People have been drinking tea for millennia, and for good reason. Not only are the ambiance and communal aspects of a mug of tea unmatched, but research also shows that tea carries many physical and mental health benefits. Some benefits are somewhat underrated; for instance, that tea carries a natural fluoride which can help strengthen and brighten your teeth. Based on varied caffeine levels, black tea, green tea, and herbal teas are excellent ways to begin or end the day, especially if you’re feeling under the weather.
Before you reach for over-the-counter medicine, analyze how you’re feeling and consider taking a moment to yourself and making a cup of tea to cater to your needs. This method is not a magical cure for all of your problems, but if you are looking for ways to improve your health, regular tea drinking can create a long-lasting impact on your wellness. Even better, it is easy and accessible to everyone. To help you in your next moment of crisis, here are a few teas to act as the first step towards your cure.
Insomnia
It is often difficult to shut down after a long day. Eye twitches and a lack of focus are signs that your body requires sleep to recuperate. First things first, shut down your numerous screens and swap them with a book. Next, turn on the kettle and prepare some chamomile tea. Chamomile is often recommended for sleep because it contains a chemical compound called apigenin. This chemical binds to GABA receptors in the brain and creates a sedative effect on the brain. Your anxiety decreases, and your sleepiness will fall over you like a blanket.
Lack of Energy/Mental Focus
To counteract the relaxation methods above, perhaps your problem is not a lack of sleep but difficulty adapting to the morning light and/or blaring alarm. Not everyone is a big coffee drinker, as some feel coffee’s caffeine increases alertness to the point of anxiety and overstimulation. As a substitute, green tea carries compounds that help stimulate neurotransmitters, which boost energy, alertness, and brain health. For a drink experience that more closely resembles coffee, try a matcha green tea on ice or in the form of a latte.
Stomach Troubles
For many unlucky individuals, their stomachs seem to be working against them. A sensitivity to certain foods or a delightful dinner at Chipotle may leave you feeling uncomfortable and helpless. Peppermint tea is a light and refreshing option to ease digestive issues. Because of its high concentration of flavonoids, its calming bacteria relax muscles and soothe inflammation. With no caffeine, it is safe and encouraged to enjoy as part of your evening routine.
Catching a Cold
There is nothing worse than suddenly noticing a sniffle that threatens to sabotage your plans. Plan ahead and stock up on immunity-boosting tea. Ginger specifically has a great source of vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidant properties to build up your immune system. If you are experiencing a sore throat, combine ginger tea with lemon and honey and you will enjoy automatic relief.
Sore Muscles and Joints
If you have been exercising more, first of all, mini applause for you. Second, there are natural remedies to help your body recover quickly. Turmeric is an herbal supplement rich in phytonutrients that protect your cells from damage and shield the body neutralizing free radicals, like sunlight or pollution. Turmeric tea is a common treatment for arthritis pain because curcumin, a type of ginger, found in turmeric regulates immune cells. The bright golden-yellow color is an added bonus.
Bad Moods
Improve your mornings or afternoons with the mood-enhancing effects of black tea. The extra oxidation process gives black tea an added level of caffeine and energy than green tea. Plus, theaflavins found in black tea help to lower blood cholesterol, which certainly does not hurt to include in your routine. Earl gray and Masala Chai are black teas with distinct flavors that offer these benefits, while being delicious on their own or as lattes. No wonder the English value their tea and biscuits so much.
Stress and Anxiety
It is common knowledge that even the smell of lavender can put you at ease. Many studies from Germany have found that lavender is just as effective as other pharmaceuticals for anxiety and depression without the drowsy side effects. Anxiety can make you feel like you are not in control, yet the simplicity of making a mug of lavender tea is something that you can control. The moment you inhale the steam, you experience the calming and comforting effects of linalool vapors found in lavender tea.
The individual benefits of tea variations only multiply when combined. For example, a balance of peppermint and green tea can ease your anxiety, while also boosting your mood. Mix and try out the many different creative and delicious flavors on the market.
And to reiterate, tea does not fix everything, like many “home cures” claims that you may read or hear about. Nevertheless, the act of making tea is almost as beneficial as the physical benefits that exist within the leaves. Tea is a practice of self-care. Tap into your body and accommodate your needs. Your mind and your body deserve it.
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