Teatime All Day

As the weather gets colder, it's appealing to reach for warmer drinks throughout the day. Tea is an amazing option with a plethora of benefits.

Originating around 2750 BCE in China, the tea plant was found to contain a variety of medicinal properties.The legend goes that an Emperor by the name of Shen Nung was sitting under a wild tea tree and boiling drinking water. A breeze shook some leaves loose, and they fell into his water. After enjoying the flavor, he experimented further and discovered some of the medicinal properties in addition to the pleasing flavors. From here, he urged the Chinese people to produce tea to benefit the entire nation. He became the Legendary Father of Tea. 

Tea has come a long way since then. You can stop in any grocery store and find a wide variety of teas claiming different benefits. We’ve created a short list of teas to drink to best cultivate the energy you’re looking for throughout the day.

Energizing Morning- Green Tea

Green tea has some caffeine in it to rev your morning into motion, without the jitters. It packs a punch and contains other health benefits as well. Recent studies have shown that green tea:

• Helps our bodies fight against cancer
• Helps with nutrient absorption 
• Lowers the risk of heart disease 
• Boosts our bodies’ metabolism
• Balances cholesterol 
• Provides protection against neurodegenerative diseases

Creativity Fueling- Ginger Tea

Ginger tea is excellent for increasing circulation which will help relax your muscles and stimulate your brain. With working memory and cognitive speed enhanced, the brain can have more creative energy. 

Mood Boosting- Turmeric Tea

Turmeric contains curcumin, which is one of nature’s most powerful antioxidant/anti-inflammatory compounds. Long term, turmeric has been shown to increase levels of serotonin and dopamine, improving our mood overall.

Destress After Work- Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea has been called the Queen of Calm. It contains a flavonoid called apigenin that has been shown to reverse stress and have antidepressant effects. The tea can also help your muscles physically relax, reducing  physical and mental tension throughout the body.

Recovering Post Workout- Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea is a red tea that originated in South Africa. It contains a plethora of minerals including magnesium, calcium, copper, manganese, and potassium. These minerals can help post workout by providing bone and joint support, boosting circulation, and minimizing inflammation. All of these benefits will aid in a quicker recovery. 

“I say let the world go to hell, but I should always have my tea” – Fyodor Dostoesvsky, Notes from the Underground

Tea may not solve all of our problems but it can enhance the way that we feel and approach our day. Choosing a beverage that nurtures your day-to-day activities is a mindful and compassionate action. Bringing this nurturance helps us intentionally connect to ourselves, which gives us the capacity to radiate nurturance outwards. . We invite you to  bring tea into your daily life  as a simple habit of mindfulness and compassion.