There are hundreds of different kinds of tea, from black tea, green tea, to blends of different herbs and flowers, infused into a wonderful warm, soothing cup of tea. There are different blends of teas that each benefit something different in our bodies. From calming, relaxing tea, stomach soother, colon cleanser, healthy skin, uplifting energizing, healthy pregnancy, hormone balance, healthy hair, headaches, and many more.

I went and had a tea party today with my friend Bjorn’s girlfriend, Lexy. We tried to dress up a bit, unfortunately we didn’t have any white gloves so we put flowers in our hair. The whole time we talked in english accents. It was hilarious. Our conversation for 2 hours basically was us making up stories and adventures that “we did”. One story was going to greece and how everyone had sewing machines everywhere, they were in taxi’s, in restaurants and everyone was sewing. Another one was visiting Northern Antarctica and riding a whale out into the ocean and holding Abraham lincoln while he died. And another story was visiting Nevada and finding a magical forest with the tallest trees in the world, deepest holes in the ground, and greenest grass. Collecting the bark and grass, and throwing it into this magical hole, creating magic mushrooms. We told these stories in our english accents, trying not to crack up and spit our tea out. I think we visited every country and had very exautic adventures to tell each other of our travels. At one point, Lexy asked me what happens when I eat gluten, I told her I turn into a man (completely serious faced and in an english accent) I almost spit out my tea. We both couldn’t stop laughing.

At the little tea shop, we both got a different kind of Chai tea. I got Caramel Creme Brulee Chai tea. My goodness was it good! Lexy got Lavender Rose Vanilla Chai tea, that was amazingly delicious.

Alright, enough with the silly story. Now onto tea benefits.

Studies have found that some teas may help with cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, encourage weight loss, lower cholesterol and bring about mental alertness. Tea also appears to have antimicrobial qualities. There are so many different kinds of tea that benefit us in many different ways. So I’ll list a few teas and their benefits.

• Black tea: Made with fermented tea leaves, black tea has the highest caffeine content and forms the basis for flavored teas like chai, along with some instant teas. Studies have shown that black tea may protect lungs from damage caused by exposure to cigarette smoke. It also may reduce the risk of stroke.
• White tea: Uncured and unfermented. One study showed that white tea has the most potent anticancer properties compared to more processed teas.
• Oolong tea: found to have lowered bad cholesterol levels. One variety of oolong, Wuyi, is heavily marketed as a weight loss supplement.
• Chamomile tea: Helps with sleep, relaxing, easing tension, helps fight colds, soothes the stomach, and helps ease menstrual cramps. Chamomile is a soothing flower.
• Peppermint tea: Known to be a muscle relaxant and helps ease tension. Drinking peppermint tea before bed can make your dreams more vivid. It’s known as a natural decongestant to help with sinus relief. It can act as an appetite suppressant. Peppermint tea can boost estrogen levels and help clear up your skin. It’s also good to soothe your stomach and help with bloating.
• Licorice tea: has anti-inflammatory properties that may ease the pain of arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. It helps protect the stomach lining, helps the liver neutralize toxins and can be beneficial in treating liver disorders such as hepatitis. It is reported to significantly ease pre-menstrual tension (PMS). It is used to treat low blood pressure. And may help prevent heart disease.

Those are just a few teas and their benefits, but as you can see, tea is very beneficial for us. It’s always important to buy your teas organic, they can be sprayed with pesticides. I always drink a cup of tea in the morning and a cup of tea at night to end my day. Tea is very soothing, and knowing it has so many health benefits should make you want to drink it more!

So go pour yourself a cup of tea, have a tea party, stick your pinky out and talk in an english accent…

A girl who loves tea, being english and having a new friend,

Emma