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Tea Health Benefits

Reset with Night Time Teas

February 15, 2022

After a long day, it can be hard to unwind and turn off your brain at bedtime. Between deadlines at work, your kid’s soccer practice and the laundry piling up, you may have trouble de-stressing while trying to fall asleep. While there are many different ways to help you relax and unwind after a long day, or week, have you ever thought about adding tea to your nighttime routine? Better quality sleep in only one sip away.

Sleep plays a crucial role in your overall health. Sleep is just as important as diet and exercise. Good sleep improves your brain performance, mood, and health. Not getting enough quality sleep regularly raises the risk of many diseases and disorders. 

Chamomile

Chamomile’s warmth, subtle sweetness, and delicate floral notes aren’t the only reasons this herbal tea promotes a sense of relaxation and calmness in those who drink it. Chamomile is a friend with big benefits. According to a 2019 research review, this sweet and earthy tea can help improve sleep quality and is an effective treatment for GAD. One of the main chemical compounds in chamomile is a flavonoid called apigenin. Apigenin creates a mild sedative effect by binding to receptors in the brain responsible for inducing sleepiness and decreasing anxiety.

Tip: If you want to take advantage of chamomile’s sleep-inducing benefits, it’s recommended that you drink your chamomile tea for about 45 minutes before going to bed. This allows your body plenty of time to metabolize the chemical compounds that make chamomile an effective sleep aid.

Peppermint

Peppermint tea is an ideal choice before bed, as it’s naturally caffeine-free. What’s more, peppermint’s capacity as a muscle relaxant may help you relax before bedtime. Peppermint tea has proven to be beneficial for sleep, and can even help insomniacs sleep for longer hours and have a better quality sleep. Peppermint tea is caffeine-free and has relaxing properties which can help reduce tension from your muscles.

Lavender

Everything else in your chill-time arsenal (lotion, pillow mist, bath bombs…) is lavender-scented for a good reason: It’s extremely calming. We can thank the ancient Greeks and Romans for the idea — they threw lavender into their baths and were obsessed with inhaling its soothing scent. Not only is it often enjoyed as a soothing bedtime tea, but some research also supports that lavender could promote relaxation and enhance sleep quality. For instance, one small study found that women who had recently given birth and who drank 1 cup of lavender tea per day for 2 weeks experienced less fatigue than a control group. Another study in older adults showed that lavender tea effectively decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety, both of which could contribute to insomnia.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass tea is an exceptional sleep aid that stimulates rest by inducing the release of chemicals and hormones that regulate sleep. Specifically, lemongrass tea triggers the release of serotonin, a hormone that has been connected to improving mood and happiness. This tea is particularly useful for individuals who suffer from restlessness before bed as the sedative effects reduce stress while serotonin increases feelings of contentment. Our lemon ginger herbal tea contains lemongrass, ginger and lemon peel which is a lovely tea to sip on just before bed!

Passionflower Tea

A study published in Phytotherapy Research examined the effects of passionflower on sleep quality in 41 individuals aged 18 to 35. The participants consumed one cup of passionflower tea or a placebo for a 1-week period and kept a sleep journal. At the end of the study, participants who consumed passionflower tea showed significantly increased sleep quality. Passionflower tea offers a sweet, floral way to alleviate sleep disorders and get better quality sleep. Consume a cup each evening before bed to reap the benefits of passionflower tea.

One of the only downsides to tea before bed is the caffeine. If you’re really sensitive to caffeine, you probably want to avoid tea that contains even a little caffeine before you go to sleep. If you have too much caffeine, it can affect how quickly you fall asleep and how well you sleep throughout the night.

Sip a delicious cup of one of these top bedtime teas and you’ll be slipping into sweet dreams in no time. 

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Tea Health Benefits

5 Best Teas to Reduce Stress

September 13, 2021

Feeling stressed or experiencing elevated anxiety? Unwind with a soothing cup of tea. Tea is the best natural way to relieve stress and reduce anxiety. It offers relaxing properties and a list of other added benefits for your health. Please note that a doctor should be consulted in order to establish a proper routine for care and treatment of anxiety or stress.

1. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile Tea is a popular herbal tea that is made from the flowers of the Chamomile plant. Aside from it’s long list of health benefits including providing digestive relief, controlling blood sugar levels, and boosting your immune system, Chamomile Tea is also known to reduce anxiety and stress. According to an article on Medical News Today, many researchers believe that Chamomile tea can function as a benxodiazepine, a prescription drug that can induce sleep and reduce anxiety. Since Chamomile is an herb, it will not provide as large of an effect as a pharmaceutical drug but can still show benefits. It has been used for years by many different cultures, and can also be served in supplement form. Chamomile tea is safe to consume and has a recommended dose of 1 to 4 cups of tea daily.

2. Green Tea

Green tea contains an amino acid called Theanine that is a known constituent that effects the central nervous system. It’s mood-altering effects provide relaxing benefits that can be beneficial to someone suffering from anxiety or stress. It can affect certain chemicals in the brain, including serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin and dopamine which are neurotransmitters that are known to regulate bodily functions such as emotion. It is important to note that green tea contains caffeine and caffeine can alter the effects of theanine. As proven in a study by the U.S. National Library of Medicine: National Institutes of Health, reduced stress and improved sleep quality can be caused by reduced caffeine content in green tea.

3. Peppermint Tea

Peppermint Tea is another popular herbal tea that has proven health benefits including relieving tension, improving energy, and inducing sleep. Peppermint teas are packed with relaxing effects to help relieve stress and ease your mind. The menthol within the peppermint allows your muscles to relax amidst any ongoing stress or anxiety. When your muscles are relaxed, it is also easier to fall asleep. Peppermint tea can also reduce your body temperature and blood pressure, which in result will help you to better relax. Naturally, peppermint tea does not contain any caffeine and it can relieve tension in your sinus is and head which is beneficial if you are sick. Peppermint tea can also be consumed to relieve cramping or body aches.

4. Lavender Tea

Lavender tea is another soothing herbal tea that can help calm your nerves which results in reduced stress and anxiety relief. Lavender is also a popular aromatherapy scent that can be produced in essential oil form. It is known for its soothing scent and clarifying properties. When consumed in tea form, lavender can help improve the quality of your sleep. Lavender extract can also be found in supplement form and should be consumed with caution. When taking anything that may have an effect on your central nervous system it is important to consult a doctor or other health care professional who can better guide you on how to use and consume the product safely. Aside from its soothing properties, lavender tea can also improve the quality of your skin. The anti-inflammatory properties found in lavender extract can help diminish the appearance of inflammation on your skin.

5. Lemon Balm Tea

According to WebMD, lemon balm is a perennial herb from the mint family. It produces a calming effect that can be used to treat insomnia, stress, and anxiety. Similar to lavender, it is another popular essential oil that is used for aromatherapy purposes to achieve soothing effects. Lemon balm tea contains powerful antioxidants that can combat sickness and create an alert effect on your central nervous system. Lemon balm tea contains rosmarinic acid, which is known to boost brain activity.

Self-care is the best way to show compassion for your body in a physical and mental capacity. Whether you are feeling slightly anxious or have a lingering feeling of stress, decompress with a nice cup of tea and experience the anti-stress factors associated with the teas listed above. Not only will you experience soothing and relaxing benefits from consuming these teas but other health benefits as well which can play a role on your mood and brain function. It is important to remember that anxiety is a mood disorder that should be diagnosed by a doctor or other health care professional. If you suffer from anxiety, please consult a doctor before looking to tea as a solution.

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Tea Recipes

Tea Latte Recipes to Try

September 6, 2021

With fall being just around the corner, it’s a perfect time to consider tea lattes. Tea lattes are the perfect combination of warm and cozy that is necessary for the fall, and they are easy to make from the comfort of your own home. Just like a regular latte, tea lattes are equal parts tea and steamed milk and can have other added flavors for your liking. We rounded up 4 of our favorite tea latte recipes that can be enjoyed at any time of the year.

Matcha Latte

Matcha is a popular form of green tea that has become a trend inspiring drinks, desserts, and more. It is high in antioxidants and has 10x the nutrients of regular green tea, which is why matcha lattes are the perfect drink to get your day going. Here is everything you need to make a perfect matcha latte. The recipe for this tasty drink is simple, but requires certain techniques to make it smooth.

Ingredients:

  • Matcha Powder
  • Hot Water
  • Honey, or another natural sweetener such as agave
  • Milk

Instructions:

  1. First, we recommend using a matcha whisk. Begin by sifting your matcha powder to avoid clumping. We want your latte to be as smooth and clump-free as possible to make it more enjoyable.
  2. Next, add the matcha to a cup or mug. Pour the hot water over the sifted matcha and whisk using your matcha whisk. The outcome should be a smooth dark green paste.
  3. After the paste is whisked to perfection, heat your milk of choice in a small saucepan and pour into the cup or mug. If you prefer and iced latter, use cold milk.
  4. Use your matcha whisk to thoroughly mix the milk and paste together. This should produce a light green color.
  5. Following this step, you can add honey or a natural sweetener such as agave for your liking. Add a sprinkle of the matcha powder on top for decoration.

Chai Tea Latte

Craving something spicy and don’t feel like spending the money on a chai tea latte from Starbucks? Make your own Chai Tea Latte at home with this easy recipe. Chai tea is a version of black tea that includes chai spices such as cinnamon, cloves, ginger, black pepper, and cardamom. The infusion of spices and a touch of milk creates a perfect creamy combination perfect for a fall day.

Ingredients:

  • Loose Leaf Chai Tea
  • Hot water
  • Your milk of choice (non-fat, almond, etc.). The higher fat your milk is, the creamier texture you will achieve. Starbucks uses 2% milk for their lattes.
  • Granulated sugar, brown sugar, or another artificial sweetener of your liking
  • Cinnamon and nutmeg (for garnishing purposes)

Instructions:

  1. First you want to create a chai concentrate using the loose leaf tea and sugar. Brew this mixture and then remove from the heat and allow it to steep for 10 minutes.
  2. After the tea is done steeping, heat your milk of choice over medium-high heat until warm. Once the appropriate temperature is achieved, whisk the milk to create the froth.
  3. Pour the chai tea concentrate over the milk and stir to create your desired mixture. An optional last step is to add Cinnamon and nutmeg on top for garnishing purposes.

Lavender Tea Latte

The hint of floral notes in this tasty tea creates a soothing and sweet taste enjoyable by all. Lavender is an aromatic plant that is used as a popular essential oil, and scent for body products and home fragrances. It is also used to add a floral taste to any drink or dessert. The Lavender tea latte is surprisingly delicious and easy to create.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Steep the lavender flowers and earl grey tea in hot water for 7-10 minutes.
  2. While the tea is steeping, heat the milk in a small saucepan.
  3. Strain the tea and stir in the agave. After fully stirring the mixture, add in the milk and continue to stir.
  4. Top off the drink with lavender as a pretty garnish and enjoy.

Honey Chamomile Tea Latte

Not only is this latte perfect if you are feeling sick, but it also is a nice way to hit refresh for your body. The combination of the calming effects of Chamomile and the warmth and sweetness create the ultimate mixture.

Ingredients:

  • Herbal Chamomile Tea
  • Honey
  • Hot Water
  • Ground Cinnamon
  • Milk of your choosing, we recommend trying coconut milk for this recipe.

Instructions:

  1. Bring your water to a simmer and add the tea. Allow it to steep for 10 minutes while covered.
  2. Heat your milk in a separate container and whisk until frothy.
  3. Add the honey to the tea followed by the milk. Stir until the mixture is completely dissolved.
  4. Serve and enjoy.

No Barista skills are necessary to create these simple lattes. Not only can you try one of these 4 recipes, but you can also transform any of our loose leaf teas into a tea latte by adding milk and a sweetener.

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Tea Health Benefits

Drink These Teas to Be Happy in 2017

December 29, 2016

Do you want 2017 to be your best year yet? Are you ready to start feeling great and getting what you want? Turns out, certain smells can make you happy, so we’re here with the right-smelling teas to make the good times roll all year long. The key to wellness in 2017 could be right under your nose.

1) For Less Stress: PINE NEEDLE TEA

Ever notice how at peace you feel when walking through a forest? You’re not the only one: researchers at Kyoto University conducted a study to measure the health effects of walking through pine forests, colloquioly referred to as “forest bathing” in Japan. They concluded that “forest environments are advantageous with respect to acute emotions, especially among those experiencing chronic stress.” If you can’t teleport to a pine-filled forest when you’re feeling stressed this year, trying drinking pine needle tea. Smelling pine in your cup may be enough to transport you away from your stress into a more relaxed state.

2) For More Rest: LAVENDER TEA

If your New Year’s resolution is to stop watching Netflix until 2 am and get some decent shut eye, try drinking lavender tea before bed this year. According to WebMd, inhaling lavender is used to treat insomnia, pain, and even dementia-related agitation. This calming scent is just what the doctor ordered, so stock up on lavender tea this year: Teavana has a citrus lavender sage herbal tea and a Lavender Dreams White Tea for your sipping pleasure, while Yogi Tea serves up Honey Lavender Stress Relief Tea and Celestial Seasonings whips up its own Organic Herbal Chamomile and Lavender Tea. Lucky for you, the advantageous properties of lavender have been talked up for a long time, so finding lavender tea is relatively easy.

3) For a Better Memory: ROSEMARY TEA

Smelling rosemary may help you remember important things this year. A study conducted by psychologists at Northumbria University in Newcastle found that people who smelled rosemary could perform memory tasks much better than those who did not. If you’ve got a lot on your plate this year, try sipping rosemary tea and see if it becomes easier to remember all the things on your list.  From remembering your four kids’ different pick-up schedules to remembering to take your medicine at the right time, rosemary tea may be the key to keeping it all straight. For your consideration: Tea Forte’s Organic Tangerine Rosemary White Tea and Buddha Teas’ Organic Rosemary Tea.

4) For Athletic Performance: PEPPERMINT TEA

One of the most common goals for the New Year is getting in shape. Whether you’re working toward your first half marathon or a new weightlifting goal, adding peppermint tea to your regimen may help you get there. A study from the University of Mohaghegh’s Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences concluded that athletes who drank water infused with peppermint oil enjoyed better athletic performance and respiratory function. Smelling peppermint and drinking mint tea may keep you from getting out of breath on the treadmill or in the pool, so invest in some peppermint tea for you or the athlete in your life this year. Try Bigelow’s Mint Medley Herbal Tea or Twinings’ Pure Peppermint Tea and then hit the ground running.

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