30 Jan The Art of Tea: How Herbal Teas Boost your Health
Tea-drinking is a relaxing and refreshing pastime enjoyed by people of all cultures around the globe. There are more than 1500 varieties of tea in the world, so it’s safe to say tea-lovers are spoiled for choice! But teatime is more than just a social ritual or a break from our daily routines; the teas we drink have the power to heal us, both physically and emotionally. A cup of the right herbal tea on a daily basis can make all the difference to your overall wellbeing. Here’s a closer look at some of our most-loved herbal teas, and the rich health benefits brimming over in every cup.
Chamomile Tea
The soothing tea; chamomile calms anxiety and relieves insomnia, promoting a restful night’s sleep. It’s also great for tummy trouble, soothing an upset stomach and easing cramps. Last but not least, chamomile boosts the immune system, keeping colds at bay.
Did You Know? Chamomile tea can be used as a hair rinse, to bring our golden sun-kissed highlights in blonde and light brown hair.
Dandelion Tea
This tea is a great liver and kidney tonic; it has a mild diuretic effect that helps to cleanse the system. Dandelion has great antioxidant abilities; it also helps to ease inflammation and relieve digestive issues.
Did You Know? Dandelion tea contains more beta-carotene than carrots, making it great for promoting healthy eyesight.
Ginger Tea
A cup of ginger tea is the ideal remedy for nausea; great for easing morning sickness and motion sickness. Stimulating ginger also improves the digestion and the circulation; plus this warming herb is loaded with vitamin C, to keep your immune system strong.
Did You Know? Ancient Greeks would treat digestive problems by eating fresh ginger root wrapped in bread.
Honeybush Tea
Honeybush has a sweet and delicate flavour, making it a very popular indigenous South African tea – almost as popular as rooibos. It is rich in trace minerals and antioxidants, and helps to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Honeybush is a potent anti-inflammatory, and also helps to relieve cramps.
Did You Know? Honeybush plants are actually members of the legume family. The plant gets its name because of its honey-scented flowers; and even after long-term simmering, honeybush tea doesn’t become bitter.
Jasmine Tea
Teas flavoured with precious jasmine flowers get a beautiful aroma and taste from these fragrant petals. Jasmine is rich in antioxidants and has antibacterial properties; it promotes heart health and digestive health, and gives the immune system a boost. It also helps to regulate blood sugar levels. Jasmine tea blends are typically made using an antioxidant-rich green tea base, but some are made with oolong, white or black tea.
Did You Know? In India, jasmine is also called “The Queen of the Night”, because of the rich floral fragrance it emits at night.
Lavender Tea
Lavender tea, like chamomile, is another great herbal remedy for insomnia. Lavender is known for its calming effects, and the scent acts as a powerful stress-reliever. It’s also effective for relieving headaches.
Did You Know? The name lavender comes from the Latin lavare, meaning “to wash”. Lavender has great antibacterial and cleansing properties; ancient Romans would use the herb in their baths and their homes, for its fresh scent and cleaning powers.
Nettle Tea
We don’t traditionally think of nettles as “friendly” plants, but the truth is they’re actually loaded with health benefits. Nettle tea prevents water retention and combats bladder infections; supports the health of the lymphatic and endocrine systems; eases asthma and allergies; and helps to keep coughs and colds at bay. Not only that, it makes a great skin toner and strengthening hair rinse.
Did You Know? In some ancient cultures, nettle plants were believed to have magical properties; people would place nettles under their doors to prevent evil spirits from entering their homes, or make broom bristles out of nettle, to “sweep away” the bad spirits.
Rooibos Tea
This is undoubtedly South Africa’s most famous and beloved indigenous tea. The health-giving “red bush” has a high antioxidant content, making it a wonderful age-defying remedy for those who drink it regularly. It also promotes a healthy heart, good circulation, lower blood pressure levels and a happy digestive system.
Did You Know? While ordinary black tea is high in tannins and typically inhibits your body’s absorption of iron, rooibos tea contains only half the tannins and actually improves your ability to absorb iron.
Sceletium Tea
Sceletium is the ultimate herbal stress-reliever. This magical indigenous plant is used to calm anxiety, boost the mood, improve energy levels and even reduce food cravings.
Did You Know? Sceletium can also help to alleviate depression and PMS.
Enjoy Tea Time in Style
We have some gorgeous products available that will enhance your tea preparation experience.
Use this beauty to prepare a single cup of loose leaf tea, flower tea or mushroom tea.
Store your tea in this vintage-inspired tin canister from the fab Kitchen Craft range.
Drop these tea balls into a glass tea pot and watch them blossom!
Divine Tea Gift Sets
Perfect “the art of tea” with a beautiful natural tea gift set. We’ve lovingly selected some of our finest teas to go into these product hampers. Choose from the Zen, Hibiscus, Rooibos, Chaga or Antioxidant tea gift set, and savour all the rejuvenating, healing goodness of herbal teas.
“Tea is quiet and our thirst for tea is never far from our craving for beauty.” – James Norwood Pratt
No Comments