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Did you know that aside from water, tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world? And it's no wonder: nothing warms the body and spirit like a fragrant, steaming cup of your favorite blend, sipped slowly of course.
The custom of afternoon tea  a small snack typically taken between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. is said to have begun in England in the 1840s, and many countries around the world have ceremonies and traditions that include a tea-like beverage.
But tea has a greater role to play than a simply as a social or ceremonial device. The use of tea for various ailments dates back thousands of years when it was first discovered in China, and today research supports these health-giving claims. Herbal teas can provide aid for a variety of common conditions such as anxiety (lavender) and depression (oat straw), but it also has shown effectiveness in serious situations from Alzheimer's (rosemary) to bone fractures (comfrey). If you're skeptical about how something so commonplace can carry such power, bear in mind that certain teas can be contraindicated in certain situations. That means, as an example, that if you're pregnant you should avoid fenugreek (it may stimulate the uterus).
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A Rainbow of Tea
When you say "tea," most people think of one the 3000 varieties produced by processing the tea bush (Camellia Sinensis) plant. The differences between teas come from processing methods, geography and growing conditions. Preparing tea properly is easy, but for best results follow the directions for the type of tea you're making.
Black tea characteristically is dark brown and black in color and usually has a strong flavor. Black tea will often contain a higher caffeine content compared to other teas. It generally should be made with water at a full, rolling boil of 212 degrees. Black teas steep 4-6 minutes (except Darjeelings, which steep less time).
Oolong tea is typically not as robust as blacks or as subtle as greens in flavor, but has its own extremely fragrant and intriguing tones. It is also midway between black and green in terms of caffeine. Oolong tea should be made with water a little bit below boiling, around 195 degrees. Many oolongs are perfect at 3-4 minutes, some need 6-8 minutes of steep time.
Green tea tends to have less caffeine than black and oolong teas. Green teas also have a more subtle flavor. Green teas should be made with slightly cooler water, between 160 and 180 degrees and should typically be steeped for 2-3 minutes.
White teas are the most delicate of the tea bush teas. Their flavor is subtle and produces a low amount of caffeine. White teas should be made with water ranging from 150 to 160 degrees and typically should be steeped around 2 minutes, although some can go longer.
Herbal tea is not made from the leaves of the tea shrub. Herbal teas can be made with fresh or dried flowers, leaves, seeds or roots. Herbal teas are caffeine free and are rich in vitamins and minerals. Herbal teas typically should be steeped a minimum of 4-6 minutes, and some for up to 10 minutes or even longer.
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Healing Herbal Teas
As we enter peak cold and flu season, here are a few herbal tea remedies that you can make at home. Choose organic herbs that are free from pesticides and other toxins.
 Feverfew - This herb is aptly named as it can help reduce fever; just add a couple small leaves into your tea and sip while you rest.
Ginger - Ginger is powerfully medicinal and can work wonders on lots of ailments, including nausea and inflammation. To make a tea, peel it and grate at least 1" of ginger for infusion in your water.
Parsley - If you find yourself retaining fluids, try a parsley tea. Parsley is a natural diuretic and is also very mineral rich.
Peppermint - Have digestive problems? Use 4 or 5 peppermint leaves per cup of tea.
Thyme - Got a cold with lots of congestion? Sip on a tea made of thyme. Just pull a few leaves off and infuse your water. Toss in some grated fresh ginger if you also have a sore throat.
Valerian - If sleep is eluding you, try making a tea out of valerian leaves before bed.
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Tip Top Tea Tips
- Since brewed tea is 99% water, start with fresh, cold water that is free of chlorine and chemicals.
- There are four things that can harm tea: air, light, moisture and excessive heat. Store your tea in an airtight, lightproof container away from temperature extremes. Label your containers and use your tea within a year.
- Give some nettle tea to your plants to stimulate growth and help them resist pests
- Turn your tub into a giant teacup a catnip herb bath will help induce sleep!
- The best herbs for iced teas include: black leaf tea, hibiscus flower, lemon balm herb, peppermint, raspberry and spearmint leaf.
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Please remember that your health is your own responsibility. Nothing contained here is to be construed as medical advice. The information here is not meant to replace the guidance offered by your health practitioner.
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Sheree Clark is a holistic health and nutrition counselor. Through her private practice called Fork in the Road, Sheree helps empower individuals, families and corporate groups to get the most out of life by improving their health. She offers lectures, classes, hands-on workshops, coaching and consultations in Iowa and nationwide. She is a graduate of Living Light Culinary Institute and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. An inspiring author, presenter, teacher, motivator and raw vegan chef, Sheree has written and presented on topics ranging from raw food 101 to overcoming career burnout.
