Reusing Your Tea Bags

With Tea becoming the beverage of fashion throughout the world, new practices are quickly springing up. One of which is reusing tea bags. For some this is standard, but in a world where everything is individual sized and disposable, reusing tea bags rarely is thought of; especially when the relative cheapness of a tea bag is considered.

But as I said before, tea is becoming the fashion, which also means it is becoming big business. What that means to the consumer is options. As many have noticed the selection of tea bags is rapidly growing, and the quality of the teas included in them is getting better. No longer are there only standard tea bags with the low quality tea dust, but a new era has dawned with the Gourmet Tea Bag revolution. Inside of these tea bags, there is high quality loose tea giving higher health values, a better taste and aroma, and tea bags you can reuse.

Though many companies choose not to promote this option, companies such as Sabaidi Tea Co., Ltd., are not only promoting the reusing of tea bags, but also creating products such as the Sabaidi Tea Stand, that along with their tea bags have been specially designed to work with each other to greatly aide in the practice of reusing tea bags.

For those who have never reused their tea bags before, I am sure you are asking yourselves, Why? Well, there are a few reasons:

1. Many are choosing to buy the high quality gourmet tea bags for their higher health benefits, better taste and aroma, and unique blends. The only problem there is that the gourmet tea bags are a bit more expensive. So if you are drinking 3-5 cups of tea a day, reusing 1 tea bag versus using 3-5 tea bags can be a difference quickly noticed.
2. Tea is commonly associated with its many health benefits. By getting into the practice of reusing your tea bag, you can fully maximize the health benefits available, not to mention fully hydrating your body.
3. Taste is perhaps a question for those thinking about reusing their tea bags. Will the taste be the same if I use my tea bags more than 1 time? The answer is Yes. In fact, the second cup of tea is often times better than the first. After you make you first cup of tea, soaking you tea bag for approximately 2 minutes, take the tea bag out and hang it on your Tea Stand (or if you don’t have a tea stand, put the tea bag in a plate or wherever is best for you). Then with each additional use, soak the tea bag for increasing increments until a desired taste is received. Depending on how strong you like your tea, you can get 3-5 cups per bag.

Reusing your tea bags is a good way to not only save yourself money, but also strengthen your health, and as Sabaidi Tea Co. says, “Your Health is Everything.”

By: Sabaidi Tea

Kiseru Metal Smoking Pipes

The Kiseru smoking pipe is an old style Japanese smoking pipe. It is typically made out of metal on the ends (the mouth piece and bowl), with a shaft typically made out of bamboo. Another distinct trait of a kiseru is that the bowl is much smaller than that of many western-style pipes, and if fitted with a fine-mesh metal screen, permits small servings at a low burning temperature.

There are many Kiserus adorned with elaborate artwork and details made by skilled artisans. Made with precious metals, they naturally became a status symbol of the Kiseru owner. The word Kiseru comes from the Khmer word "ksher". Because the Kiseru is basically a rod with metal ends, longer Kiserus have been employed as weapons, especially by the gangster-like kabuki mono samurai of Edu period Japan.

Tobacco was known in Japan in the 1570s at earliest and by the early 17th century, Kiserus had become popular enough to be mentioned even in some Buddhist textbooks for children. The Kiseru smoking pipe evolved along with the equipment and use of incense associated with the tea ceremony. The ko-bon, an incense tray, became the tabako-bon, a tobacco tray, the incense burner evolved into a pot for tobacco embers and the incense pot became a type of ash tray.

During the Edo period weapons were frequently used as objects with which one could flaunt one's financial status. Since commoners were prohibited to carry weapons, an elaborate Kiseru pipe carried slung from the waist would often serve a similar purpose. After the Meiji restoration and the abolishment of the caste system, many craftsmen who previously had worked on decorating swords moved on to designing Kiseru and buckles for tobacco pouches. Though mass-production of cigarettes began in the late 19th century, it was not until after World War II that the kiseru pipe went out of style and became an object of tradition and relative obscurity.

Another slender metal pipe known as a Bat is commonly used by the modern smoker as a one hitter or onies. They pack small amounts of tobacco and frequently take the shape of a cigarette themselves. Bats are often seen in Dugouts or used by themselves as a small portable pipe.

The newest of metal pipes out on the market is the Solo pipe. It an easy to use tobacco pipe that also has built-in refillable, adjustable butane lighter. Solo pipe is the world's first self-igniting pipe. It contains a sliding bowl cover, refillable gas valve and adjustable flame control. The sliding bowl cover allows you to expose the chamber when you're ready to smoke and also acts as a snuff box. No tobacco will fall out into your pockets. 

By: Sunflower Pipes

Great Retirement Gift Ideas – Give It And He Will Love It

Someone is retiring from his service, and that cause for a celebration. Retirement is not only a big change in the life of a retiree, but it is also a time of celebration and happy moments. It will be a fun time for the retiree, his friends, colleagues and relatives are all invited. It has been a long working years for him - all his hard work, failures and achievement makes him very proud as he ended his career being an outstanding high performer on his chosen field. You want to help him commemorate his retirement day by giving a retirement gift.

There are so many selection of retirement gifts available in the market, ranging from traditional, gag to specialty gifts. However, it is always good to choose the one that best suits your receiver, and can help him enjoy his new found freedom. Browse online. There are thousands of websites that sells retirement gifts, and often are at reasonable prices. 

Search for the gifts that you think can knock him off. Or, you can ask other co-worker or his relatives if they have any suggestions or ideas. Depending on how well the company, they too also gives retirement gifts. The most common retirement gifts are awards, plaques, ornaments, desk accessories luggage tags, travel bags and others.

Yes, those common gifts are easy to find, but you can always try to think about more original gift ideas that will surely make your retiree happy.
Why not personalized gifts? Personalized gifts are always well appreciated by any receiver. Personalizing your gift lets your receiver think that you put effort to make a thoughtful gift only for him. You can either put his name, initials or a personal message on your personalized gift. Personalizing can be done through several ways – embroidering, monogramming, engraving...etc.

Here are some great choices of Retirement Gifts to choose from:

Personalized Wood Hinged Clock with Frame & Pen Holder. If you want to show appreciation of his hard work, punctuality and being a well-organized man, give him this personalized desk clock as your retirement gift. It is truly an ideal gift to reward a retiree, employee, or honoring a top executive. He can display this with a memorable photograph of his family inserted on the frame.

Elegant Japanese Calligraphy Tea Set. For a retiree who loves Japanese dishes and traditions, this elegant tea set is can make a perfect choice. This gorgeous black porcelain tea set includes a black tea pot embellished with beautiful Japanese calligraphy and 4 tea cups. Designed for the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, our gorgeous calligraphy tea set is also perfect for every day entertaining.

Your retiree will love this lovely and functional decorative tea set. The timeless design will beautifully accent any décor. Whether they’re trying their hand at Japanese cooking or simply enjoying the beauty of Japanese pottery, they’ll love these striking serving pieces.

Woven Metal Pen. Your retiree will definitely love the classic silver beauty of this Woven Metal Pen. This pen is both enchanting and gleaming, making him throw his other pens away! So give in to the urge to splurge and buy this woven pen fas a gift for your retiring friend and colleague.
Other retirement gifts include personalized picture frames, travel jewelry boxes, wrist watches, pocket watches and many more. 

By: Jnet Verra

Proper Procedures For English Tea Time

When we say "English Tea Time", we eventually associate the English tea time to some form of gathering with the tea at the center stage. Well, this idea is right in the first place. As we all know, most people especially the English are mostly tea drinkers. In fact, the English people considered the tea ceremony as part of their tradition, and as such it is not amazing that many of the Englishmen are the best tea blenders and tea growers.

For that matter, the concept for English tea time emerged. However, in an English tea time, there are certain rules to be followed, and that was termed as "English tea time etiquette". 

So what then is the English tea time etiquette?
 

The English tea time etiquette is said to have drastically evolved for over the years. In the early days, the gentlemen are allowed to pour their hot tea into the saucer to make it cool before drinking, but now, as the English tea time continue to change, such act is not at all acceptable in a society wherein an English tea time is held. In English tea time etiquette such person performing that act in an English tea time is considered as quite rude. Another important thing that is under English tea time etiquette is the keeping of the English tea under lock and key only to be brought out by the hostess to brew and mix is considered obsolete and unnecessary in an English tea time.

Furthermore, in an English tea time, there are certain rules to be followed for English tea time etiquette if the host or hostess desired to give a proper tea service. For English tea time etiquette, it is important that first the host or hostess must forward invitations to his/her guests. In this English tea time etiquette, the invitations are provided to let the guests know what they will expect and prepare for that certain English tea time party. For this English tea time etiquette, the information must be made clearly in the invitation to prevent any bewildering moments for the guests of a particular English tea time party.

For English tea time etiquette, it is also vital that ensuring the essential items for a tea is there. In English tea time, there must always a tea pot such as china to create an intimate tea for English tea time, and silver tea pots to have a formal tea for a certain English tea time. In a typical English tea time the presence of cups and saucers, teaspoons, a sugar bowl and sugar tongs, tea strainer, lemon dish and fork, and serving utensils are very necessary. In English tea time, the fork is used if cake is served. Knives are used in English tea time if jam or cream is eaten on scones. And it is as well important for English tea time etiquette that each jam and cream dish has its own serving spoon.

Lastly, in a certain English tea time, for English tea time etiquette, one must consider that if it is going to be a bigger English tea time party, the hostess should not stay in the kitchen; instead she must be around mingling and entertaining her acquaintances. And in an English tea time party, to maintain the English tea time etiquette, the refreshments must be placed on the table and not anywhere else, and this is done for English tea time etiquette if the guests are seated.

So just imagine how wonderful it is to be able to please the guests with proper English tea time etiquette. 

By: Garland Drake

Go Three Days Without Food But Never A Day Without Tea

The news today is all about the rapid march of the Chinese economy which it seems likely will shortly overtake all but the very largest Western nations. But is there a danger that in importing Western affluence the Chinese may also import Western levels of the characteristic diseases of affluence – obesity, diabetes, heart attack, stroke, even cancer?

Perhaps, but probably not, so long as traditional Chinese medicine retains its focus on promoting the balance and harmony of the entire human organism; on unleashing and then harnessing the body’s own incredible healing powers. 

In fact the ever increasing popularity of Chinese medicine in the West is evidence of the wisdom of this approach. And fortunately there's isn’t no need for you wait until you’re ill or consult a specialist practitioner to derive the benefits of the Chinese approach to health. As simple a change as incorporating a few cups of tea a day in your routine will over time deliver dramatic improvements in your well being.

Tea became widely known in China during the Tang dynasty (AD 618–907) and was quickly prized for its health promoting qualities, but there is evidence that its benefits have been known to the enlightened for at least four thousand years. In fact legend tells of a stray camellia blossom, drifting on the breeze one day in 2737 BC, which found its way into the Emperor Shen Nung’s steaming drinking water and quickly infused it with all the characteristic refreshment and invigoration we associate with tea.

So renowned did the properties of this simplest of beverages become that detailed rules of etiquette for its correct consumption emerged, culminating in the publication of Lu Yu's "The Classic Art of Tea". This famous poet and Buddhist priest laid down strict procedures for the preparation and serving of the perfect cup of tea. The water for the brew had to come from a gently flowing stream and be combined with leaves in a fine porcelain cup. The resulting brew was ideally to be drunk next to a lily pond in the company of a beautiful woman.

But despite Lu Yu’s best efforts, the Chinese never developed the kind of highly formal and complex tea ceremony characteristic of Japan. In the centuries following the publication of his work, however, tea's popularity spread rapidly throughout China. "Rather three days without food than a day without tea" became the saying, as news of its benefits reached the remotest corners of the vast empire. Books and poems were composed in its honour; Emperors gave particularly prized samples as gifts, and the teahouse became a familiar feature of countless cities, towns and villages.

So just what are the health benefits of drinking tea? The Chinese knew it from earliest times first as a stimulant to good digestion when consumed after a meal, stimulating the absorption of nutrients from food. Tea is also known as a powerful anti-oxidant and detoxifying agent helping to flush toxins from the body. These qualities alone, common to all teas, would be more than enough to make it a very valuable health supplement. But there’s more, much more, to green tea than this.

What makes green tea different from the black varieties with which we’re all so familiar, since all are derived from the camellia plant, is the method of production. Crucially, leaves for green tea are steamed rather than fermented, preventing the oxidation (ie destruction) of the vital EGCG compound which gives green tea its power. If you’ll forgive a little scientific jargon, EGCG is short for Epigallocatechin Gallate, one of a number of catachin polyphenols that occur naturally in tea. But what’s important to know is that EGCG is a very powerful anti-oxidant, the preservation of which has been indicated by research to make green tea anything up to ten times more potent than the more common fermented varieties.

This is not an academic difference. In fact today’s western science is increasingly confirming the health benefits long claimed for the consumption of green tea. And amazing as it may seem, EGCG and related compounds in green tea appear directly to target the most common killer diseases commonly attributed to western affluence and diet. A striking example is the case of the so-called “French paradox”. Medical science had long been puzzled by the relatively low incidence of heart disease in France, despite its traditionally high fat national diet. But then it was discovered that the red wine also widely enjoyed in France contains significant quantities of resveratrol, another ant-oxidant polyphenol credited with protective powers against the effects of a fatty diet.

The really good news is that a 1997 study at the University of Kansas demonstrated that EGCG is up to twice as powerful as resveratrol. Other research has credited EGCG with the ability to reduce total levels of cholesterol as well as improving the ratio of “good” (HDL) cholesterol to “bad” (LDL) cholesterol; and to protect against abnormal blood clotting.

This kind of thrombosis is a major risk factor for both heart attacks and strokes - still two of the biggest causes of premature death and disablement in the western world.

But there's more good news yet, because if there's one single disease that's most characteristic of Western society today it must sureluy be obesity; as alook around yourlocal gym or shopping mall will quickly confirm. And in truth, many ot hteother killer diseases of affluence, most notably diabetes and cardio-vascular problems, have chronic obesity at their root. So can green tea help with this all too common health problem? Well Swiss research published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in November 1999 suggests that it can. The research concluded that green tea possessed thermogenic properties and promoted fat metabolism at a faster rate than could be explained by its caffeine content alone. Or in layman’s terms, green tea is a powerful fat burner which can be a very useful tool in any weight loss program.

But perhaps most excitingly of all, there’s increasing evidence that the anti-oxidant effects of green tea may even have positive effects in the fight against cancer. For example, in 1994 the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of a study indicating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of oesophageal cancer in Chinese people by almost sixty percent. And University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that EGCG can directly inhibit the growth of cancer cells without apparently harming healthy tissue. This ground breaking study suggested that consumption of as few as four or five cups of green tea a day may have a significant inhibiting effect on tumour growth. Whilst earlier studies had also indicated the possible anti-cancer benefits of green tea, this was the first to isolate EGCG as the compound responsible – a major step forward.

If after reading all of the above you’re just raring to add green tea to your daily dietary regime I wouldn’t blame you at all. In fact I’d actively encourage you. But it’s only fair to give you the whole picture. And that means pointing out that the consumption of large amounts of green tea could risk adding a significant amount of caffeine to your normal intake.
Let me put this in perspective though. A standard six to eight ounce cup of green tea will contain between 30 and 60 milligrams of caffeine. A similar size cup of coffee will likely contain more than 100 milligrams. So just replace a couple of cups of your normal coffee intake with your recommended four to five cups of green tea and your caffeine intake’s going to stay level. But if you want to eliminate caffeine entirely then caffeine-free green teas are now becoming readily available.

So you can enjoy all the benefits cited above without any of the possible side-effects of caffeine and with ever increasing interest in the health promoting properties of green tea, new benefits are coming to light all the time. Already for example, the anti-oxidant (ie anti–ageing) qualities of the tea are being applied to the manufacture of skin care products.

Those may still seem a little far fetched to you right now, but in terms of your internal organism there’s no longer any doubt that green tea is truly one of nature’s great gifts - a very inexpensive but invaluable health booster.

Steve Smith

Green Matcha Tea

Did you know that Matcha Green Tea is the tea that is used in the Japanese Tea Ceremony?

The leaves are normally ground down into a fine powder for the actual tea making, but it is also regularly used in today's food industry as flavoring or coloring.

If you want a top quality Matcha Green Tea look out for a named tea. The best Matcha Green Teas are called by "tea names" or "chamei" as they are called in Japan. A tea can only be named like this if it blended by a master blender of a certain tradition from the tea ceremony lineage. However, these "named" teas are certain to be of high quality and the best flavors!

It's been well documented that green tea is good for you and that is widely accepted now. But, what makes Matcha so different? The answer is that it is now thought to be one of the most powerful anti-oxidants available. Anti-oxidants are vital to your health as they eliminate "free radicals" from your body (and do it very effectively). It is these free radicals (so prevalent due to our polluted environment) that cause premature aging and cellular damage which elads to all sorts of nasty disease.

And the prime reason Matcha is so widely sought after is that is now thought to be ten times more effective as an anti-oxidant than it's nearest rivals (blueberries and spinach). A method called ORAC (a measure of oxygen absorbency and the consequent effectiveness of anti-oxidants) gave Matcha a rating of 1,300. Blueberries came in at 91 and pomegranate at 115, and these were previously supposed to be our most potent anti-oxidants. So now you can begin to see why it is thought that Matcha is so powerful.

That is a powerful endorsement of the anti-oxidant and therefore health giving properties of Matcha Green Tea.

There is another benefit with this great tea as well. It also has a very high nutritional value, so double benefits for your health! But...you should know why you need anti-oxidants in your diet.

For men, it is well known that pomegranates and blueberries promote good sexual health in terms of not only sexual stamina but also semen production.

And for the gentler sex, anti-oxidants are now accepted to play a vital role in helping maintain a youthful look and general vitality. But...Matcha also has another trick up it's sleeve. It also has incredibly high levels of chlorophyll. If you remember back to your school biology, this is what allows plants to process light into food and it is also what gives Matcha it's beautiful green color.

The most potent anti-oxidants are called catechins...and these are only found in green tea! Not all anti-oxidants have the same level of effect on the human body. With catechins being so strong it is generally believed that they have the most potent anti-cancer properties of all anti-oxidants. Of all catechins epicgallocatechin gallate (ECGc) is the most effective, and 60% of all catechins in Matcha Green Tea are ECGcs.

This is why Matcha Green Tea is such an important find!

Matcha Green Tea has one final health trick to offer, an amino acid called L-theanine. It's first use can be traced back to Buddist Monks who apparently used the Green Tea to help promote the calmness needed for deep meditation. More recently clinical style studies have showed that the amino acid combined with the small amount of caffeine can promote an alert calmness that can be maintained for a lengthy period of time. It is also thought the amino acid helps give Matcha it's creamy taste and rich feel in the mouth.

To conclude Matcha Green Tea is without doubt a very powerful anti-oxidant. It can therefore have a similarly powerful effect in detox and maintenance of a healthy body. It does this by not only free radical elimination and general body detox as well.

Regular use will definitely benefit your health as well as help protect you against many modern ailments. I can't recommend this amazing natural tea highly enough. Include in your diet on a daily basis and I've no doubt you will look and feel better! Enjoy. 

By: lee brooker

How To Serve And Drink Chinese Tea

The art of drinking and serving tea plays a very vital cultural role in China. It inspires a lot of artists that the Chinese tea ceremony, as it is called, has been written in songs and poetry. The ritual of preparing and serving tea has even held a special place in the hearts and minds of the Chinese aristocracy, court officials, intellectual, poets, and even the common people.

On its most basic, the Chinese tea ceremony emphasizes the tea itself, rather than the ceremony. It focuses on what the tea tastes like, smells like, and how one tea tastes compared to the previous tea, or in inclusive rounds of drinking. It doesn't mean that each server will perform the ritual the same way and it is not related to religion. Every step taken during the ceremony is meant to be a sensory exploration and appreciation.

How to conduct a Chinese tea ceremony is just so easy. However, it is important to note that steps to assure the finest tasting tea is very exacting. As often said, if done properly you can extract the finest flavor a tea has to offer.

The Teapot and Tea Cup Preparation

The Chinese tea ceremony uses small cups to match the small and unglazed clay teapots. Each cup is just large enough to hold about two small swallows of tea. These tiny cups are particularly popular in Chiujao and Fujian, while in Shanghai and Beijing, large cups are employed.

Curing the teapot and cups is one essential step in Chinese tea ceremony. When you receive your teapot and cups, they have to be cured. The teapot used is usually made from red clay, and to seal the inside of a teapot and the cups, you first need to place loose tea into the pot and fill it with boiling water. Let it sit for three hours to a day.

Some tea masters advise to do it for a week prior to the curing of the teapot, cups and pouring pitcher. This technique is said to seal the inside of the teapot. Also, oils from the tea leaves fill in all the tiny pours of the new clap teapot.

In a Chinese tea ceremony, washing bowls are also needed. You need to pour the hot tea that has been brewing for 5 minutes and fill the washing bowl with hot tea. Let the tea cups also sit in the tea. This is also done to seal the tea cups with the resins of the tea. And, once the teapot, tea cups and pouring pitcher have been cured, the next step is to get ready for the ceremony.

The Tea Preparation
For the tea preparation, all you need to do is prepare the boiling water, and carefully place the tea into the teapot until it is about a third full. Also, make sure that the teapot and cups are now on the tea washing tray. Then, pour the hot water into the teapot until it is overflowing. Place the lid on, and continue to pour the hot water over the teapot. This is done to allow the entire teapot to be hot.

After that, pour the second brewed tea into the tea cups and pouring pitcher. This is to allow the flavor of the tea to penetrate the tea cups and pouring pitcher. Then, pour the boiling water into the teapot for the third time and cover. Place the tea strainer over the pouring pitcher. Wait for the tea to brew. After three minutes of brewing, pour hot water into the pouring pitcher to assure that it is hot and pour that into the teacups. When ready, empty the tea cups and pitcher and then pour the tea into the pitcher through a tea strainer. Pour the tea into the cups, making sure to never fill a cup at a time, but by passing the tea over each cup so they fill equally.

The Importance of Water

The water used in the Chinese tea ceremony is as important as the tea itself. As noted, chlorine and fluoride in tap water should be filtered out as they harm the flavor of the tea. Distilled water is said to make flat tea, thus should be avoided. The ideal water should have an alkaline pH around 7.9.

Note: In Chinese tea ceremony, the aroma of the tea is certainly what is sought after. When using the small tea cups never drink or gulp the tea. Instead, sip the tea through the lips and teeth making a hissing sound. Drinking and sniffing the tea during the Chinese tea ceremony can take over an hour and many fine conversations will ensure. The sign of the tea master is to insure that every round of tea tastes exactly the same. 

By: Jonas Smith

10 Tea Party Supplies Required To Host An Authentic Victorian Tea

Gather together your tea party supplies and plan a fun afternoon tea in true Victorian style!

In the midst of demanding schedules and busy lifestyles we find a longing to return to a time of simple pleasures, uncomplicated communication, and the pure beauty of spending time with cherished friends. We dream of revisiting an era reminiscent of elegance and grace where email is replaced by formal calling cards, text messaging is overruled by face-to-face greetings, and social networking is defined by the sharing of one's heart and life experiences between sips of expertly brewed tea.

 Like Alice's rabbit hole, hosting a Victorian tea will allow you to escape this hectic world and travel to a wonderland of exquisite fashion, charming décor, and flawless etiquette. You can rediscover a place where polish and poise reign and the bonds of friendship and respect are built in lavish afternoon gatherings.

In preparing for your journey to by-gone days, there are a few essential tea party supplies that must be included to capture the true refinement and grace of an authentic Victorian tea.

1. Invitations. Every genuine Victorian tea party begins with formal invitations. Use simple materials such a flowered stationary, note cards, tea stained paper, or doilies. Although your invitations may be computer generated, they would appear more authentic if hand written and addressed. You could even create a calling card, indicative of the Victorian era, requesting your guests' presence at an afternoon soiree. Remember to use polite wording, and send your invitations at least 10-14 days in advance.

2. Tea Service. One of the main focal points of a tea party is, of course, the tea pots, often serving as the centerpiece to any table setting. If possible, use porcelain or china pots with flower motifs. Antique looking tea services can often be purchased at thrift shops, and since it is not necessary that every pot match, you can set an authentic Victorian table for very little cost. A creamer and sugar bowl are also essential items. Remember that sugar cubes were used during Victorian times and were served with small, silver tongs.

3. Linens. For the Victorian hostess, an afternoon tea was the ideal time to bring out the best linens and lace. To create a perfect atmosphere, use lacy or embroidered table coverings, cloth or linen napkins, and accent with a variety of delicate items such as tatted doilies or silver napkin rings.

4. Cups, Saucers, and Serving Dishes. A true Victorian tea was defined by class, etiquette, and refined conversation, punctuated by the gentle tinkling of dainty cups and saucers. Adding to this era were lavish, overstated motifs and an unprecedented mixture of patterns. In other words, your dishes do not have to match. In fact, using multiple patterns and styles will actually add to the charm and allure of your party. You will need to make sure that each guest has a cup, saucer, dessert plate, and silverware. You may also want to include a bowl of lemon wedges and a variety of small demi tea spoons. Serving trays can be pedestaled, tiered, crystal, china, or silver. Remember, flowered patterns are always the best.

5. Flowers. Victorian ladies loved flowers! Fill vases with popular flower choices of the time including roses, pansies, hollyhocks, daisies, and even Queen Anne's lace. The Victorian hostess did not have the luxury of visiting a local home décor store, so she had to decorate with items that were readily available including fresh cut flowers, pine cones, evergreen boughs, ribbons, and handmade lace.

6. Candles. For a true Victorian tea, use lots and lots of candles. Whether tapers, votives, or even lanterns, candles will enhance your décor, create a relaxing ambiance, and provide just the perfect amount of light.

7. Music. Music should be quiet and act as a background that contributes to the atmosphere but doesn't compete with conversation. Although any style of instrumental would be appropriate, piano or classical choices would be the most true to the times choice.

8. Tea. Of course, you cannot have a tea party without the tea. A variety of teas should be offered, including the most popular Victorian choices such as Earl Grey, English Breakfast, and Orange Pekoe. Pre-bagged tea is completely acceptable, but if you are looking to provide a true, bona fide Victorian experience, then purchase loose teas and use strainers or tea balls.

9. Food. Afternoon tea is meant to provide a light snack, not a full course meal. Serve a variety of finger foods including cookies, muffins, scones, delicate pastries, and dainty tea sandwiches.

10. Favors. Although favors are not necessary, they are a nice way to thank your guests for spending the afternoon at your home. In making your choice, remember to think like a Victorian hostess, who would often send guests off laden with items from her own pantry or garden. A jar of honey or preserves, a scented candle, flowers, or even homemade truffles would make an ideal thank you and provide a perfect ending to a true Victorian tea.

By: Marcia Schwanger

Fight Free Radicals That Attack Your Skin’s Beauty

When cell damage occurs, it can lead to skin that looks older than it is. But cell damage can also cause a lot of trouble for the body when free radicals attack your body’s cells both inward and outward.

When cells are damaged by free radicals, a reaction begins in the membrane of the cell. This reaction can lead you to develop certain diseases - and in some cases can lead to a cancer diagnosis. 

The power to stop the reaction in the cells by the free radicals begins with the use of antioxidants. Antioxidants work like stop signs in the body. The power of antioxidants can protect your body on the inside so that you’ll have smooth, soft skin on the outside.

Antioxidants do this by making the free radicals ineffective in their quest to harm your body. You’ll find antioxidants in vitamins - especially in Vitamin E. Not only can this vitamin protect your skin, but it can also work to repair damage that’s already been done. This is a fat soluble vitamin and can be found in many different foods.

You can get helpful doses of Vitamin E by eating nuts. Some of the nuts that are high in this vitamin are peanuts, almonds and hazelnuts. Seeds are also a good food source to give you the protection and healing power of Vitamin E.

Look for seeds like sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds. Vegetable oils also have a lot of Vitamin E - but only certain oils such as olive oil. Soybeans and olives are great foods that will add Vitamin E to your lunch or dinner recipes.

In the vegetable family, greens like spinach and broccoli can help you add more of this important vitamin to your meals. Having a slice or two of tomato on a sandwich adds Vitamin E, and so does adding some red bell pepper slices.

Breakfast cereals can help you increase Vitamin E in your diet. Look for cereals like bran flakes, multi-grain or oat cereal. Wheat germ is high in Vitamin E and can be added to recipes without even changing the flavor of the recipe. It’s also a food that doesn’t lose its antioxidant properties when it’s heated.

There are also benefits from drinking beverages that contain a lot of Vitamin E and one of those beverages is green tea. Green tea helps fight against the radicals that could cause tumors to grow within the body.

Not only is green tea good for you to drink, but it’s a treat for your skin, too. Using green tea as a facial mask gives your skin the benefit of antioxidants, which can repair damaged skin.

By: SBrooks

How To Make Green Tea Toner At Home

Green tea is becoming popular day by day and this is because of its magical uses.It helps in reducing weight and solves many beauty problems.It is used as a exfoliating face mask and also to reduce pimples and swelling.Green tea can be used as a toner and an astringent too.

First of all let us know the difference between the two as many of us are confused about it. Astringent lowers down the skin's PH level and controls surface oil.It also tightens the skin open pores .On the other hand toners are mainly used to nourish and moisturize the skin and keep it hydrating.Toners are milder than astrigents and and is mostly used to clean the skin , to remove any extra makeup or any calcium deposits from hard water.

 Astringents are more suitable for use on oily skin or combination dry and oily skin. Since the alcohol in astringents helps to remove excess oil and dirt on the skin, it aids in giving the skin a matte appearance

Green tea toner is easy and inexpensive way to make a herbal toner.It smoothens the skin and refines the pores.After using this toner it becomes very easy to apply foundation too.

Let us learn how to make it

Take 2 cups of water and add 2 bags of green tea in it.Boil it for 2-3 minutes and pour it in a spray bottle.You can store it in an ordinary plastic bottle as well but don't use any aluminum or copper container to store it.

Place it in a refrigerator. If stored in a spray bottle then spray it on your face or use clean cotton balls to soak the mixture and apply it on your face.

Use it twice a day in morning and evening.Spray can be stored for two weeks if placed in refrigerator.You can add fresh lime juice too in toner to enhance your complexion. 

By: WISESHE

Blooming Flowering Tea - A Joy To The Senses

Tea is the second most widely consumed beverage in the world, second only to water itself as a form of liquid refreshment and repose. Tea has become a cross cultural medium for invoking ceremony, ritual, and relaxation, and the process of preparing tea is often an exercise that is both calming and therapeutic in its own rite. Blooming tea, or flowering tea as it is also known, is a form of tea that is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the other senses of taste, touch, and smell.

Blooming tea or flowering tea combines the beauty of flowers with various types of tea, and was first developed by artisans in China where it is still a significant export. By looking at the lump that comprises a tea bundle as it is before adding it to boiling hot water, it would seem that this liquid delicacy is anything but a work of art, but a great deal of skill and expertise goes into making a flowering tea bundle. A majority of the tea leaves and flowers used for making the delicacy come from high in the mountains of the southern Chinese province of Yunnan. While they are still fresh from being picked, beautiful flowers and tea leaves are sewn together with cotton thread into bundles roughly the size and shape of a golf ball. Artisans complete the delicate labor-intensive process entirely by hand, and a single bundle may take up to ten minutes to complete. Once a bundle is sewn, it is heated in a kiln for drying and packaged for export.

The types of tea used in creating a flowering tea bundle are generally of the white, green, or black variety, but the flowers involved in the process are what give blooming tea its true appeal. Flowers known for their aromatic properties like jasmine, chrysanthemum, lilies, hibiscus, peony, rose, and osmanthus among others are combined into intricate bundles along with loose leaf green, white, and black teas. Most flowering tea bundles take anywhere from the 3 to 5 minutes to completely unfurl after being infused with boiling hot water. The process itself is very therapeutic, both visually stimulating and aromatically tantalizing. Unlike typical tea bags, the bundles can be refreshed as needed by re-infusing the unfurled flower bundle with fresh boiling water, so you and your guests can certainly have your fill of this flavorful liquid pleasure.

Flowering or blooming teas are best prepared in a transparent glass tea pot, or they can be served with individual blooms placed in wide transparent tea cups. After all, what would be the purpose of an unfurling tea bundle that could not be visually enjoyed? In a transparent tea pot, you and your guests can watch as the tea bundle unfurls, and with individual tea cups each guest can have their own separate bloom. In either situation, the unfurled blooms can all be re-infused with hot water to experience the flavor and aroma once more. Tea sets are available for purchase and are specifically designed for enjoying flowering blooming tea. Most come packaged with 6 to 10 bundles, so you can get a taste right away for this liquid feast for the senses. Once you try flowering blooming tea, drinking other more common forms of tea will never seem the same again. 

By: Joel Henderson

Beauty Products Bypass Cosmetic Containers

Some people eat their feelings. Other people eat because they're bored. And some people don't eat anything at all! But one of the latest fads is to eat your way to beauty. Fill in wrinkles, turn back the clock and hydrate your skin by drowning your aging sorrows with a case of Nestle's Glowelle. At least that's what the chocolaty drink claimed it could do; when it was on store shelves. Let's suspend our skepticism on whether Glowelle and other "functional foods" are actually effective and just window shop for nutricosmetics.

Nutricosmetics, Nutraceuticals and Cosmeceuticals, oh my! Here's what you need to know about this gang of health (pharmaceutical) and beauty (cosmetic) do-gooders. Nutricosmetics are products that promote beauty from the inside out, like Glowelle. Nutraceuticals are health foods, beverages or supplements that have beauty benefit undertones, like green tea. Cosmeceuticals are topical beauty treatments with added clinical benefits, like an anti-aging cream that also moonlights as a sunscreen (ha ha, get it?). Each type has a signature purpose, yet every branch relates back to beauty and wellness. Nutricosmetics are even often packaged in cosmetic containers as a counterpart to a commonplace external cosmetic.

These products and many others are known as "functional foods", functioning for a specific purpose. Different shapes, sizes and flavors reveal different cosmetic and pharmaceutical functions. Whether you're after a pill that will make your hair grow or a snack that promises it will give you a face lift, these are the goods you should look out for. Foods that make you look and feel good, inside and out

Fortified chocolate bars and pro-biotic yogurts aren't typically packaged in cosmetic containers, but that doesn't mean they aren't beneficial to beauty. These and many other food based nutricosmetics, like marshmallows seeping with collagen can have both beauty and overall health benefits.

Whether it's green tea, one of hundreds of vitamin-infused waters (like Vitamin Water, Borba Skin Balancing Water, Neuro Drinks) or an all natural energy drink, these liquid goodies serve as more than a quick refreshment, but as a beauty rejuvenator as well. Next time you're in the mood for a little liquid overindulgence give in to the temptation, it will make you feel and look good.

We're taught from a young age that we need vitamins and nutrients to live well. We've all heard, "Eat your spinach! You're not leaving this table until that broccoli is gone!" Vitamin D and calcium help strengthen bones, but I bet you didn't know vitamin C keeps your skin looking pretty. Beauty-in-a-bottle products may not be sold in cosmetic containers but Nutricosmetics account for a large number of supplements. Ranging from hair and nail growth to weight loss, it's as if there's a pill for nearly every cosmetic desire. Our dream comes true!

So, do these health/beauty miracle products really work? Who knows? The good news is, whether or not you buy into the hype of nutricosmetics, we're prepared to help you with your packaging needs. We stock cosmetic containers in a variety of shapes, styles and colors. If pharmaceuticals are more up your alley, we've got you covered there too.

Who knows, maybe packaging exfoliation-inducing candy bars with cosmetic containers full of body wash will become commonplace. Who wouldn't love a little pre-bath snack? Remember to always eat the chocolate, for the sake of your beauty.

By: Kayla Holman

Effects Of Herbal Slimming Tea

Certain herbal ingredients are mixed in certain quantities to make herbal slimming teas. The ingredients used include; Equisetum Debile Roxb, Pericarpium Citri Reticulata, Fructus Hordei Gerimiatus, Poria, Rhizoma Alismatis, Herba Agastachis, Fructus Crataegi, Semen Raphaini and Oolong (sometimes called Wu Long).

Potassium deficiency can cause muscle problems, paralysis, and fatal cardiac arrhythmia. Another serious outcome is that you can permanently damage your gastrointestinal tract (colon) so that it will not function without stimulant laxative. The first thing you need to understand is that herbal slim tea contains ingredients that will help boost your body's natural metabolism rate. When this happens, you basically process food in a slightly different way. 

It is is proven to help lower cholesterol level, quickens metabolism and improve your body's function to burn unwanted body fats that aid in weight loss and slimming down. There has been research of changes in weight within a week of beginning to drink the tea and must be drink twice in a day after meals. It is a unique blend of powerful green teas that are effective for losing weight.

The effects of drinking tea as a supplement to having a full fruit diet or fibers can greatly reduce cholesterol by helping to expel toxins from the body, cleaning out the digestive system, and giving maximum benefits. The many fantastic results of drinking tea to supplement the diet regimen is that it increases the metabolism as well as enhancing immunity, giving the body that second chance at a healthier start.

Tea is said to be beneficial for healthy brain development as well. Green tea has a substance in it called EGCG that is said to help repair damaged brain cells. Studies were made on many of the elderly in China, who drink slimming tea on a regular basis and they were found to have much lower rates of Alzheimer's disease.

Herbal weight loss is safer and more gentle than harsh over the counter diet pills. There are also herbal diet pills that use green tea as the main ingredient. There are many natural alternatives to losing weight. Slimming teas not only help you loose weight but they can also help to improve your health.

One weight loss supplement that has become increasingly popular with both us "normal" people and celebrities alike is the herbal slimming tea that is used in conjunction with exercise and a healthy and balanced diet and many of them seem to contain the same core ingredient - green tea extract.Green tea extract is a name that has become rather familiar with weight loss products and supplements and especially the herbal slimming tea.

Cayenne is also used because of the capsaicin in it. Capsaicin can do wonders for the digestive tract and fat burning. Nettle helps in increasing the body's temperature, or thermogenesis, so that it can burn fats more effectively as a source of energy. Likewise, there's kelp, which can increase the metabolic rate by stimulating the thyroid to release hormones. Another herbal weight loss ingredient has been recently found out to have promising contribution to weight loss. This herb is known as hoodia gordonii, or just plain hoodia.

By: Jenny Alfred

The Best Wrinkle Creams - Finding Them The Easy Way

Finding the best wrinkle creams can be a breeze - if you know what to do. There are a lot of anti wrinkle creams out there that claim to be the best, the most effective and the safest, but are they for real?

All anti aging creams promise to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and other telltale signs of aging but not all of them really work. Some even promise to reverse the damage caused by too much exposure to the sun and other harsh elements. It would be nice if these wrinkle products kept up to their promises, but sadly most of them don't.

 How To Choose The Best Wrinkle Cream

First, you need to understand that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies these types of skin care products as cosmetics, meaning they have no proven medical value. And as such, the FDA does not enforce the same strict control and testing it does on drugs.

So, what does this have to do with your quest to find the best wrinkle product? It means that you need to be extra careful in choosing your anti wrinkle cream since there is no FDA certification that the active ingredient in the product works.

Now let's move on to how you can actually find the best anti wrinkle cream for you. Here are some things you definitely have to consider before making a purchase:

Most wrinkle treatments may contain one or more of the following ingredients: retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, kinetin, coenzyme Q10, copper peptides and antioxidants. And, as you would expect, the effectiveness of each product depends on what their active ingredient is and how much of it is actually in the product.

Here's a list of the most common active ingredients in anti aging skin care products:

Retinol - This is a vitamin A derivative which is considerably less potent than the prescription form tretinoin. Basically, retinol does its job by neutralizing the free radicals that cause premature skin aging.

Alpha hydroxyl acids or AHA - These acids remove the topmost layer of the skin which is mostly composed of old, dead skin cells and pave the way for smooth, evenly pigmented new skin to surface.

Kinetin - It is unclear how kinetin works but it was proven to reduce wrinkles and even out skin pigmentation without irritating the skin. Research also suggests that kinetin plays a vital role in collagen production and moisture retention.

Coenzyme Q10 - This nutrient naturally occurs in every living cell of the body. It supplies the needed energy for cell regeneration which is needed to maintain younger looking skin. However, this nutrient diminishes as a person ages, giving way to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Copper peptides - These compounds work by stimulating the production of collagen and by enhancing the action of antioxidants.

Antioxidants - Have you noticed that many skin care products contain green, black and oolong tea extracts? This is because tea contains antioxidant compounds that can be very useful in fighting skin problems such as wrinkles.

So you can see that choosing the best wrinkle creams in the market doesn't have to be a hit or miss experience. If you do your research and keep these suggestions in mind, you'll find the glowing, more youthful looking skin you're looking for!

When you're researching all of your wrinkle skin cream options, be sure to read plenty of online reviews. We've put together some of the best here: wrinkle cream reviews.

By: Sam09 Jackson

Doomdooma.. Land Of Tea And Beauty...

Assam, with its beautiful smiling “Tea Gardens”, along the Brahmaputra and Barak valleys to produce 400 million kilograms of tea annually. Tea is known as a natural "miracle cure". Assam is the birthplace of Indian tea with the highest quality tea to customers around the world with a rich aroma and flavor that will restore your senses bring the best selection of famous tea gardens of Assam for the rich. Assam, with the green and Oxbow lakes provide the region with hydro-person environment. We geomorphology and aesthetic offers a wide range of tea cultivation, improving the quality and taste. Assam tea is known for its freshness, taste malt and strong color with perfect balance. Created by his hand, leaving doomdooma teas are full-body and have subtle but complex characters. Teas are artfully blended to match your lifestyle and soothe your soul. Once a small, twisted and torn leaves of Organic Assam Breakfast with their empire, the result is an excellent breakfast tea. Liqueur is a clear mahogany, which provides a wonderful sweet and spicy. Taste is the perfect balance of freshness, strength, body and strength, which Organic Assam an ideal breakfast every morning. Each race is a great extension and relaxation, is considered a kind of art. As Assam teas have a strong taste and a bold drink English as "Breakfast Tea" and usually drink with milk. Tea is an integral part of everyday social life in many of the world's most populous country. Tea has the most popular drink for Swath people in the world.

Assam tea is not restricted to the Indian sub-continent, but is exported to all corners of the world as a breakfast tea. On both sides of the river, rolling plains is one of the world's largest tea-growing areas with the highest yield per acre. Immaculately pruned tea bushes covering 2,16,200 hectares, growing more than 360 million kg. Tea is the common scientific name of the plant Camellia sinensis. Was grown in China and the Asian region for thousands of years, and today, tea is the second most popular beverage, served hot and cold. Tea is the most popular beverage in the world in terms of consumption. Its consumption is the same for all other beverages produced in the world. India is the world's largest tea-drinking nation, even
though per capita consumption of tea remains a modest 750 grams per person per year. Assam Tea offers a wide and exotic gourmet coffee flavors to fit any mood and occasion. We geomorphology and aesthetic offers
a wide range of tea cultivation, improving the quality and taste. 

We are trying to spread the best quality tea to customers around the world as a result of a major demand of the product on the market. Our process of the qualitative level of tea from the tea gardens of Assam preserved. The topography of the state their juicer and take the leaves are thicker than the other guy. The right blend of pure gold leaf Assam tea shows a strong red and cream tea with the rich fragrance refreshes your senses. Our range is recognized worldwide for its rich flavor and aroma and is a good organic tea.
Specially packed our variety of Assam tea is available in industry leading prices Our premium tea blends are made of a safe herb to Organic Assam tea, green tea, black tea, herbal tea, Tulsi multi-herbs, aromatic
herbs tea, red tea, natural sweeteners, anti diabetics Tea Stress Tea, tea for coughs, leaves against fatigue, tea, tea for constipation, anti-gas-tea, tea, appetizer, Assam orthodox tea, Red tea, Assam tea and green Tea in the field of medical tests of taste and respect for the complex malt flavors. We offer tea, a tea to promote safe weight loss without the negative effects of a crash diet. It is prescribed for patients of all ages who are trying. Each race is a wonderful extension and relaxation, be regarded as the common and scientific names of the form of infusions. Today, tea is the most popular drink second of which was hot and cold. The four types of tea: black tea, a popular and well known, Oolong tea, green tea, white-hot. Organically produced in the famous region of Assam, Assam tea is the world's leading
manufacturer of premium tea leaves and botanicals known that you have tasted a cup of tea like no other before you deliver. Teas are artfully blended to fit your lifestyle and dangle the soul. Each race is a great extension and relaxation, is regarded as an art form.

Once the small, twisted and torn leaves of Organic Assam Breakfast with their empire, the result is a brilliant breakfast cup of tea. The liquor is a light mahogany, which gives a wonderfully sweet and spicy flavor. The flavor is the perfect balance of playfulness, strength, body and strength, so that bio-Assam an ideal breakfast every morning was picked by hand, doomdooma tea leaves are full-bodied and has a subtle but complex characters. Created hand-picked, doomdooma tea leaves are full and have subtle but complex
characters. Assam teas to drink as a strong flavor and gutty, the English call it "Breakfast Tea" and drink usually with milk. Assam tea is not restricted to the Indian subcontinent, but in all parts of the world will be exported as a breakfast tea.

By: ranu handique

Hosting A Tea Party With Gourmet Teas

Tea parties are serene, enjoyable events during which you can share great conversation, food, and gourmet teas with your friends and loved ones. Tea parties often remain in the memories of guests for years to come because they allow everyone to take a break from their busy lives for unhurried conversation and soul nurturing. The elements of a successful tea party include providing a variety of delicious gourmet teas, a charming party theme, and a delicious menu, to name a few. In order to ensure that your tea party is the best that it can be, plan ahead of time. Planning and preparation are key factors to the success of your party.

The Difference between High Tea and Afternoon Tea
High tea and afternoon tea are often referred to as the same thing but the two are quite different from each other. Afternoon tea is an elegant affair that takes place at around 3pm. The food served is lighter and less filling and sometimes only dessert is served. High tea is a full meal tea that was often enjoyed by the British working class. The food served was much heavier than the scones and tea sandwiches that we now associate with tea parties. 

Why You Should Host a Tea Party
If you want to host a party for your friends or family but do not want it to be as formal as a dinner party, a tea party is a good solution. Tea parties are perfect for celebrating a baby shower, bridal shower, retirement, or birthday. You could also have a tea party just to catch up with your friends. The food for a tea party is prepared prior to the event. You can serve it buffet style or you can pass plates of food around the table during the party. Tea parties are nice because they give hosts the time to relax with their guests. The only thing you have to do during a tea party is prepare and serve tea. Whether you want to host a tea party at a fancy hotel or receive guests at home with just a pot of tea and biscuits, tea parties can be celebrated in a variety of ways, from casual to formal.

Tea Serving Tips
Tea bags are generally of lesser quality than loose leaf gourmet teas so at your tea party, serve only the latter. A full tea is a tea party that consists of three courses of scones, muffins, or fruit, tea sandwiches, and then desserts. On the other hand, a light tea only consists of pastries or dessert, and fruit.
Prior to serving tea in your tea pot, warm it up with hot water from your faucet. Your tea will stay warmer for longer that way. Use approximately one rounded teaspoon of loose leaf gourmet teas per eight ounces of water. If you prefer strongly flavored tea, simply add more tea to the pot. Pour boiling water into the tea pot and let it steep for about five minutes. Green, white, black, and oolong teas taste bitter if you let them steep for too long so your best bet is to steep them for around 1-2 minutes, max. Place a strainer over each cup when you pour out the tea. If you are making iced tea, simply double the amount of loose tea you use.

For proper tea etiquette, the hostess of the tea party should pour each guest tea and add sugar, lemon, or cream as requested. The hostess should use a sugar tong to take sugar from the sugar bowl. If you don’t plan to follow traditional tea etiquette and are instead going to have each person put sugar in their own tea, give each guest a demi-spoon, which is smaller than a regular teaspoon. Since most people serve sugar cubes at tea parties, demi-spoons are often given to guests instead of regular teaspoons, which are only needed to measure out sugar.

The proper way to serve tea is for each guest to pass her cup to the hostess. The hostess asks the guest how much sugar, lemon, etc. she would like and then places those items in the cup and a spoon on the saucer. Then the hostess passes the cup and saucer back to the guest, who quietly stirs her tea.
In order to let your guests know how they should dress for your tea party, simply state on the invitation whether the party is formal or casual. If you are planning your tea party around a theme, let your guests know about it in the invitation so they can dress accordingly.

Tea Party Theme
Although having a tea party theme is not necessary, it can lead to greater attendance. If you are planning a tea party with many child guests, it is necessary to have a theme and activities because children will get bored very quickly just sitting around drinking tea and conversing. Some adult theme party ideas include Mother’s Day, Christmas, and Fall Harvest. Themes that are appropriate for children’s tea parties include Peter Rabbit, Dress Up, and Valentine’s Day. For adult tea parties, your theme could even be as simple as selecting colors.

Tea Party Activities
You can plan some fun activities for your guests to break the ice, get everyone relaxed, and make sure that all of the guests have a good time. Tea party activities/games could be as simple as having everyone sit in a circle and share something that they are grateful for. Another activity you could do is read a famous quote. Whoever guesses the author of the quote correctly wins a prize. 

By: Empl Alexwhite

The Difference Between Black Tea And Green Tea

At the same time it is also consumed hot so that it can be warming and comforting particularly when it is cold outside or first thing in the morning.

At the same time tea contains caffeine which is a stimulant that encourages the release of adrenaline and dopamine and which increases our attention, memory and wakefulness – also making it a popular drink of choice first thing in the morning much like coffee.

Black tea is the most popular type of tea in the world. This comes from the camellia senesis plant and is made from the leaves and the buds of this plant. These leaves are fully fermented/oxidized after they are dried in order to be prepared and this gives it a bitter flavour. There are many types of black tea and these include Orange Pekoe and Earl Gray. Seventy percent of all tea in the world is made into black tea. Also interesting about black tea, is the fact that the area and region where the plant is brewed will affect the taste of the tea – just like wine.

People drink black tea in a number of different ways. Many people will drink black tea with milk and sugar and this can give it a more creamy, sweet taste. Tea with sugar is particularly good for people who are experiencing shock and can help them to replenish some of their vital nutrients. At the same time though many people will drink black tea plain, or will drink it with lemon for a more bitter taste that some find more refreshing.

Green tea meanwhile comes from the same camelllia senesis plant, but is not allowed to ferment. This results in it being lightly coloured and having a more grassy flavour. At the same time it has less caffeine which means it is less of a stimulant but is also less addicting and more healthy in a number of ways meaning you can benefit more from the other health advantages of tea. Finally 'Oolong' tea is a tea that sits between green and black tea, as a tea that is only given a short amount of time to ferment. This means it is less strong than black tea but doesn't have quite the same grassy edge as green tea.

Drinking either types of tea can have a range of benefits for one's health. It is filled with antioxidants called polyphenols, flavonoids and catenins. These prevent cellular damage from free radicals and this way slow down the visible effects of ageing while also prevent mutations of the cells that can cause cancer. It is also able to help with thermogenesis – increasing the metabolism through its stimulant nature and thereby helping the body to burn fat making it very good for all of those on a diet.

By: AndreaC Watkins

Comfrey Leaves Help Those With Diarrhea

Though most teas are made from only the leaves of herbs, Jasmine Green Tea is different. It is made by adding the jasmine flower to the tea. Cultivated widely for its beautiful flowers, jasmine is any of more than 200 species with fragrant white, yellow or red flowers.

The jasmine plant was brought to China from Persia sometime in the third century AD but never became popular there until about 1000 years ago. Yin Hao is considered the finest jasmine tea. Other popular versions are Xiang Pian, Dragon Phoenix Pearl, and Mo Li Hua Cha, the latter being possibly the most popular scented tea worldwide.

To make jasmine green tea, they start with a Chinese green tea for a base. Two popular ones are pouching and oolong and a few start with a black tea base. The tea leaves are picked and processed in April and May. Then they are kept dry until the jasmine flowers bloom in late August and September.

The flowers are gathered when they are fully open, either at midnight or early in the morning. Then they are placed with the tea so that the scent of the flower can be absorbed over the next four hours. The flowers are then removed. This will be repeated from two to seven times over a month's processing before the tea is ready for sale. Grading of the tea is determined by how many scentings the tea has gotten over a month. Low grade is 2-3 scentings. Higher grades will use seven scentings over the month.

Most green teas with jasmine contain a significant amount of polyphenols, plant-based substances that have proven to have anticancer, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. This helps prevent certain cancers and slows aging by eliminating free radicals. Jasmine is good for diabetes prevention and reducing high blood pressure. It is believed to prevent strokes, heart attacks, thrombosis, and arterial sclerosis.

Other Jasmine Tea health benefits include the ability to reduce the risk of blood clot, prevent allergy and flu, reduce blood sugar, keep fluid balance, boost the immune system and provide oral care and fluoride that helps protect against cavities and prevent tooth decay. One of the jasmine tea health benefits is to improve intestine conditions by blocking development and growth of bad bacteria and strengthening good bacteria.

Jasmine tea also fights food poisoning, including dysentery, cholera, and piccoli that causes gastric ulcers. Gargling with jasmine green tea is one of the best ways to protect oneself from influenza since the tea contains anti-viral substances.

Jasmine is also used as an herbal anti-depressant, helping with post-natal depression and menopause problems among other things. It is said to also enhance romantic feelings. The tea also functions like raspberry leaf tea by helping in childbirth and with milk production. It can sooth muscle and joint pain, including chronic back pain.

Recent studies show that drinking jasmine tea may fight fat. People who consumed tea with green tea extract during the period of three months lost more fat than those who consumed regular oolong tea. It seems substances found in jasmine tea, known as catechins, trigger weight loss by decreasing body fat and stimulating the body to burn calories.

To prepare a cup of tea, simply steep about one half teaspoon of tea in water from 170ºF to 190ºF for two minutes. You can repeat the steeping up to two times. You should consume at least four cups a day. This tea is served with strongly flavored foods or served alone. It is good with curries, chicken and fish, and vegetarian dishes. A good quality jasmine green tea will work beautifully with fruit and flower salads, or desserts made with flowers, or soft cheeses with pressed flowers.

By: Jig Peligrino

Jasmine Tea Benefits Those With High Blood Pressure

Though most teas are made from only the leaves of herbs, Jasmine Green Tea is different. It is made by adding the jasmine flower to the tea. Cultivated widely for its beautiful flowers, jasmine is any of more than 200 species with fragrant white, yellow or red flowers.

Though brought to China from Persia sometime in the third century AD, the jasmine plant never became popular in China until about 1000 AD. Popular versions of jasmine are Xiang Pian, Dragon Phoenix Pearl, and Mo Li Hua Cha. This last one is possibly the most popular scented tea in the world. Yin Hao is considered the finest jasmine tea.

Jasmine green tea is made by starting with a Chinese green tea for a base. Some will use pouchong/oolong or black tea but green is more common. The tea leaves are plucked and processed in April and May and then kept dry until the jasmine flowers bloom in August and September.

The flowers are gathered when they are fully open, either at midnight or early in the morning. Then they are placed with the tea so that the scent of the flower can be absorbed over the next four hours. The flowers are then removed. This will be repeated from two to seven times over a month's processing before the tea is ready for sale. Grading of the tea is determined by how many scentings the tea has gotten over a month. Low grade is 2-3 scentings. Higher grades will use seven scentings over the month.

Most green teas with jasmine contain a significant amount of polyphenols, plant-based substances that have proven to have anticancer, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. This helps prevent certain cancers and slows aging by eliminating free radicals. Jasmine is good for diabetes prevention and reducing high blood pressure. It is believed to prevent strokes, heart attacks, thrombosis, and arterial sclerosis.

Other Jasmine Tea health benefits include the ability to reduce the risk of blood clot, prevent allergy and flu, reduce blood sugar, keep fluid balance, boost the immune system and provide oral care and fluoride that helps protect against cavities and prevent tooth decay. One of the jasmine tea health benefits is to improve intestine conditions by blocking development and growth of bad bacteria and strengthening good bacteria.

In addition, jasmine tea gargled is an effective way to fight influenza because of its ability to fight viruses. Jasmine green tea also helps with the consequences of food poisoning, including piccoli (causing gastric ulcers), cholera, and dysentery.

Today, jasmine is known in alternative health care as an effective anti-depressant, including post-natal depression, and menopause problems. Along with raspberry leaf tea, it has been used to help childbirth and milk production. It can help relieve muscle and joint pain, including chronic back pain and is considered a romantic enhancer.

Try using jasmine green tea to lose weight. In one three month study, people who consumed tea with jasmine green tea extract lost more fat than those who consumed regular oolong tea. Perhaps the catechins in the jasmine trigger weight loss by decreasing body fat and by stimulating the body to burn calories.

You can purchase jasmine already mixed in the green tea. Simply steep about one teaspoon of tea in two cups of water near boiling temperature for two minutes. You can do this up to three times before discarding it. Drink at least four cups of this a day. This tea may be served with strongly flavored foods or, if you like, it may be served alone. It is good with vegetarian dishes, curries, and chicken and fish. A good quality jasmine green tea will work beautifully with soft cheeses with pressed flowers, with fruit and flower salads, or with desserts made with flowers.

By: Jig Peligrino

Loose Weight With Tea…

Although Britain is a nation of tea drinkers, we still have a lot to learn about tea. Drinking the right tea at the right time of day has been known to provide substantial health benefits.

You might not think of tea when it comes to trying to loose weight, but research has shown that certain types of teas do:

Pu-erh Tea (Yamamotoyama: Pu-erh, Chrysanthemum; Birt & Tang: Pu’er & Camomile, Figuro)
The brewed tea is dark red, and has a bold, earthy taste. Pu-erh is known to help digest fatty foods, increase metabolism and help to reduce your cholesterol levels. It is perfect to take this tea throughout the day especially after meals.

Oolong Tea (Yamamotoyama: China Oolong Chocolate Mint Oolong, White Peach Oolong, Coconut Mango Oolong, Chrysanthemum; Birt & Tang: Oolong & Raspberry, Osmanthus, Gojiberry, Blueberry, Cardioplus)
Oolongs range from bright green and slightly fermented to dark-leafed and hearty. The greener varieties are less fermented. Oolong tea therefore comes in a wide range of tastes and aromas from teas very close in taste to green tea to those very close to black tea.

Oolong tea burns over 157% more fat than Green Tea – and therefore becoming the most popular teas designed to accelerate weight loss. Drinking two cups of Oolong tea every day not only helps shed stubborn pounds by boosting your metabolism, but also blocks the fattening effects of carbohydrates.

Slimming Tea (Yogitea: Slim & Fit)
When we are fit, our lives flow in an easy, flexible rhythm. This herbal tea has been formulated with herbs thought to support a well functioning metabolism. Pu-erh tea is used worldwide for its beneficial properties. Mate, prized in South America for its valuable nutrients and antioxidants, is a natural energiser. This formula is balanced with rosemary, rooibos and nettle, all of which are known to be rich in nutrients. Enjoy Women's Slim & Fit Tea throughout the day while following your fasting or fitness program.

Detox Tea (Yogitea: Detox, Birt & Tang: Detox)
This tea contains a combination of herbs and spices, which have been used for centuries in India to support the internal cleansing process and thereby eliminating excess fluids. Purify yourself each day by making Detox a regular part of your diet. Detox is also a great addition to a diet or a fast.

Stomach Ease Tea (Yogitea: Stomach Ease)
This tea is based on a recipe of herbs and spices believed to support the digestive process in breaking down fats and reduce feeling bloated after a meal. It contains fennel, liquorice and peppermint leaf known for their beneficial effect on digestion. Warming herbs such as cardamom, coriander, ginger and black pepper balances this delicious blend. Enjoy a cup during or after a meal.

All Green & White Teas (Tazo: Zen, Numi: Monkey King, Dragonfly: Swirling Mist White Tea, Stashtea: Ginger Peach, Pomegranate Raspberry, Decaf Raspberry White – and many more)

All green and white teas are known for their ‘thermogenic’ properties, whereby the body temperature raises to burn more calories. These teas have traditionally been used in Chinese medicine to refresh, detoxify and bring the immune system into balance.

All the teas discussed in this article can be found at www.teaworld.co.uk. You can also try a FREE sample before you buy.

By: Uma Mays