Here are some the characteristics and the healing benefits of tea of the major tea families:

Black Tea
This tea is more oxidized than other teas, which gives it a darker color, and a stronger flavor profile.
Health Benefits of Black Tea:

• Aids the digestive system;
• Anti-inflammatory effects on the body;
• Protects the skin;
• Burns calories.

Green Tea
This tea has not been processed as much as other forms, and so it has a gentler color and flavor profile.
Health Benefits of Green Tea:

• Protects against cancer;
• Maintains heart health;
• Improves brain function and health;
• Kills bacteria;
• Increases fat burning.

White Tea
This tea is not oxidized or rolled, and this creates a mild flavor profile.
Health Benefits of White Tea:

• supports mental health;
• fights bacteria.

Herbal Tea
There are so many options in this category and the one that has the most healing properties. Herbal tea is comprised of the dried properties of petals, leaves, seeds, roots, stems, and petals of a multitude of plants and flowers. The health and healing benefits differ between the herbal tea chosen but some of them include:

• Aids in digestion;
• Immune boosting;
• Relieves anxiety and stress;
• Promotes sleep, calm and relaxation;
• Lowers blood pressure;
• Provides anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties;
• Balances blood sugar;
• Detoxifies the liver;
• and the list goes on and on and on and on!

With all of the wonderful healing benefits of tea, choosing a tea for your specific needs is a great way to discover what is out there, because with over 1500 varieties, finding one that fits your ideal flavor profile can be a little overwhelming.

Here are a few common symptoms that many of us experience, and a tea blend that can help:

NB: Everything I refer to is dried.

Tummy De-Bloating Blend

• 4 parts lemongrass
• 1 part chopped ginger root
• 1 part chopped lemon peel

Stress Blend

• 3 part chamomile
• 2 part lavender
• 1 part lemon balm
• 1 part passionflower

Fatigue Blend

• 5 part mint
• 3 part nettles
• 1 part ginseng
• 1 part licorice root

Exhaustion Blend

• 5 part chamomile
• 2 part nettles
• 2 part licorice root
• 1 part lavender
• 1 part ashwagandha root
• 1 clove

Detox Blend

This tea is a gentle liver detox tea that nourishes your cells and triggers a natural cleansing process in your body. I have a great recipe but I think it might require a stand alone blog! For the time being, here are a couple of my favorite purchasable versions:

1. Traditional Medicinals
2. Republic of Tea
3. Yogi Tea

How to Drink Your Tea

1. Bring a kettle of water to a boil
2. Add 2-3 tablespoons of tea to an infuser or tea bag and add to your water
3. Cover and steep for 5-7 minutes
4. Uncover and remove the bag or infuser.
5. Enjoy your tea!