Herbal Tea Tisanes Growing In Popularity

As opposed to green, black, white and oolong teas, herbal teas, or tisane teas, as they are also known, are not produced from the leaves of tea plant. Instead, herbal teas are in fact infusions of dried flowers, fruits, seeds, roots and herbs. All these could come from a single plant, but combinations of flowers and fruits from multiple plants are also popular.

Herbal teas are made from plants that have other potential health benefits than the tea plant. The preparation techniques may also differ. Tisane tea could be prepared as actual tea, by pouring water on the plant parts, or in a different manner. If seeds and roots of a plant are used, then these can be placed in water that boils. After a few minutes the brew is strained. Adding sugar is optional and depends on the bitterness or sweetness of the plants from which the herbal tea is made. As well as actual tea, herbal tea is also available in tea bags which prove to be very convenient. In this particular situation, the crushing grade of the ingredients found in tea bags does not affect very much the quality of the brew.

The color, flavor and aroma of the brew depend very much on the plants that are used in the herbal tea, as well as on the steeping time and temperature of the water. Preparation instructions are much more liberal in this case than when using actual tea leaves, as the temperature does not have to be in a certain range. Instead, herbal tea is almost brewed with freshly boiled water.

Herbal tea represents a great alternative to actual tea that should not be neglected!

By: Merlin Cryton

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

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

Chocolate Tea: Sharing A Cup Of Happiness And Health

Remember family dinners that ended with hot cups of cocoa shared around a warm fireplace, cozily sitting next to familiar friends and family? Or remember the times at your grandma’s house and she’d give you a cup of hot cocoa followed by your favorite bedtime story? A cup of cocoa brings back special memories. Special times shared with good company. A cup of cocoa? You’ll agree it’s like coming home to a wealth of happiness.

Good Nutrition
We all know that cocoa tastes good. But did we know that science is now supporting evidence that the delightfully popular cocoa is a powerful nutrient necessary for supporting our good health? In fact, the Harvard University Gazette has called cocoa “the next wonder drug”! Of course, this is not the milk chocolate that we are used to eating but the raw, unadulterated cocoa processed from the cocoa beans. What is in cocoa that makes it a source of so much good nutrition?

Pure Cocoa …. 1-5

Pure cocoa contains high levels of epicatechins, and is rich in antioxidant value. The consumption of plain cocoa or dark chocolate is recommended for nutritionally:
• Supporting cardiovascular health
• Improving blood circulation,
• Reducing blood pressure,
• Lowering cholesterol levels.
• Supporting immune health
• Providing added energy and stamina.

Pure cocoa combined with the powerful antioxidant properties of Green Tea and Resveratrol in a flavorful health drink called CocoPure. What’s the benefit? More antioxidant power! Read on …

Green Tea … 6-13

All of us know of the rich health benefits of drinking Green Tea. The potent antioxidants in Green Tea called epigallactocatechins have been studied in clinical trials strongly indicating Green Tea nutritionally helps to:
• Support longevity
• Regulate healthy levels of cholesterol and glucose
• Protect our skin from UV rays and aid effective weight loss

Resveratrol … 14-16

Resveratrol contains high levels of polyphenols and is also a powerful antioxidant widely known to benefit cardiovascular health. Studies on Resveratrol indicate that it nutritionally helps your body:
• Reverse the trend of a high cholesterol diet.
• Enhances the work of nitric oxide in the blood. Nitric oxide has a relaxing effect on blood vessels, thus promoting blood flow.
• Prevent blood cells from sticking together which normally results in the formation of plaque in the arteries.

Chocolate Tea: A Cup of Health and Happiness
CocoPure is a chocolate lover’s delight. CocoPure is also a health lover’s dream because of the combined health benefits of pure Cocoa, Green Tea and Resveratrol! It contains no fat, no milk, no sugars. CocoPure has an ORAC value of 5,250 per 7.4 grams! The ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) is the measurement of antioxidant power.

The next time you share good times with good friends and family – make it a special memory. Share a cup of CocoPure—to happiness and good health! Let the good times begin!

References:

1. Kris-Etherton P, Keen CL. Evidence that the antioxidant flavonoids in tea and cocoa are beneficial for cardiovascular health. Curr Opin Lipidol 2002;13:41–9.
2. Adamson GE, Lazarus SA, Mitchell AE, et al. HPLC method for the quantification of procyanidins in cocoa and chocolate samples and correlation to total antioxidant capacity. J Agric Food Chem 1999;47:4184–8.
3. Heiss C, Dejam A, Kleinbongard P, Schewe T, Sies H,KelmM.Vascular effects of cocoa rich in flavan-3-ols. JAMA 2003;290:1030 –1.
4. Effect of cocoa and tea intake on blood pressure: ...[Arch Intern Med. 2007] - PubMed Result
5. Cocoa flavanol-enriched snack bars containing phytosterols effectively lower total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. PMID: 17081832
6. A soothing sip of focus. The latest on tea: it might quiet distracted minds. PMID: 17958197
7. Green tea and skin. PMID: 10926734
8. Skin photoprotection by green tea: antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. PMID: 12871030
9. The Effects of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate on Thermogenesis and Fat Oxidation in Obese Men: A Pilot Study, Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Vol. 26, No. 4, 389S-395S (2007)
10. Effect of green tea on blood glucose levels and serum proteomic patterns in diabetic (db/db) mice and on glucose metabolism in healthy humans, BMC Pharmacology 2004, 4:18
11. Wu LY, Juan CC, Hwang LS, Hsu YP, Ho PH, Ho LT. Green tea supplementation ameliorates insulin resistance and increases glucose transporter IV content in a fructose-fed rat model. Eur J Nutr. 2004 Apr;43(2):116-24. PMID:15083319.
12. Modulation of cholesterol metabolism by the green tea polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin gallate in cultured human liver (HepG2) cells. PMID: 16506810
13. Raederstorff DG, Schlachter MF, Elste V, Weber P. Effect of EGCG on lipid absorption and plasma lipid levels in rats. J Nutr Biochem. 2003 Jun;14(6):326-32.
14. Belguendouz L, Fremont L, Gozzelino MT. Interaction of transresveratrol with plasma lipoproteins. Biochemical Pharmacology 55:811-816, 1998.
15. Zou JG, et al. Effect of red wine and wine polyphenol resveratrol on endothelial function in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Int. J. Mol. Med. 2003;11:317-20.
16. Haider, U.G. et al. Resveratrol increases serine 15-phosphorylated but transcriptionally impaired p53 and induces a reversible DNA replication block in serum-activated vascular smooth muscle cells. Mol. Pharmacol. 200;363:925-32.

By: Kevin Agrawal

Tea Recipes 5

Rose Green Tea (For Relieving Stress)

 
Description
This tea looks, smells, and taste good. It is color in red and green with a strong floral aroma and a light sweet taste.

Ingredients

• 30 Rosebuds
• 2 teaspoon of Emerald Petals Green Tea
• 3 cups (850ml) of water

Instruction

1. Put 30 rosebuds and green tea in empty teapot.
2. Pour boiling water into teapot.
3. Allow tea to stand 2 - 3 minutes.
4. Pour tea into cup and allow to cool slightly before drinking.

Imperial Kuding Tea (For Reducing High Cholesterol & High Blood Pressure)
Description
In Chinese medicine this rare and expensive tea is known to be extremely effective for lowering cholesterol and lowering high blood pressure. Researcher found that people who drank this tea daily has a lower chance of getting a stroke or a heart attack.

Ingredients

• 1 stick of Imperial Kuding
• 1 ½ cups (430ml) of water

Instruction

1. Put 1 stick of Imperial Kuding in empty teapot.
2. Pour boiling water into teapot.
3. Allow tea to stand 2 minutes.
4. Pour tea into cup and allow to cool slightly before drinking.

Wild Bitter Tea (For Helping With Weight Loss)
Description
This is a rare and expensive tea grown in Zhejiang province. In Chinese medical journals the Wild Bitter Tea is known to lower cholesterols and help with weight loss.

Ingredients

• 3 teaspoon of Wild Bitter Tea
• 3 cups (850ml) of water

Instruction

1. Put tea into empty teapot.
2. Pour boiling water into teapot.
3. Allow tea to stand 2 - 3 minutes.
4. Pour tea into cup and allow to cool slightly before drinking.

Tea Recipes 4

Lei Cha Tea (For Flu)

Description
This very famous tea is used to treat flu or flu like symptoms. There is a story about this tea, which dates from the Three Kingdom period (A.D. 221-277). A famous general was with his army in a mountainous district when he and all of his soldiers fell ill with flu. The local people knew of a special tea to treat the illness, but the recipe was closely guarded secret. Nonetheless, the villagers decided that they have to try and help the army and gave them the tea to drink.

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoon of Dragon Well Green Tea
• 1 teaspoon of uncooked long grain white rice
• 3 slice of ginger
• 3 cups (850ml) of water

Instruction

1. Wash the rice and the ginger
2. Chop 3 slice of ginger.
3. Put tea, rice, and ginger into mortar with a little cold water.
4. Use a pestle to grind them into a fine paste (may use a food processor instead).
5. Put paste into teapot.
6. Pour boiling water into teapot.
7. Allow tea to stand for 2 - 3 minutes.
8. Pour tea into cup and allow to cool slightly before drinking.

Cold Chrysanthemum Tea (For Quenching Thirst & Mild Sunstroke)
Description
This is an ideal drink for hot summer parties. As well as helping to prevent sunstroke it is also an excellent thirst quencher.

Ingredients

• 60 - 80 White Chrysanthemum Flowers
• 3 teaspoon of Jasmine Yinhao Green Tea
• Rock sugar or honey
• 4 liters of water

Instruction

1. Wash the chrysanthemum.
2. Put chrysanthemum and tea into a cooking pot.
3. Pour in 4 liters of water and bring it to boiling.
4. Reduce heat and continue to cook for 20 minutes.
5. Put in rock sugar or honey.
6. Remove pot from the heat and allow to cool till room temperature.
7. Strain the tea and put into refrigerator.
8. Serve the tea when it is chill.

Tomato Tea (For Improving Appetite)
Description
In the summer when it is very hot it is all too easy to lose your appetite. This tea will perk up your appetite.

Ingredients

• ¼ of a tomato
• 2 teaspoon of Imperial Huangshan Maofeng Green Tea
• 1 pinch of sugar
• 3 cups (850ml) of water

Instruction

1. Wash and cut out a ¼ piece of tomato.
2. Put tomato and tea into a cooking pot.
3. Pour in 3 cups of water and bring it to boiling.
4. Put in sugar.
5. Pour tea into cup and allow to cool slightly before drinking.

Mung Bean Tea (For Diarrhea)
Description
Mung beans are small beans with green skins and yellow flesh. For this recipe buy pale yellow mung bean flour from Asian stores, or grind your own with a grinder.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon mung bean flour
• 1 teaspoon of Lichee Black Tea
• White sugar
• 3 cups (850ml) of water

Instruction

1. Put mung bean flour and tea into a cooking pot.
2. Pour in 3 cups of water and bring it to boiling.
3. Add white sugar and stir.
4. Pour tea into cup and allow to cool slightly before drinking.

Rice Vinegar Tea (For Bowel Pain)
Description
This is a very effective tea for relieving pain in the lower bowel.

Ingredients

• 3 - 4 teaspoon white rice vinegar
• 3 teaspoon of Dragon Well Green Tea
• 3 cups (850ml) of water

Instruction

1. Put green tea in empty teapot.
2. Pour boiling water on to tea leaves.
3. Add 3 - 4 teaspoon of white rice vinegar.
4. Allow tea to stand 2 - 3 minutes.
5. Pour tea into cup and allow to cool slightly before drinking.

Ginseng Tea (For Restoring Energy)
Description
This refreshing tea is great at restoring energy. To increase the effect of this you can add ginseng powder or ginseng mix.

Ingredients

• 3 rounded teaspoons of Ginseng Oolong Tea
• 3 cups (850ml) of water
• Ginseng powder (optional)

Instruction

1. Put Oolong tea and ginseng powder in empty teapot.
2. Pour boiling water on to tea leaves.
3. Allow tea to stand 2 - 3 minutes.
4. Pour tea into cup and allow to cool slightly before drinking.

Tea Recipes 3

Ginger & Onion Tea (For Common Cold)

Description
This great tasting tea is for your common cold.

Ingredients

• 5 slice of ginger
• 2 small spring onion
• 2 teaspoon of Dragon Well Green Tea
• 3 cups (850ml) of water
• 1 pinch of salt

Instruction

1. Wash and cut 5 slice of ginger.
2. Wash and cut 2 small piece of spring onion.
3. Put ginger, onion, salt, and green tea into teapot.
4. Pour boiling water into teapot.
5. Allow tea to stand for 3 to 4 minutes.
6. Pour tea into cup and allow to cool slightly before drinking.

Sweet Ginger Tea (For Cold & Feverish Headache)
Description
This tea only helps with cold and feverish headaches, it also stimulate the heart and improves the circulatory system

Ingredients

• 3 teaspoon of Ginger Honey Concentrate
• 2 teaspoon of Chun Mee Green Tea
• 3 cups (850ml) of water

Instruction

1. Put 3 teaspoon of Jujube Honey Concentrate and 1 teaspoon of green tea into teapot.
2. Pour boiling water into teapot and stir.
3. Allow tea to stand for 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Pour tea into cup and allow to cool slightly before drinking.

White Radish Tea (For Coughs)
Description
White radishes are often called daikon in supermarkets. Use a fresh white radish for this tea. The flavor is quite strong so you will only need to use a small piece.

Ingredients

• 1 inch long piece of white radish
• 2 teaspoon of Hairy Crab Oolong Tea
• 1 pinch of salt
• 3 cups (850ml) of water

Instruction

1. Cut and peel a 1 inch piece of radish and discard the skin.
2. Put radish, salt, and tea into teapot.
3. Pour boiling water into teapot.
4. Allow tea to stand for 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Pour tea into cup and allow to cool slightly before drinking.

Licorice Tea (For Itchy Throat But No Cough)
Description
Chinese licorice (Glycyrrhiza Uralensis) taste good and benefits all the body organs. It is particularly soothing for the lungs and throat.

Ingredients

• 6 - 7 pieces of dried licorice root
• 3 teaspoon of Ginseng Oolong Tea
• 3 cups (850ml) of water

Instruction

1. Put licorice and tea into teapot.
2. Pour boiling water into teapot.
3. Allow tea to stand for 5 minutes.
4. Pour tea into cup and allow to cool slightly before drinking.

Honey & Lemon Tea (For Dry Sore Throat)
Description
This is one of the most delicious tea. Lemon and honey is very good for treating the throat. This tea can also be served cold with ice.

Ingredients

• Half a lemon
• 2 teaspoon of Keemun Black Tea
• Citron Honey Concentrate
• 3 cups (850ml) of water

Instruction

1. Wash and cut half of lemon.
2. Crush and put lemon into teapot.
3. Add black tea and honey into teapot.
4. Pour boiling water into teapot.
5. Allow tea to stand for 2 - 3 minutes.
6. Pour tea into cup and allow to cool slightly before drinking.