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Tea Recipes

3 Energy drink recipes with tea

November 15, 2022

Because it has a low to moderate quantity of caffeine, tea might provide you with the boost of energy you require when you are feeling lethargic. Additionally, in comparison to other caffeinated beverages such as coffee and energy drinks, tea is a more beneficial option to consume. People who drink caffeinated tea often report that its effects on their energy levels are different from those of other caffeinated beverages. Instead of the high and subsequent crash that is typically associated with energy-boosting beverages, people who drink caffeinated tea often experience a more sustained energizing effect. This is due, in part, to a special chemical called l-theanine, which is found in tea and is responsible for promoting calmness, relaxation, and concentration. People who are attempting to abstain from caffeine completely may find that the constituents in herbal teas, such as peppermint and ginger, nonetheless provide them with the same stimulating and invigorating effects. You can get a surge of energy from tea, but without the negative consequences that energy drinks might have on your body in the long run. Because tea includes theanine, in addition to naturally invigorating you, the burst of energy you get from the caffeine will be more sustained and less jolting. We’re well aware that by now, you understand the significance of tea when it comes to energy but that’s not what this post is about, it’s about three unique energy drink recipes made with tea to give you that extra boost and also make your day a little bit more interesting.

  1. Peach and Ginger Smoothie

Instead of using water as a base for this smoothie, we decided on a peach green tea.

Why use Green Tea? Well, for starters, it has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial benefits. Also, the fact that you can increase energy levels, boost concentration, and even inceease fat burning with green tea, it’s a no brainer given the added taste and health benefits!

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cup brewed peach green tea cooled
  • 1 cup silk almond milk
  • 1 inch ginger knob peeled and grated
  • 3-4 fresh mint leaves
  • 1/2 lemon juice only
  • 2-3 drops vanilla extract

Recipe

  • Put all of the ingredients into the blender, and then process them until you get a beverage that is smooth and creamy.
  • Pour the mixture into glass bottles with lids, and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
  1. Cherry Lime Energy Drink

This jitter-free energy drink will leave you feeling naturally energized and revitalized. This beverage is stimulating without causing jitters because it is made with cherry rose sencha green tea and does not contain any added sugar. This energy drink consists of only four basic components and has none that are manufactured in a lab.

Cherries with a tart flavor are loaded with vitamin C, which helps the immune system, as well as antioxidants, which aid in the fight against oxidative stress. Cherry polyphenols aid in the maintenance of healthy cells as well as a healthy anti-inflammatory response, making them an excellent choice for promoting muscle recovery following an intense workout.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened tart cherry juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tbsp Cherry Rose Sencha Green Tea
  • 1/2 cup sparkling water
  • Ice
  • Lime wheel for garnish
  • Fresh mint for garnish

Recipe

  • To make a refreshing cocktail, fill a tall glass with tart cherry juice, lime juice, and cherry rose sencha green tea. 
  • To dissolve the green tea, stir it. Ice the glass, then fill it with sparkling water, squeeze in some lime juice, and garnish with some fresh mint.
  1. Lime and honey energy drink

A recipe for a revitalizing energy drink with lemon that is high in caffeine and will give you a surge of energy when you don’t feel like drinking coffee. This recipe for a homemade energy drink contains roughly 150 less calories and less than half the sugar of store-bought energy drinks, so it’s a better option for those watching their calorie and sugar intake. The addition of chopped mint to the rim of the glass gives it an extra-refreshing flavor. The leaves of a South American tree are used to make the beverage known as yerba mate tea, which is similar to tea. You can find it in the natural foods area of large supermarkets or in places that specialize in natural foods, along with other types of tea.

Ingredients

  • Yerba Mate loose leaf tea
  • Lemon juice
  • Honey
  • Fresh Mint
  • Iced Cubes

Recipe

  • Place water that is boiling in a measuring cup that can withstand the heat. After adding the yerba mate tea, let the mixture steep for five minutes.
  •  Filter out the tea and discard the loose leaves once you have squeezed any excess liquid out of them into the cup. 
  • Sweetener and lemon juice should be stirred in at this point. After adding six ice cubes, give the drink a good swirl until the ice has melted and it has reached the desired temperature.
  •  If you’d like, you can moisten the edge of your serving glass and then coat it with chopped mint. Pour the drink into the glass after additional ice has been added.

We hope these recipes give you an energy boost and you fall in love with our collection of loose leaf tea. Let us know your favorite in the comments below!

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Tea Recipes

3 Simple and Delicious Matcha Recipes You’ll Make Over And Over Again!

November 12, 2022

Matcha is a powder that is manufactured from specially grown green tea and is prepared using a traditional Japanese tea-making technique that dates back to the 12th century. In China and Japan, the process of preparing and drinking matcha, as well as serving and drinking it, is considered ceremonial, and the drink itself has gained popularity all over the world. Matcha has been compared to the protein powder used in the world of tea: Smoothies, baked goods, yogurt, and just about anything else you can think of are all wonderful candidates for its incorporation. You’ve probably heard of matcha, a sort of green tea that is pounded into a fine powder and has a flavor described as having hints of earth, spinach, and umami. You are aware that it is said to be beneficial to your health: It is strong in antioxidants, just like traditional green tea (that is, the leaves-in-a-bag type), but because it is a powder, you wind up swallowing the full leaf, and as a result, more nutrients—at least, that is what many people speculate. But what in the world are you supposed to do with it? Matcha is traditionally consumed by adding water that has been brought to a boil and then whisking the mixture with a bamboo whisk until it becomes frothy. However, that is only the beginning of things to come. Matcha has been compared to the protein powder used in the world of tea: Smoothies, baked goods, yogurt, and just about anything else you can think of are all wonderful candidates for its incorporation. In this collection of recipes, we have included a few of our favorite ways to prepare food with matcha, we hope you enjoy making these recipes as much as we do! 

  1. Matcha White Chocolate Mousse

Ingredients:

  • Matcha Powder
  • 1 cup of heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 4 oz white chocolate

Recipe:

  • Sift matcha powder into a double boiler and whisk in 1 tablespoon heavy cream. Add white chocolate and 3 more tablespoons cream. Melt chocolate over medium-low heat, stirring. Remove from heat and cool, stirring periodically, for 15 minutes.
  • Beat remaining heavy cream and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Fold the leftover whipped cream into the white chocolate mixture. Cover and refrigerate 4 small dishes for 2 hours.
  • Serve fresh, add whipped cream, white chocolate shavings, or berries.
  1. Matcha Coated Almonds 

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup of almonds
  • 60g dark chocolate
  • 1 tbsp matcha powder

Recipe:

  • Line a baking tray with baking paper. Set aside.
  • You can melt the dark chocolate in the microwave or in a double boiler. If you like, you can temper the chocolate.
  • After adding almonds to chocolate that has been melted, give the mixture a good swirl so that the almonds are evenly coated in chocolate.
  • Spread the almonds out on the prepared baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. Take special care to maintain the separation of one component from the others.
  • If you are using tempered chocolate, you should let the chocolate set at room temperature. If you are using chocolate that has not been tempered, allow it to harden in the refrigerator.
  • When the chocolate has cooled and hardened, place the almonds in a container that has a lid and sprinkle the matcha powder on top. Put the lid back on the jar and shake it vigorously until each almond is covered in matcha.
  • Voila, you have a perfectly healthy snack filled with matcha goodness. 
  1. Matcha Chia Pudding

Ingredients:

Recipe:

  • In a dish, combine the chia seeds and the non-dairy milk, making sure to break up any clusters of chia seeds that may have formed. In a second bowl, whisk together the matcha powder and the warm water, and mix until smooth.
  • After thoroughly combining the matcha mixture, maple syrup, and vanilla with the chia seed mixture, place the mixture in the refrigerator to chill for at least two and a half to four hours, or for as long as overnight.
  • When you are ready to have your matcha chia seed pudding, I highly recommend garnishing it with some of your favorite fresh fruit, granola, almonds, or a dollop of non-dairy yogurt. Alternatively, you could also try serving it with a spoonful of chia seed pudding.

We have curated some of our favorite recipes with matcha, which are not only healthy but also really simple and easy to make. We’re hoping you get to try them and fall in love as much as we did! Let us know your favorite in the comments below and share it with a loved one. Give them a push to try a healthy but really yummy match recipe…maybe even this weekend?!

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Tea Guides Tea Recipes Types of Tea

3 Teas to Enjoy this Fall

November 9, 2022

Even for people who consider themselves to be tea drinkers all year round and sachet connoisseurs, there is something indisputably special about sipping from a steaming mug during the fall and winter months. It’s possible that the evident connection between cold weather and hot drinks is what causes tea to work its magic on us. In addition to this, one of our favorite things about this time of year is the abundance of delicious tins with flavors that are appropriate for the season. The possibilities range from unique interpretations on some of our most beloved holiday sweets to spices and seasonings that perfectly encapsulate the essence of autumn. 

It’s the most delightful time of the year to be merry and bright! Not the winter holidays; it’s autumn! 

The start of cooler weather is something that we here at The Tea Kitchen couldn’t be happier about. Even while we enjoy passing the warm summer days by the lake or on our front porch with a glass of iced tea in hand, there is nothing quite like wrapping yourself in a cozy sweater and wrapping your hands around a mug of your favorite fall-flavored tea as the temperature begins to drop. A cup of a hot drink is an essential accessory for cold weather attire, such as sweaters, blankets, and rainy days. To get the most out of a cup of tea, you should drink it in the fall. It’s time to switch things up from your usual chamomile and honey infusion and find a new fall-flavored tea that quickly becomes your go-to beverage. We have compiled a list of the most unique tastes of tea to enjoy during the fall season.

  1. Apple Spice Black Tea

Our Apple spice black tea delightfully fresh and sweet, with hints of lovely cinnamon spice. Cinnamon and red wine can be used to create your own Gluwein at home. Apple Cinnamon is a soothing blend of black loose leaf tea that is reminiscent of the autumn season in New England. This tea was made to honor the beauty and flavors of fall, and if you prefer sipping on a glass of warm apple cider, you’re going to absolutely adore this tea. This particular tea is best enjoyed on days and nights that are cool, wet, and cloudy. Apple Cinnamon herbal tea is perfect for cinnamon enthusiasts since it satisfies all of their cravings: double apples, double cinnamon, a touch of rooibos, and a sprinkling of marigold flowers. This tea has a flavor that is truly traditional for the fall season.

  1. Holiday Fruit & Spice Blend

Our Holiday Fruit & Spice Blend is the perfect tea for this holiday season. A great cup of tea is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day or night, and it also has the added benefit of soothing. A fan favorite throughout the colder months, our Holiday Fruit & Spice Blend is the ideal beverage to share with your loved ones over the holiday season. This energizing tea is a mixture of select black tea leaves from India, chunks of sweet orange, small bits of tart cranberries, small bits of spicy ginger, and warming cinnamon sticks. It is a concoction that is sure to wake you up. Our Holiday Fruit & Spice Blend is going to become one of your favorites very fast because of the careful blending that went into it.

  1. Cinnamon Orange Spice

The South Indian black tea, orange peels, cinnamon, and cloves that go into our Cinnamon Orange Spice Tea help give it its signature flavor. This tea’s popularity as a hot beverage as well as an iced beverage can be attributed in part to its enticing aroma, which is accompanied with a pleasant taste that is reminiscent of orange and spices. Even the chilliest winter night can be made more bearable with a cup of this tea, as well as any tropical evening! The zesty and invigorating Cinnamon Orange Spice tea is perfect for a warming pick-me-up first thing in the morning or as an afternoon pick-me-upper.

We are ardent believers that tea may be enjoyed throughout the whole year, from calming hot teas in the depths of winter to reviving iced teas in the middle of summer and any season in between. There is, however, nothing that quite hits the spot like a good cup of tea, particularly during the beginning of fall when the temps begin to turn and the leaves change color. We wish you the best of luck in savoring these flavors of autumn while also taking pleasure in the changing of the seasons and everything that October has to offer.

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Types of Tea

Best (Non Chamomile) Sleepy Time Teas

November 8, 2022

A better night’s sleep and high-quality sleep have been linked to drinking tea before bed. Given how many Americans experience sleep problems like insomnia, this is fairly important. Additionally, when you spend too much time on screens and don’t get enough exercise, sleep problems might get worse. A warm cup of tea, particularly at the end of a hard day, is said to help soothe the mind, according to some experts. In actuality, the deliberate process of making a cup of tea can also promote relaxation. There is something comforting about having a nice cup of tea before you wind down from the day and get ready for the next. It is impossible to put into words the warmth, affection, and comfort you have after brewing some tea before bed. With the modern world’s distractions, social media, and a hectic lifestyle, we are aware of how difficult it may be to fall asleep, but happily, we have a savior—or rather, a number of saviors. Let’s look at some teas that help you fall asleep; no, chamomile tea is not one of them.

  1. Lavender Earl Grey

The lavender flower’s buds are steeped in water to make lavender tea, which results in a brilliant beverage with a distinctive flavor and aroma. In addition to being frequently consumed as a calming bedtime tea, a recent study suggests that lavender may also help with relaxation and improve the quality of sleep. For instance, a tiny study discovered that women who drank 1 cup (237 mL) of lavender tea every day for 2 weeks after giving birth felt less worn out than a control group. Aromatherapy with lavender is frequently thought to have hypnotic effects, calm moods, and increase mothers’ pleasant feelings for their infants. Lavender earl grey tea effectively reduced the signs of anxiety and despair in older persons, which could lead to insomnia. Another study on 79 college students who complained of having trouble sleeping found that maintaining good sleep hygiene and inhaling lavender enhanced sleep quality.

  1. Evening Comfort

Everybody must benefit from some downtime and relaxation at night! Why not start the kettle and unwind with this special concoction of hand-picked peppermint leaves, chunks of ginger, and lemon peel? After a long day, this herbal nighttime tea can help you relax and regain focus. This herbal blend of mint is naturally caffeine-free and features prominent ginger and lemon aromas. Ideal for cuddling up with on a chilly night. Because it does not contain caffeine, it puts you in a state of relaxation in the first sip and allows you to enjoy some me-time while helping you prepare for an intense day ahead the next morning. Add some evening comfort to your evening, or even your day.

  1. Purifying Tulsi

Ayurvedic Purifying Tulsi Herbal Tea is made of Holy Basil, spearmint, rosehips, lemon myrtle, and linden blossoms. It helps in cleansing your mind and spirit as well as improving the body’s immune system, due to its rich antioxidant and adaptogenic properties. Apart from the fact that it promotes sleep and gives you an utter sense of relaxation, there are numerous health benefits it comes with. The antioxidants in tulsi tea shield cells from the harm done by free radicals, which promote the development and spread of numerous diseases. The adaptogens in this herbal brew, also known as holy basil tea, act as potent anti-stress medications to shield your body from a variety of health issues. 

For many people, having tea at night has become a ritual. It can be quite calming and thoughtful to boil the water, steep the tea, and wait for it to be ready to consume. It makes preparing the tea as calming as drinking it because it helps with relaxing both your mind and body after a hectic day. Ultimately, adding a little bit of tea to your bedtime routine could be helpful to both your sleep and overall health. Herbal teas, like the ones mentioned in this post, are less likely to wake you up in the middle of the night than caffeine-containing teas, and they also won’t keep you up as late. All of these teas have numerous health benefits and if you are someone like us, who needs better sleep, we highly recommend trying some of our other herbal loose leaf tea. 

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Tea Health Benefits

5 Top Health Benefits of Oolong Tea 

June 21, 2022

Oolong tea has been enjoyed for centuries — rising to popularity in the Eastern world during the Tang dynasty. It’s been commonly used as a delicious daily drink and enjoyed for its lighter, floral taste. Tea enthusiasts can also enjoy various health benefits with regular consumption, making this tea one of the top blends to reach for in your tea cabinet. Below, we’re covering what oolong tea is, the tastes of oolong tea, and the benefits that you can enjoy in every cup. 

What is oolong tea made of? 

Oolong tea is brewed from the leaves and buds of the Camellia Sinensis plant, placing it in the same family as black and green tea blends. While they are related, oolong has a unique taste and mouthfeel compared to its more bold, herbaceous siblings. You can expect a lighter, fruity taste and a more rich sipping experience with oolong. This is due to the duration of fermentation time compared to black and green teas. It’s allowed to gain some oxidation in the fermentation process, but not so much that it would place it in the same taste category as a black tea blend. 

Is oolong tea healthy for you? 

Oolong tea is healthy for you and is safe to consume daily as part of your routine. There are many health benefits that tea drinkers can enjoy with every cup of oolong tea. We’ve listed them below: 

1. Lower blood sugar levels 

Oolong tea works actively to lower blood sugar levels, making it an ideal drink of choice for those who struggle with diabetes or hypoglycemia. A Japanese study has found that drinking oolong tea resulted in 30% lower blood sugar levels for drinkers across the board. Caffeine, also found in oolong, has been positively correlated with lower sugar levels. Regularly drinking oolong tea can promote pancreatic health, proper function, and regulation, making this a strong choice of tea for those to use preventatively to promote total body wellness. 

2. Boost antioxidant levels 

Antioxidants help your body minimize the risk of cancer and other diseases. Oolong tea offers your body a powerful boost, giving higher doses of antioxidants than its related black or green tea blends. They also work more effectively in fighting mutations and free radicals that could potentially affect your body’s proper function. Oolong teas are great if you’re looking to boost your immune system and there are many flu-fighting teas used preventatively by many during the peak of flu season.

3. Support digestion and gut health

Oolong tea has been frequently associated with gut health and support. Frequently drinking oolong after heavy or rich meals can help your body metabolize the food more effectively and lower the risk of bloating or digestive upset. It also is a potent alkalizer in your gut, which can assist those who struggle with acid reflux or GERD. Oolong is a popular tea to enjoy with your meal, as the tastes are very mild and fruity. It goes with far more palettes and flavor profiles than its other black or green tea relatives, featuring a less bitter taste and a more palatable flavor and feel.

4. Weight loss support 

Drinking oolong tea regularly can help support your weight loss journey. This is due to the combination of polyphenols and caffeine, which promote a faster-operating speed for your metabolism and food breakdown in the gut. You can enjoy a higher caloric burn rate when you regularly drink oolong tea. The effects of oolong on your metabolism also continue after you fall asleep, making this a very effective means of weight loss. Caffeine, for example, stops affecting your burn rate once you fall asleep. Green tea can also assist with weight loss, and can be a delicious addition to your favorite oolong blend. 

5. Enjoy better sleep and more resiliency 

Oolong has been used to support sleep and emotional resiliency. It is often affiliated with relaxation due to its high levels of L-theanine. This acts as a soothing element in the brain and is known for its ability to boost dopamine and serotonin levels. This influences your mood and overall cortisol levels, providing added resiliency to assist you in managing stress and tension. 

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Tea Health Benefits Types of Tea

Ditch Your Energy Drink for This Healthier Alternative

April 18, 2022
Yerba-Mate

Energy drinks can generate side effects such as insomnia, nervousness and tachycardia; while the energizing effect from Yerba Mate is 100% natural and its many benefits come from nature itself. Yerba mate is a natural drink that increases your energy levels; but it’s far from being a commercial energy drink. This ancient, natural beverage is made from the leaves of the Yerba Mate tree. Although it also contains caffeine and other substances that act on the central nervous system; this energizing effect comes from nature itself, not from artificial manufacturing. Yerba mate can also be a great alternative to coffee, too!

What is Yerba Mate?

There are only a handful of plants in the world that produce caffeine and yerba mate is one of them! Along with tea, coffee, cacao, kola (or cola) and guarana, the yerba mate herb is used to produce a caffeinated beverage. While prepared as an infusion to create a tea-like beverage, yerba mate contains no actual tea leaves. Yerba mate is an herb native to South America and is used to make the national drink of Argentina, Paraguay, Uraguay and Southern Brazil. In fact, yerba mate is consumed 6 to 1 over coffee in these countries. Yerba mate is often described as earthy, vegetal, herbaceous and bittersweet. Imagine a fresh rainforest floor and you can likely picture the flavor of yerba mate.

What is Yerba Mate Made Of?

The yerba mate tea is brewed at home by adding hot water to the dried leaves from the Ilex Paraguariensis tree, which only grows in South America. It does not contain fat or sugar; and has very little calories, carbs and sodium. Beyond that, Yerba Mate is a wonderful source of vitamins (especially in the B group) minerals (potassium, magnesium, iron) and antioxidants (polyphenols, saponins, caffeoyl). Yerba mate also naturally contains stimulant agents like caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline; this is why it is a great source of natural energy.

Health Concerns with Commercial Energy Drinks

Energy drinks often contain five times the amount of caffeine as soft drinks. This amount of caffeine can cause nervousness, anxiety, headaches, stomachaches, hyperactivity, insomnia, dehydration, accelerated heart rates, and in extreme cases seizures and strokes. Most energy drinks contain an amount of sugar that exceeds the recommended daily allowance and potentially contributes to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity in sedentary individuals.

How to Prepare Yerba Mate

Mate is a versatile drink and there are many ways of preparing it, depending on the type of yerba mate and liquid you use. There is a huge variety of yerba: with or without stems, finely ground or roughly cut, flavored, sweetened, blended with other herbs. Mate can be drunk with water (hot or cold), milk or even juice. However, the most popular and traditional way of preparing mate is plain, with hot water. Here’s how to prepare yerba mate.

Yerba with stems: If you are a beginner or if you prefer a more mild flavor, yerba with stems is the way to go.
Yerba without stems: If you want a strong and more bitter flavor, this must be your choice. It holds the flavor longer and is the most popular type of yerba in Uruguay and South of Brazil.

What you need:

  1. Yerba Mate
  2. Bombilla (metal straw)
  3. Mate gourd (or mug)
  4. Lukewarm water and hot water
  5. Thermometer for accuracy

Instructions:

The traditional way:

  1. Fill gourd with yerba – Fill 2/3 to 3/4 of the gourd with yerba and slant it at 45-degree angle. If you are using yerba without stems, cover the top of the gourd and shake it up and down, to remove the small particles of the yerba before slanting it (45 degrees angle)
  2. Add lukewarm water – Pour lukewarm water as close as the wall of the gourd on the lower half of the slant of yerba. Looking at the mate from above, you will see a half-filled with water, and half dry. Wait until the water is absorbed by the yerba (1 minute).
  3. Repeat but with hot water – Repeat this process but this time with hot water – around 176 Fahrenheit or lower. It is not recommended to use water at a higher temperature than that because it could burn the yerba, affecting its taste and performance.
  4. Put the bombilla –Put the bombilla (covering the top with thumb) on the same lower side of the yerba, on a digging motion, and pressing until you reach the bottom of the gourd.
  5. Press the yerba with the bombilla – Press the yerba with the bombilla, creating two differentiated levels: one higher and dry, and other lower and wet.
  6. Add hot water to the lower side – Add hot water to the lower side, aiming as close as possible to the bombilla to avoid the higher (and dry) part of the yerba slant to get wet.
  7. Your mate is ready – Just drink it using the bombilla and repeat step 6 as many times as you want.

No gourd or bombilla? No problem!

First you will need a tea strainer, tea infuser, or teapot. If you have one at home, you can prepare yerba mate just like you would any other tea by filling it up with looseleaf yerba and steeping it in hot water (1 tablespoon per 8 ounces of water).

Tips:

  • Never use boiling water. Temperatures of around 140-170ºF work best
  • For every 8 ounces of fluid, use 1 tablespoon of yerba (add less or more to adjust to your own liking)
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Tea Guides Tea Health Benefits

Time to Relax: The Best Teas for Stress and Anxiety

April 13, 2022
Anxiety and stress relief

The act of taking a moment to prepare a cup of tea and slow down can help to relieve stress, reduce anxiety, and leave you feeling a little more balanced. The type of tea you consume can also help reduce these feelings. Anxiety affects over 40 million people in the US alone. If you have experienced stress, anxiety, trouble sleeping and more, you may be looking for new ways to alleviate symptoms. A cup of tea might help relieve stress and anxiety, and could help you get better sleep. Here are our top teas to help!

Matcha

Most teas made from the camellia sinensis plant contain some amount of L-theanine, a unique amino acid that promotes relaxation and stress relief. In particular, matcha has even higher levels of L-theanine than other teas, the result of the shaded growth period the tea undergoes before harvest. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine is known for producing a calm, meditative state and what matcha enthusiasts often refer to as a body high. Matcha does have caffeine in it so be careful if you are sensitive to caffeine. If you are, this should not be drank before you wind down for bed.

Peppermint

Peppermint tea is a refreshing sip that is delicious both hot and cold. It acts as a natural antispasmodic and sedative to help relax both your mind and body. Plus, peppermint has shown to be great for your digestive system, which can be helpful if your stress or anxiety levels tend to bring on tummy troubles. Because it helps to relax muscles, peppermint tea can also help to soothe tension headaches brought on by stress and anxiety, even just by inhaling the scent of a warm mug of peppermint tea. Plus, if you’re feeling anxious and overwhelmed by all you have to get done, peppermint tea can be a great option to give you a natural energy boost while also leaving you feeling calm and balanced. Our ginger peppermint tea is a great tea to sip on during those cold winter months to warm you up and help with an upset stomach!

Green

Loaded with antioxidants, green tea is often thought to be synonymous with physical health – but it’s great for your mental health, too. Green tea is one of the best teas to drink to help with anxiety. One of the many antioxidants it contains, a flavonoid called epicatechin, helps to protect your brain from oxidative damage, helping to combat the negative effects that stress has on your body and can also be helpful for improving memory. Again, since this is naturally caffeinated, be aware when you are consuming if you are sensitive to caffeine!

Chamomile

We could not make a list of best teas to de-stress without chamomile! With a smooth flavor that makes it easy to sip on, chamomile tea is one of the most popular tea flavors. Because it’s an herbal tea, the caffeine-free blend won’t spike your anxiety levels, and can be sipped on at any time of day. Chamomile tea is made from dried chamomile flowers, and comes in two varieties: German chamomile and Roman chamomile. The tea helps to naturally increase serotonin and melatonin levels in your body, leaving you feeling relaxed without feeling drowsy. Plus, it can help relieve tension by relaxing muscle aches and soothing headaches often associated with stress and anxiety. 

Passionflower

Passionflower tea is calming for the nervous system and a great way to reduce anxiety and stress and promote more restful sleep. It has long been used as a natural remedy for anxiety and to increase GABA levels by the Aztecs, Incas and the South American Indians. It is also a great source of phytochemicals and alkaloids, which work to help reduce stress chemicals in the body to help you feel calmer and more relaxed. It’s also great for sleep and helps to relieve inflammation protecting your body from all those negative aspects of stress like skin issues, digestive troubles, and restlessness.

If you want information on how to brew the perfect cup of tea check out our brewing guide!

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Tea History & Culture

Tea Wellness: Mindful Tea Making 101

March 29, 2022

It’s no secret that meditation is a huge factor in overall health and wellness. When it’s difficult to meditate, you can build moments of mindfulness into the day through simple activities like brewing and enjoying a cup of tea. Before we jump in, let’s discuss mindfulness.

What is being mindful? Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present and aware of where we are and what we’re doing and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. It’s another form of meditation. That might sound trivial, except that we so often veer from the matter at hand. Our mind takes flight, we lose touch with our body, and pretty soon we’re engrossed in thoughts about something that just happened or fretting about the future. And that can makes us anxious. Mindfulness is rooted in Zen Buddhist meditation practices, used for centuries throughout East Asia. Buddhism, which offers up many ways to bring focus to our everyday lives, has a long historical association with tea. Buddhist monks living in mountain monasteries have long used tea growing nearby to help maintain a gentle alertness whilst meditating. Even today, tea is served in monasteries and beyond to encourage a state of focus, clarity and emotional balance.

When we think of tea, what comes to mind? For us, calm and relaxing are the first words to come up. The association of tea with relaxation and meditation is no accident. Closely intertwined with Buddhism, especially Zen buddhism, tea is often seen as an aid for meditation, stemming hunger, clearing the mind and curbing intense reactions. Buddhism deems that tea helps with cultivating the body and mind. Therefore, drinking tea has become a common practice of monks. As recorded in the Song Dynasty, monks “get up, wash their face and hands, and drink tea in the morning. Then, they sit during meditation and then take a nap. When they get up, they wash face and hands, and drink tea. They have a meal. Then, they wash face and hands, and drink tea.” In brief, everything is connected to tea. 

The main tea that is drank during these ceremonies is Matcha. Matcha can calm your stressed mind and provide your central nervous system relaxation. It creates sustainability to mental alertness. The property of this type of Green Tea to keep your mind relaxed and calm is the first reason Buddhists monks choose to consume Green Tea over any other tea type.

When you think of meditation, you might think of someone sitting on the floor with their legs crossed and eyes closed. The truth is, meditation can be anything that you do where you are fully present. Have you ever been driving on the freeway listening to your favorite song and realize that you missed your exit by a few stops? That was a form of meditation! Not everyone can jump right in and sit and have their mind go completely still. It takes practice and can improve your overall life in many ways.

These days we are constantly on our phones and computers and the notifications don’t stop popping up. Our minds are constantly hopping from one thing to the next. When you meditate, you may clear away the information overload that builds up every day and contributes to your stress. The mental and emotional benefits of meditation can include:

  • Gaining a new perspective on stressful situations
  • Building skills to manage your stress
  • Increasing self-awareness
  • Focusing on the present
  • Reducing negative emotions
  • Increasing imagination and creativity
  • Increasing patience and tolerance

Now, how do tea and meditation go together? One of the easiest ways to start being mindful is to pay attention. That mind sound silly but stick with me here! When you are making your tea in the morning (or anytime) pay attention to everything you do. Have you ever stood and truly listened? As the bubbles start to form there’s an orchestra of shifting sounds. It’s a good time to put down your phone and take a moment. When you are getting your tea out of the tin, listen to the strainer scoop up the tea leaves and hit the side of the can. As the water meets the tea leaves, colors slowly swirl and deepen. Depending on the tea, you might be able to see the leaves unfurl as they start to infuse. This is a good moment to observe and quieten those thoughts that are often whirling around in our heads – you might find it’s quite noisy in there! As you bring the cup to your lips, maybe you can feel the warmth of steam on your face, and notice the different aromas that meet your nostrils. Sip slowly and savor each sip.

This is a great way to tap in to finding your inner peace and help in thinking more clearly from day-to-day, all thanks to our favorite thing, tea.

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Tea Guides

Top 5 Springtime Teas To Enjoy

March 8, 2022

Tea is delicious any time of year and can be made in any way to give you an ideal beverage of choice for whatever weather or occasion you find yourself in. Spring is an especially great season to enjoy tea in, as it brings with it a beautiful bloom of fresh, lush greenery that seems to stretch as far as your eye can see. You’ll also see an entire season of nourishing rains and growth, celebrating the end of winter and looking forward to a new beginning. Teas can capture this taste and natural beauty easily, giving you a delicious drink to sip on and experiment with. In this blog post, we’re discussing the top five springtime teas that you can enjoy — all year long! 

Benefits of enjoying spring teas 

You may think that a tea’s benefits are the same at any time of year. While that is partly true, you can gain extra health benefits simply by enjoying your favorite brew during this special season. Experts have found that winter can significantly slow your circulation, leaving you feeling restless and sluggish. This is made worse by the early darkening hours and other seasonal elements and weather shifts. 

Making tea drinking a regular habit in the spring can help to rejuvenate your system and get your blood pumping quickly, also bringing with it the added benefit of additional energy and an immune boost ahead of spring flu season. You can also enjoy the added benefits of seasonal allergy repression, as certain teas such as Butterbur have been found to be just as effective as prescription allergy medications. 

Springtime teas to enjoy this season

There really isn’t a wrong time for tea, but there are certain flavors and styles that can particularly pop during certain times of the year. Maybe the shift in the season has you feeling adventurous, and want to branch out into new flavors — such as a fresh and tart blueberry, lemon, mint, and black tea blend, or a springtime cherry rose sencha. In either case, we have you covered! Read on to learn about five teas that you can indulge in this springtime season.  

1. Blueberry White Blend

Nothing says spring like the honey-sweet, light, and floral taste of a quality white tea blend! Pair this with your favorite fruit addition, and you have a bouquet of flavors that will fall over your tongue with all of the nostalgia and fresh starts that spring can bring. If you’re looking for a new tea to enjoy in your morning rotation, this blueberry white tea blend makes a great choice. White tea is an oral protective tea, and can also have anti-cancer and antibacterial properties thanks to its extensive antioxidant profile. It also is known for giving you a slight morning pep without sending you into a caffeine buzz, as it only has 15-30 milligrams of caffeine. This is one of the lightest caffeinated teas you can drink, as other types of tea can have double this amount per cup. Blueberry additions add to this lovely mix, making it the perfect base for any drink. Add in your favorite dried petals or fruit bits from loose-leaf blends to make this a fruity infusion of your own! 

2. Chamomile Tea 

We know chamomile herbal tea is a classic, but it’s a classic for a reason! This tea shouldn’t be overlooked in your springtime tea collection, as it can provide soothing benefits and reduce the pain of seasonal sore throats. If you’re dealing with allergies, it’s known as a natural antihistamine. This can gradually help build your immunity to seasonal allergies over time if taken on a consistent basis. If you’ve never tried it, you should — its light and airy flavor blended with notes of fresh, herbaceous taste can make for the perfect daytime drink. 

3. Good Morning Oolong Blend

Start your morning right with this bright, full-bodied Good Morning Oolong blend! This tea is like sunshine on your palate and offers you the morning zest and zing that you’re looking for to help get you motivated for your day. Oolong tea comes with its own health benefits and is a great choice if you’re looking to lose weight. It’s also known to help reinforce heart and bone health. 

4. Dragonfruit White 

Dragonfruit white tea is a great blend to sit and sip by your favorite sunny spring nook. The refreshing and exotic tastes of the fruit pair beautifully with the light and sunshine-like experience that the white tea adds to any blend. Dragonfruit is known for its cloyingly sweet undertones and fresh, tart aftertaste. You can experience the best parts of the flavor profile with each sip, as the heat extracts the most benefit and oils from the leaves. This tea is delicious either hot or iced. 

5. Lemon Ginger Herbal Tea 

We just had to include this zingy, flavorful lemon ginger herbal tea blend on the list! The ultimate cure for stomachaches, bloat, and fatigue, this tea will help refresh you and get you ready to take on your day. Lemon is packed with antioxidants and can offer significant protection against heart and liver disease. Ginger is ideal to settle your stomach and adds a refreshing taste to this blend! Enjoy this hot or iced, and savor the herbaceous and fresh flavors of the season with lemon-ginger herbal tea! 

We hope you enjoyed this list of the top teas to sip on this spring. What would you add to the list? 

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Tea Health Benefits

Flu-Fighting Teas to Keep You Healthy This Spring 

March 2, 2022

Spring is a time of lush growth and the change of the season. With the beauty that comes in that change, there also comes a plethora of flu and colds that you don’t want to deal with. Tea is a great treat to indulge in that also offers immune-boosting properties that can help your preventative wellness regimen, and keep you healthier through even the most vicious flu seasons. Let’s dive into some of the most delicious flu-fighting teas that you can enjoy, minimizing your risk of sickness. 

What does the body need to stay healthy? 

When evaluating if your favorite tea will do the trick and keep you well and boost your immune system, it’s important to understand what our body needs to stay healthy during cold and flu season. Most notably, you’ll want to look for options that help your body naturally maintain your levels of vitamin C and D, which can defend against flu viruses. You can also get Vitamin D naturally by getting out in the sunshine, and soaking in those deliciously warm spring days. 

Additionally, you can look for teas that offer benefits that promote your total-body health. For example, choosing blends that have a rich antioxidant profile or supportive measures for your other bodily systems can help reduce your body’s strain in that area and redirect its resources to keeping you well. This type of wellness framework is known as a more holistic approach to wellness. Teas can fit very well into this type of routine. 

5 flu-fighting teas to enjoy 

No one enjoys being sick — and teas are a great way to preserve and protect your natural health and immunity. Below, we’ve listed five top flu-fighting teas that you can enjoy all year long! 

1. Peppermint tea 

Peppermint tea is delicious, classic, and a great tea to enjoy if you’re wanting to nip an oncoming flu in the bud. Often, viruses come with a variety of unpleasant symptoms that range from your average cold including GI upset and body aches and pains. Peppermint is a great tea that addresses both of these concerns, acting as a muscle relaxant that is gentle on your body and soothing to inflammation anywhere in your muscular system: either the smooth muscles in your GI tract or the body-wide skeletal muscles throughout your aching body. Peppermint can also soothe a sore throat quickly, offering a clean-tasting, comforting wash over your palate and throat. 

2. Green tea 

If you’re beginning to feel under the weather or want to mitigate the risk of getting sick, reach for your nearest box of green tea. This type of tea has been found to have high concentrations of vitamin C, and is known to be a powerful antiviral against the common cold and flu. More recent studies have also shown promise toward green tea is a natural combatant against certain strains of coronaviruses as well, but more research needs to be done before anything conclusive is found. The tea is also known to be anti-inflammatory and is packed with antioxidants for a powerful immune boost. 

3. Black tea 

That’s right — something as common as black tea can be a powerful tool against the common bacterial and viral infections during flu season. Flavonoids in black tea have been found to have flu-fighting properties. These types of antioxidants are known to be powerful antimicrobials that are highly effective and bioavailable in the body when ingested in tea form. Black tea is easy to enjoy as well and can be purchased at your local grocery store. For an added antiviral punch, consider blending it with citrus and cinnamon to get the most benefit from every cup. 

4. Cinnamon tea 

This type of tea is great for helping you to deal with the symptoms that can run rampant with brutal cases of the flu, including sore throats and congestion. When you drink cinnamon tea, you’re also ingesting its antioxidant polyphenols and proanthocyanidins that can reduce inflammation in irritated areas (such as the throat,) and offer temporary pain relief with each sip. It also gives your immune system a temporary boost and can be taken in tandem with other flu-fighting teas such as black tea. 

5. Lemonbalm tea 

Lemonbalm tea is ideal if you’re struggling with GI upset but still need a symptom-relieving, comforting tea to sip on. The flavor of lemonbalm is very mild, and it still delivers a potent blend of necessary antioxidants and antiviral properties that can help to shorten the length of your sickness. It’s also great to alleviate symptoms of respiratory infection, congestion, sinus pain and inflammation, and chronic coughs. Simply inhaling the steam before each sip can help to bring some instant relief. 

We hope that these teas help you to prepare to weather cold and flu season. If you find yourself feeling under the weather, reach for these teas to get some relief. Stay healthy and well! 

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