking peppermint tea.

This tea is most commonly made by pouring hot water into a cup with dried peppermint leaves at the bottom and letting the concoction sit for about 10 minutes. Drain off the leaves before serving the tea. Many people find the taste to be simply divine.

Assam Tea History

Assam tea is named for the area where it is grown: Assam, India. Assam is located on the Brahmaputra River, and borders Burma and Bangladesh. The area gets extremely high precipitation and daytime temperatures of 103 degrees Fahrenheit on average, which creates a tropical greenhouse effect on the teas grown here. This tropical heat and humidity are what give Assam tea its malty taste.

Assam is harvested only from the Camellia sinensis plant, with the specific variety being assamica. The tea is known for a strong and bright color, full body, malty flavor, and briskness. Blends with Assam contained in them are frequently sold as breakfast teas: Irish, English, and Scottish varieties among them.

The Assam area does produce some smaller amounts of green teas and white teas which have different and distinctive characteristics. This area is the second largest tea production region in the world, after southern China, which are also the only two regions which have native tea plants. The tea bushes grow in the lowland region, full of sandy and rich soil because it is a floodplain. Each year, the area yields over 1.5 million pounds of tea.

The tea is harvested twice a year, in what are called the "first flush" and "second flush." The first flush occurs in late March, and the second flush much later. It is the second flush which produces the sweeter and fuller-bodied teas.

The British began cultivating tea in Assam in the early 1800's, after an explorer saw the Indian natives brewing the leaves and sampled it. They originally brought Chinese seeds to the area, believing them better than the local variety. In the end, a version that is a hybrid of the Chinese and Indian tea plants proved most successful in the terrain and climate of the Assam area. Today there are six hundred tea gardens in the region.

Always begin with cold water when brewing Assam tea, and bring it to a boil. While your water is heating, fill your teapot with hot water to warm it. Just as your water begins to boil, remove from the burner, empty the warm water from your teapot, and add 1 teaspoon of Assam tea leaves per cup of water, using a loosely-packed tea ball. Let your tea steep for three to five minutes, strain, and enjoy!

How Many Cups of Green Tea Should You Have in a Day

By now all of us know that there are various health benefits associated with Green tea. The question is how much tea should one consume? First of all there are no side effects of green tea however, excess of anything is bad. Thus to make sure that you have just the right quantity, here are a few things that you can keep in mind:

Experts suggest that if you are trying to lose weight with the help of green tea, then at least 3 cups of tea is recommended in a day. A cup of tea usually has 9 to 20 mg of caffeine on the other hand regular Black tea has somewhere around 40-60 mg of caffeine. Which if you notice is actually double the amount. So you can do the math here and see for yourself that green tea has just the appropriate quantity of caffeine in it.

Consuming over 6 cups of coffee can increase the heart rate. This happens because of the high intake of caffeine. Caffeine does provide you with extra energy but at the same time it directly affects the CNS (central Nervous system). So it is important to make sure that you consume the right amount of tea. It is said that the use of this tea originated in Asia and the reason it is really helpful is because it is high on anti-oxidants. Researches in Japan show that drinking more than 2 cups of tea can increase mental sharpness.

All of the researches state the health benefits of this tea. Some state that consuming at-least 2 cups of tea a day will keep you free of arthritis, diabetes etc. Hence consuming Green Tea on a regular basis ensures that you would stay in good health. Just make sure you are having it in the right amount.

How to Brew Green Tea

Green tea is one of the most popular teas around and for several good reasons. It is well-known to boost health. Several tea drinkers discover that green tea can help soothe the senses, get rid of stress and improve their appetite. It is also a great way to get rid of waste products from your body. There are a number of tips that can help you brew the best green tea, without having to spend much on hi-tech gadgets. Here are some guidelines for you.

About Water Temperature

Water temperature is one of the most important elements that you should control when making green tea. If the water temperature is very hot, you will find that the tea will have a more bitter taste and most of the aroma will disappear. If you don't bring the water up to boiling point, you will also avoid the full flavor of the tea leaves, thereby giving you bland tea. You have to invest in the right kettle that will bring out the full flavors of the leaves, even if you only have to boil the water using traditional methods.

Lower is Better

Most experts recommend that you have to lower the temperature when brewing, compared to brewing other flavors. Some substances found in green tea leaves give it extra flavor and goodness. You will also notice that the smell gets better and will get enhanced flavor and sweetness, that is only triggered by the different amino acids and natural sugars present in it. The astringency and bitterness are highly related to tannins or polyphenols. The amino acids can dissolve at 60 degrees Celsius, while tannins should be dissolved at 80 degrees Celsius. This concludes that you will improve flavor and aroma when brewed at lower temperatures. It will avoid giving you bitter taste.

The Temperature and Materials

You do not need to get the most expensive gadgets and items to brew green tea the right way. All you truly need is a thermometer, a kettle and stove. Heat the water in the kettle then pour into a tea pot. You can also boil the water then allow it to cool for a few seconds before you pour it into your tea pot. Once you pour everything into the tea pot, add your green tea leaves and check until the temperature reaches 140 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. This usually takes only about 3 to 5 minutes. Pour the contents into a ceramic cup then pour everything back into the pot. Repeat the pouring process 3 to 5 more times.

Consider the Source

According to studies, Japanese teas extract faster compared to Chinese teas and others that come from other places like Brazil or Puerto Rico. The rule in brewing green tea is, the lower the temperature, the longer you can steep the green tea. Steeping for too long will give you a bitter taste and fewer flavors. You should try steeping for only 1 to 3 minutes.

Is It Safe to Drink Tea during Pregnancy?

Tea, whether green tea, black tea, oolong, white, or other varieties, is a healthy drink. Many women ask the question of whether or not it is safe to drink tea, such as green tea, during pregnancy. The main matter of concern is the caffeine content of tea, as there is some evidence that high doses of caffeine can be.

Is it safe to drink tea during pregnancy?

Yes, but in moderation. The answer to this question is essentially the same as for the general population. For most people, caffeine is safe, but only in moderation.

How much tea or caffeine is safe for a pregnant woman to drink?

The official stance of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, as of July 2010, is that it is completely safe for pregnant women to consume less than 200 milligrams (mg) of caffeine daily. Although the caffeine content of tea varies widely, the amount in a single 8 ounce cup of tea is almost always under 75mg, usually under 60mg, with most teas somewhere in the 30-40mg / cup range. Coffee, by contrast, contains much more caffeine. It is thus totally safe for a pregnant woman to drink a few cups of tea a day. The studies on higher doses of caffeine are conflicting and unclear; although there is some evidence that higher doses of caffeine increase the risk of miscarriage, there is still a lot of uncertainty to these results, and there are several studies which found no effect.

It also must be emphasized that there is not really that large a difference between the guidelines for caffeine intake for pregnant women and those for the population as a whole. The Mayo Clinic's recommendation for safe caffeine intake is up to 300mg daily, and emphasized that even in non-pregnant adults, amounts of caffeine greater than 500mg daily can be associated with a number of health problems.

Drinking herbal teas during pregnancy:

Since herbal teas encompass any hot water infusion made from any plant other than the tea plant, it's hard to generalize about the safety of herbal teas during pregnancy. Since some herbs can act as potent medicines, it is best to consult a professional herbalist or other healthcare professional before consuming a potent medicinal herb, or any herbal tea in high doses. Just like with anything, moderation is the key.

There are some herbs which are thought to be beneficial during pregnancy. One such herb is red raspberry leaf, which is used extensively in traditional medicine in association with pregnancy. Some herbalists have recommended ginger to treat morning sickness, as ginger can be effective at treating nausea.

Don't worry and don't think too much:

Stress always has a negative impact on the body, and with all the messages in the media and other information sources about what a woman should or should not do during pregnancy, it's easy for pregnant women to become stressed out by worrying too much about what they should or shouldn't be eating or drinking.

As with a lot of things in life, it's best to not think too hard about it, and to use moderation and common sense. Whether you're pregnant or not, an excess or extreme of anything, whether tea, caffeine, or any food, drink, or medication, is going to be detrimental to your health, even when more moderate amounts are totally safe. Practice moderation and stop thinking about your diet: listen to your body and stay relaxed.

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.