THE PERFECT CUP

Did you know that tea is one of the most consumed beverages in the world, second only to water?  Here's what you may not know about brewing the perfect cup and how it can help with your everyday health & wellbeing.

Is green tea good for anxiety?
Green tea can help soothe anxiety thanks to the presence of l-theanine, which can increase feelings of calm and relaxation. Green tea does contain caffeine, so you should enjoy it in moderation if you’re feeling stressed. (Teaology's Egyptian Camomile Herbal Infusion)

Does chamomile tea help with anxiety?
Chamomile tea is a good way to help soothe symptoms of anxiety. Chamomile has been shown to have a positive effect on feelings of anxiety and low self-esteem. (Contained in Teaology's Time Out Tea)

Can Herbal Tea Reduce stress?
Drinking a cup of herbal tea each day may help protect your health in the long term and reduce stress levels. Research shows that some herbal teas — in particular, Melissa officinalis, or lemon balm extract (contained in Teaology's Time Out Tea) — can lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in the body.27/07/2021

What Is Tisane?
Also known as herbal teas, tisanes (pronounced ti-zahn) are not actually teas at all (i.e., they do not come from the Camelia Sinensis plant). Instead they are infusions made from leaves, bark, roots, berries, seeds, and spices. Common tisanes include mint, chamomile, verbena, and rooibos.
(Both Teaology and Better Tea Co products)

Tea vs. Tisane: Caffeine
Another big difference between tea and tisane is caffeine. All teas have caffeine. The amount varies from a low of 35 milligrams per eight-ounce cup for green tea to a high of 90 milligrams for black. Herbal infusions, on the other hand, are caffeine-free, making them ideal for post-supper sipping.

Brewing the Perfect Cup
Various tea types come with their own requirements for steeping. “White and green teas are best with cooler water and shorter steeping times,” If you don’t like green tea, you may be burning or over-steeping the delicate leaves. (which I used to do) It should taste sweet and vegetal — not bitter. Black tea, on the other hand, can handle a hotter temperature and slightly longer steeping time.
Still, the average brewing time for tea is relatively short, but that’s not the case with tisanes. “While the perfect cup of tea might take two or three minutes to steep, an herbal infusion or tisane will take anywhere from four to 15 minutes,” explains Kristi Grotsch, a tea sommelier-in-training with the Shangri-La Toronto. “It takes time for the flavors to develop,” she says.
Another secret to a perfect tisane is using boiling water — and keeping your cup or teapot covered while it’s steeping. This will both preserve the heat and prevent those wonderful aromas from escaping.

Adapted from Thekitchn.com

Additional ingredients in herbal infusions promoting health benefits are Peppermint & Spearmint, Rose Petals and Rosehips, Elderberry, Sage, Oat Straw, Red Raspberry Leaf, Alfalfa. (most of all are contained in the ranges I have online from Better Tea Co and Teaology.

Alternative brewing suggestions from Tamarin, creator of Better Tea Co.
Try it Iced: Brew straight and pour over ice, add local honey to taste.

Most herbal teas have little to no negative side effects, but it’s always wise to consult with your trusted health practitioner if you’re using the herb to target a specific health complaint.