Published : 02/20/2021
Categories : Let yourself be Inspired
Did you know that tea is the second most consumed drink in the world? (The first is water). When we ingest tea/infusion, we are not only hydrating ourselves and taking advantage of the specific benefits of each plant, but also enjoying a very pleasant flavor.
In this article, we will show you the types of tea, as well as some infusions and the benefits that each one brings to our health.
First of all, do you have doubts about the difference between tea and infusion? Take a look at the article, entirely dedicated to this topic, available on our blog.
Teas
There are only 4 types of tea - black, green, oolong and white - and they all contain caffeine (which makes them have an energetic effect) and antioxidants. All known tea variants result from these 4 types and the addition of other “herbs” (ex: lemon tea). To obtain the best flavor from the leaves of the tea plant, it is recommended that they go through the drying process and only then be used.
Black: Did you know that a cup of black tea has half the caffeine of a cup of coffee? To produce this tea, the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant are dried and rolled, which activates its oxidation. The fact that this drink is oxidized, characteristically makes it have a strong flavor and body.
Benefits: prevents cardiovascular and circulation problems; controls cholesterol and diabetes; helps digestion; helps you lose weight by reducing appetite; ...
White: This tea has a very low level of processing, compared to the others. The leaves go through partial vaporization and are dried in the open air with natural light. White tea has a naturally sweet and delicate flavor and contains low caffeine.
Benefits: detox; improves the functioning of the body; anti-inflammatory; combats high cholesterol and fluid retention; helps prevent cancer (especially of the prostate and stomach); controls blood pressure; relieves stress, ...
Green: Regarding green tea, the leaves Camellia sinensis are collected, dried and thermally treated to avoid oxidation. The vegetal and earthy flavor is what characterizes this tea.
Benefits: helps weight loss; slows down skin aging; regulates cholesterol levels; helps to combat viruses/bacteria and prevent fluid retention; promotes emotional stability; anticancer effect; ...
Oolong: The fact that this tea is harvested at a more mature stage of the plant and its leaves are squashed, makes it semi-oxidized. Its flavor is always intense but, depending on the planting location and several variants available, it can go from light and fragrant to dark and with body.
Benefits: helps to overcome colds and flu; facilitates digestion; helps in the treatment of dermatitis; slows down skin aging; promotes cardiovascular health, ...
Infusions
There is a multitude of plants that can be used for infusions. Thus, we will show you only the most common ones. Unlike teas, infusions do not contain caffeine and can be prepared using either fresh or dried leaves/ herbs. However, if the consumption of fresh leaves/herbs is not done in the short term, it is recommended to dry them, for better storage and conservation of their properties.
Chamomile: It comes from Matricaria Chamomilla, a plant from the same family as sunflowers and daisies, and is rich in floral, intense and sweet flavors.
Benefits: natural relaxant; helps with digestion and diabetes control; strengthens the immune system; contributes to the reduction of abdominal swelling, helps to relieve headache; ...
Lemon balm: Also known as Melissa, this herb comes from Melissa officinalis, a plant from the same family as mint and Mentha, with a characteristic fruity flavor, similar to lemon.
Benefits: antioxidant action; combats stress, anxiety and insomnia; controls fever, diarrhea and headache; helps with gastro-intestinal problems, ...
Linden: Made with leaves and flowers from a big tree - Tilia – which has several existing species (ex: Tilia cordata). This infusion has a floral and sweet flavor.
Benefits: relieves breathing difficulties; natural anti-flu also helps to eliminate fever; calms the stomach and helps digestion; eliminates fluid retention; helps fight heart problems, hypertension and circulation; ...
Lemon verbena: Also known as Herb Louisa, these leaves and flowers are extracted from Aloysia citriodora, a plant rich in essential oils and characterized by its strong lemon odor and sweet taste.
Benefits: helps digestion; stimulates appetite; relieves gastrointestinal and menstrual cramps; helps in the treatment of urinary infections; natural relaxing; helps to heal colds and migraines, ...
Valerian: In this case are used the roots of the plant Valeriana officinalis. Although the smell and taste are not inviting, this infusion is very effective, in cases of anxiety, stress or similar pathologies.
Benefits: natural calming; induces sleep and fights insomnia; helps to relax in situations of more irritability and stress; relieves menstrual cramps; promotes cardiovascular health; ...
Peppermint: These are the leaves of a hybrid mint (crossing between Mentha aquatica and Mentha spicata) that give the fresh and spicy smell and flavor, characteristic of mint, to this infusion.
Benefits: relieves intestinal gases, nausea and vomiting; facilitates digestion and decreases heartburn; helps to fight allergy symptoms; strengthens immunity; ...
Ginger: Like valerian, the ginger infusion is made from the root of a plant, called Zingiber officinale. The flavor of this root is characteristically intense and spicy.
Benefits: promotes weight loss by accelerating the metabolism; natural anti-inflammatory; fights sickness; relieves breathing problems; strengthens the immune system, prevents cardiovascular problems, ...
Red Fruits: this infusion can contain strawberry, cherry, redcurrant, raspberry, blackberry, blueberry and cranberry. Thus, has characteristic black or red tones. Its flavor is predictably fruity, sweet and intense.
Benefits: it has antioxidant properties; helps fight flu, colds and urinary infections; promotes weight loss; helps fight cancer; prevents the incidence of heart problems; ...
Anise: also known as star anise, it comes from the fruit with the sweet taste of Ilicium verumuma, a species of an Asian tree.
Benefits: promotes weight loss; eliminates toxins from the body; relieves cough; helps fight fungal and bacterial infections; strengthens the immune system; ...
Cherry stem: this infusion is made from previously dried cherry stems.
Benefits: helps in the treatment of urinary infections; it is dietary and draining; eliminates toxins; improves cardiovascular health; relieves muscle pains; ...
In addition to teas and infusions of individual plants, it is also very common to have a mixture between them and thus, not only acquire more benefits but also combine flavors (ex: ginger and lemon infusion).
It is important to mention that this article is only informative and, for this reason, it is always advisable to consult your doctor, before introducing a tea/infusion into your daily routine to help treat any pathology.
Enhance your health in a natural way, while enjoying and discovering incredible new flavors.
Warm Your Heart!