green is universal

Tea Time

Posted at 10:37 AM on February 25, 2008 comments (1)

By Mary Beth Gonzalez, iVillage.com

Tea, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love tea in every possible way imaginable. I love black tea with cream in the morning, herbal berry tea and green tea throughout the day, chamomile tea with heavy cream at night, iced herbal brewed tea in summer and rich chai tea with cream in winter. I love tea in mugs, in fancy china, served with finger sandwiches and scones, brewed in a single cup and steeped in a wide assortment of teapots. I love tea in whole leaves with silk sachets, loose leaves with herbs and flowers and cut leaves with recyclable, biodegradable paper filters.

There is something special about the simplicity of a few tea leaves and water that provides for a personal transformational experience. Drinking tea can awaken your body and soul. The ritual can expand your mind and transport you to another place where the elements of your tea grow naturally. Easy to make and easy to carry, tea is portable, predictable, perfection. I don't go anywhere without a few tea bags in my purse, just in case... And with so many organic teas available now from companies committed to environmental responsibility and sustainability, tea is good and green. Filled with antioxidants, tea is a healthy choice anytime of day. Some teas combine with herbal medicinals for health benefits such as good digestion, reducing water retention, supporting kidney function, promoting nighttime relaxation and reducing cramping.

Green tea specifically has received praise among scientists for its rich array of antioxidants that in clinical studies have proven protective against major killers such as cancer and heart disease. Chamomile, long a favorite in the alternative medicine world for its sedative properties, appears to promote restful sleep. Herbalists have long recommended ginger root tea to sooth a troubled stomach, and scientific evidence supports its use to treat nausea and morning sickness. Teas with goldenseal and echinacea help fight the colds and flu and many different teas (green, black and white) have a diuretic effect. Traditional Medicinals markets a whole line of healthful teas with an herbal medicinal theme, with benefits identified on the label. But these teas are wonderful even if you have no complaint, as a soothing beverage to help you enjoy your day.

While I've rarely met a tea I didn't like (Earl Grey - you know who you are) here are a few of my all time favorites:

- Tazi Organic Chai Tea (spicy and smooth, served with a liberal dose of organic cream)
- Harney & Sons Organic Passion Plum Tea (rich and fruity without caffeine)
- Traditional Medicinals Organic Nighty Night Tea (ensures a good nights sleep)
- Yogi Green Tea Energy (perky and balancing, 70% organic)
- Mighty Leaf Organic Hojicha Green Tea (deep, rich and nutty)
- Davidson's Spiced Raspberry Organic Black Tea (chai tea with cinnamon and cloves)
- Numi Moonlight Orange Spice White Tea (orange, schizandra berries, lime, and spice)

One final point for all you coffee drinkers out there. Though in fairness, coffee does contain some beneficial nutrients, the strong caffeine jolt can raise blood pressure and actually bring on anxiety. Even one cup in the afternoon can disrupt sleep hours later at night. For me the choice is simple, tea wins hands down, for flavor, for variety, and for health. Put aside that cup of java and learn to cherish a robust brew of tea - green, great and good for you!

Mary Beth Gonzalez
iVillage.com
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