Common Chinese Herbal Teas

Chinese herbal teas are also called Tisanes and are not, technically speaking, actually teas. Rather, they are infusions made from herbs instead of tea that is made from the Camelia Sinensis plant. The essence of the herb is extracted when the tea is steeped in hot water.



Chinese herbal teas are traditionally used for their healing, medicinal properties. Many varieties are also enjoyed simply for their taste, however. China is known for producing an entire pharmacy of herbs, making the herbal teas from there increasingly popular today.



The Beneficial Properties of Chinese Herbal Teas



The caffeine-free alternative represented by herbal teas is one of the well-known benefits Chinese herbal tea offers. Additionally, many of them are attributed with very soothing and comforting effects. Rosebud and Chrysanthemum herbal teas are two of the more popular examples of them.



Rosebud and Chrysanthemum teas are considered in China to be a woman's herb. They are, however, also useful for aiding digestion. Even a hard-core tea drinker is sure to enjoy the fresh floral flavor of these miniature rosebuds. Chrysanthemum tea has long been used to cool the body and reduce fever and has a particularly unique flavor.



Due to the lack of caffeine, Chinese herbal teas are great beverages to have when caffeine would be avoided, such as at night before bed.



The Fantastic Flower Herbal Teas



Among the many varieties of Chinese herbal teas are the wildly popular flower teas. These teas are, like all herbal teas, caffeine-free alternatives and offer various benefits. Most offer a palate of flavors while being calming and soothing.



The following are among the more famous of the flower herbal teas (alphabetically):



* Carnation Flower Tea--The tea brewed from this is attractive red flower is said to help restore the energy of the body. It is also widely used for relaxing.



* Chrysanthemum Herbal Tea--This tea has a subtle sweetness and is regarded as highly refreshing. Among the popular cooling infusions this is a premier choice.



* Forget Me Not Flower Tea--This brews a mild and grassy flavored tisane. Said to aid the lungs, it is also caffeine-free. It is widely known for its beautiful purple flowers.



* Gongju Herbal Tea--The Gongju flower is known for its soothing and relaxing attributes and brews a smooth tasting herbal tea.



* Jasmine Bud Flower Tea--This Chinese herbal tea, according to some experts, is comprised solely of the small and beautiful Jasmine flowers that have not yet opened. The tea produced sweet and caffeine-free.



* Kuding Pearl Tea--The leaves for this variety are rolled into large pearls, which is one of the sources of its nickname, "one leaf tea" due to the size of the leaves. The other reason it is called "one leaf" is because of the belief that only one leaf of this tea is needed to heal a number of things. Many people consider this tea to be a bitter tea, but nearly everyone agrees that this ancient leaf brews an interesting herbal tea.



* Yunnan Flower Bud Tea--This Chinese herbal tea grows, as implied by the name, in the old forests of Yunnan. This rare flower is primarily a local Yunnan drink and is caffeine free.



* Wild New York Ginseng--For those who appreciate the wild growing conditions in which the roots ripen this is another well-known Chinese herbal tea. It is said that each root develops a unique appearance and personality because of the rugged wild conditions. Size and age can vary greatly, with some of these wild roots being very small and very old while some larger roots are much younger. These herbal roots live for seven years or more.

Combating Cancer With A Cup Of Tea

Generations of families in India and Asia have been turning to tea to cure what ails them. Back in the year 1191, a Zen priest penned a work entitled the Book of Tea, which told how green tea could benefit at least five vital organs, including the heart. At that time, green tea was thought to improve urinary and brain function, combat beriberi disease, and alleviate indigestion. In other words, green tea was considered to be a multi-purpose elixir, able to treat a wide variety of health problems.



But this ancient remedy has now found a place in modern scientific literature, thanks to a new wave of studies on the medicinal properties of green tea. While studies on human subjects have been inconclusive, initial evidence from the laboratory looks incredibly promising.



While green tea can be beneficial in attacking everything from high cholesterol to depression, it has perhaps gotten the most attention for its impact on cancer. In order to understand the significance of this, it is first necessary to have some knowledge of the disease of cancer itself.



Cancer: A Disease of the Genes



When cancer occurs, cells divide uncontrollably, meaning that the genes controlling cell growth have been damaged in some way. In fact, a gene has to mutate a number of times before a typical cell will change into a cancer cell.



Antioxidants are important because they can stop the enzyme activities that give rise to cancer. In essence, they repair DNA problems which have been caused by oxidants, or free radicals.



Green Tea—A Natural Antioxidant



Green tea has been considered a godsend for good health because it contains antioxidants known as catechins. These substances have been called impressive inhibitors of cancer growth. Here’s how they do it: lab tests show that they combat oxidants prior to cell injuries, stop the growth of tumor cells, and reduce the occurrence of tumors.



For instance, mice tumors were found to shrink when the lab animals ingested green tea. This phenomenon occurred whether the cancer affected the liver, the skin, or the stomach.



Green Tea and Cancer Prevention



In an article which appeared in the Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, authors Santosh Katiyar and Hasan Mukhtar noted that the special properties found in tea can help prevent cancer, according to the experimental data available. This is significant, considering the wide availability of tea. As the authors recognize, tea is grown in about 30 different countries and it’s considered to be the most popular beverage worldwide.



Most scientific studies using tea have focused on the therapeutic effects of green tea. In these lab tests, the green tea is fed to mice as an extract in water or in a purified form. Green tea has even been found to have some positive medicinal effect before birth in the womb.



A Variety of Uses



Interestingly enough, medical research shows that the benefits of green tea are not limited to combating only one type of cancer. In fact, consuming green tea may help prevent the development of cancers of the stomach, lungs, esophagus, pancreas, liver, breast, and colon.



Still, even researchers admit that the reasons behind green tea’s broad therapeutic effects are not clear. A number of theories have been put forward—theories which require further investigation.



The Effects of Tea Drinking on Human Beings



Much of what we know about green tea’s effects comes from animal studies. While some research indicates that tea drinkers are less prone to cancer, other studies offer a conflicting view. This may be because there are a number of environmental factors which can contribute to the development of cancer, including diet, carcinogens in one’s living space, and the like.



Still, in China, where green tea is particularly popular, research results are encouraging. A study of more than 18,000 Chinese men found that tea drinkers were far less likely to experience stomach cancer than non-tea drinkers. Yet, a Netherlands study involving tens of thousands of men and women indicated there was no link between drinking tea and cancer prevention.



The Continuing Medical Debate



The debate over the health benefits of green tea continues at the highest levels of government and academia. For instance, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration asserts that green tea does not reduce the risk of breast, prostate, or any other type of cancer. The FDA also states that green tea does not reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.



However, a study published in the fall of 2006 in the Journal of the American Medical Association directly contradicts the FDA’s contentions. That study indicated that drinking three or more cups of green tea could reduce the risk of death from heart disease.





Future Research Possibilities



Yet, there is a continued push toward additional research of the green tea phenomenon. For instance, the National Cancer Institute is especially interested in exploring the ability of green tea to prevent skin cancer. Researchers are examining the effects of both green tea in pill form and green tea creams applied directly to the skin.

Coffee Or Tea – Which One Will It Be?

For a coffee lover like me….I sometimes like a good cup of tea.



In this busy world there is nothing finer than taking time out from a busy schedule to enjoy a quiet cuppa by ones self. Sitting back with a steaming espresso in hand is like entering an oasis of sanity in the middle of a hectic day.



But then again I do relish sharing a brew with one or more friends whether it is when they come to visit me at home, or if we all meet up at a coffee house.



Coffee and tea are an indispensable social tradition the world over. I know I am grossly insulted if someone comes to my house and turns down my offer of a cup of the good brew



However, if it is summer and the temperature is running a little high many people prefer iced coffee or tea to cool them down rather than to warm them up. Now days, there are also some really enticing gourmet blends on the market which include a variety of fruit or nut flavors that add something special to any occasion.



Both coffee and tea are stimulants which contain caffeine. However if you are looking to wind down instead of be up-lifted, you can opt for decaffeinated coffee where the beans undergo a process to have the caffeine content removed. The only draw back is the decaffeination process tends to take some of the flavor with it, so it is best to buy a premium grade of coffee when you want the “no kick” or light variety.



Some people can’t drink coffee or tea at all because it affects their blood pressure. More commonly people won’t touch coffee because it interferes with their sleep patterns. Naturally enough if you do have trouble sleeping then it would be best not to have a full strength brew just before you go to bed. Maybe an herbal tea would be a better choice.



Alternately, you may like to switch to a caffeine-free version of your favorite brew at bed time. Of course if you want a bit more buck, then you can always try one of those flavored stirrers that are becoming more and more popular and readily available in supermarkets everywhere these days.



Coffee and tea are the caffeine twins (although coffee is the one with all the hitting power); however it is quite ironic that both are associated with comfort and relaxation when really the opposite is in fact the case. If you are really looking to wind down beer or wine are probably better depressants.



We all have our different daily rituals when it comes to drinking coffee or tea.



First thing in the morning I prefer the jolt of a good espresso. The aroma is as stimulating as the coffee itself. It might seem strange but at lunch time I enjoy a cup of tea, something like English breakfast tea does it for me at this time of the day.



Lately with the arrival of warmer weather I have taken to drinking Chai tea. The spicy taste is quite refreshing and I like it either black or with a dash of milk. By the close of day I really like to finish off with a top quality gourmet blend coffee and possibly a glass of port or a small brandy on the side.

Coffee Or Tea Time Is All About "Me Time"

Nothing says “me time” better than a cup of coffee or tea? A hot, piping cup or mug of the favorite hot beverage alone or with a special friend can seem like an oasis of sanity in the midst of a hectic day. Hot or cold, with some favorite fruit or nut flavors added, can make for a very special time. Both coffee & tea come with caffeine as optional. If you find that caffeine disturbs your sleep or raises your blood pressure, you can opt for the caffeine free version. If, caffeine is not a problem then go for it! Since both coffee & tea contain caffeine naturally, they must undergo a process to remove it. The decaffeination process whether for beans or leaves, takes some of the flavor out of it, so plan to purchase a better grade of coffee when you want the caffeine out.



There is some humor when people link caffeine products with relaxation and comfort, while at the same time, look upon alcohol as a party drink. When in reality, alcohol is a depressant. You can always spice up your coffee & tea with some flavoring. Just check out your local supermarkets. There are a huge variety of flavorings for your coffee & tea. A scented pot of coffee is the norm at breakfast time. The aroma is as exhilarating as the coffee itself. Tea makes a nice break in the afternoon, accompanied by a light sandwich.



Coffee & tea are sometimes split up by gender as well as time of day. Coffee is the man’s drink, served with a newspaper while a flowered porcelain pot of tea is the picture of milady’s genteel tastes. In reality, men all over the world prefer strong mugs of tea and there’s no shortage of women who gather for a ladies afternoon with coffee.



Hot or cold, man or woman, flavored or plain, caffeinated or not, coffee & tea are possibly the best part of the day.

Coffee Benefits - Is Coffee Better Than Tea?

Would you like to have tea or coffee? Just what are the specific coffee benefits? You must have heard this offer of choice a thousand times. Be it guests at your house or while visiting someone or from the airhostess in the flight. The general idea in many countries continues to be that tea and coffee are two beverages which have equal importance. However, this is not 100% true. There is a huge divided lobby on this opinion. Many people opine that tea is definitely more popular than coffee as it has medicinal properties and is good for health. Coffee on the other hand is more popular in the workplace. The debate continues on which is more popular.

There are however, some distinct pros and cons of both beverages. Let’s talk about the benefit of tea. As we all know tea was discovered by the Chinese and scientific research has proven than it has very good medicinal properties which can help fight fatigue. Tea is more popular in Asia and Europe where tea drinking is considered to be a proper social function.

Coffee on the other hand gives an instant ’fix’ and helps people be alert and ward off sleepiness when at work thanks to the caffeine content in the drink. The health conscience coffee drinker tends to opt for decaffeinated coffee and thus gets the flavour without the caffeine. Coffee is very popular in the United States and is also an international drink which is appreciated the world over. These are the coffee benefits present in every cup!

It is very difficult to determine which beverage garners more votes with a global audience since each drink has its own fiercely loyal fan following.

Cleansing Liver Herbal Teas Recharge Your Body

When spring comes it is time for a liver cleanse. This is a good time to rejuvenate the liver for the coming year of work. One good way to cleanse the liver is to use herbal teas. They are easy to use and they provide a powerful punch to reawaken the liver. Here is a herbal formulation for the liver provided by Brigitte Mars (herbalist in Colorado) called "Puri-Tea" which consist of: Peppermint, red clover, fennel, licorice· cleavers, dandelion, oregon grape root, burdock root· butternut bark, chickweed, parsley root, nettles. Another liver herbal tea is: Fennel Seed (1 part), Fenugreek (1 part)· Flax Seed (1 part), Licorice Root (1/4 part)· Burdock (1/4 part), Peppermint (1 part). Here's another herbal combination that is good for detoxifying and cleansing the liver: Yellow Dock root, Dandelion root, Licorice root· Red sage, Sarsaparilla, Hyssop· Pau de Arco, Milk Thistle Seed, Parsley leaf. Here's something else you can do for you liver. Buy an extract of Milk Thistle Seed. Then when you make the liver tea's list here, add 2-3 full droppers of the Milk Thistle Seed extract to the tea. Here are the effects of some of the herbs listed above. fennel seed - white cell formation, acid/alkaline balancing· peppermint - body cleanser and toner· red clover - blood purifier licorice - adrenal stimulation cleavers - anti-infection· dandelion - cleansing and strengthening· oregon grape root - cleansing, building· burdock root - purifying · nettles - rich in minerals· chickweed - fenugreek - helps to eliminate toxins and mucus· yellow dock root - cleansing, white cell formation· pau de arco - cleansing, white cell formation· milk thistle seed - cleansing, building You can make these teas yourself or look for a ready made one at a health food store. What I do is buy a 1/2 or 1 oz of each herb. Then I mix one full tablespoon of each herb into a mason jar. Shake it up and its ready to go.Preparing the teaBoil 1 1/4 cup of distilled water in a glass container. Add 1 heaping tablespoon of herbal mixture. Let tea sit for 10-15 minutes. Strain and drink when it cools down a little.Drink one cup of tea before breakfast and one before dinner for about 1-2 months.

Choosing Black Tea - Black Teas Around the World

Black, green, or china, we drink tea almost as much as we drink water. And there are plenty to choose from - with over a thousand different varieties from over thirty countries, there’s a different flavor and character to suit every palate. You could spend a lifetime exploring the tastes, colors and smells of the world’s teas.Though both green and black teas come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis, the difference between them lies in how the leaves are treated after they are picked. Green tea has a simpler drying process, whereas black tea leaves are oxidised as well as dried out. This gives a stronger taste, with a higher caffeine level, and also means the tea can be stored for years without losing flavor. By far the most popular way to drink it in the West is ‘black tea’ – your everyday cup is made from this kind.Teas are usually named after the province or area where they are grown. The soil, climate and landscape all affect the flavor, which means different regions produce teas with distinct characteristics. Famed as the birthplace of tea, China has been cultivating and drinking tea for around five thousand years. A large proportion of the world’s tea still comes from China, although you can now buy varieties from South America, Turkey and Nepal as well as India and Africa. Here are just a few of the better-known black teas:ChinaLapsang Souchong is probably the best known china tea, Lapsang has an aromatic, smoky taste from the pine wood fires used to dry the leaves. Yunnan is another well known tea, from the south west of China. It has a rich, malty flavor and blends well with milk. Keemun tea produces a rich brown color with a delicate nutty flavor, and is made with great skill and discipline, the leaves dried without breakage to preserve the flavor. IndiaThe most famous Indian tea is Assam, a full bodied and strong tea with a particularly malty taste. This is often drunk in the morning as a wake up brew! Darjeeling, from the foothills of the Himalayas, is often considered the ‘champagne’ of teas – with a light and delicate flavor. Sri Lanka gives us Ceylon tea, known for a clean and bright, full bodied taste. Because of the unique climate in Sri Lanka, tea can be grown year round.AfricaAround a third of the world’s tea now comes from Africa, from countries like Kenya, Malawi and Zimabwe. Kenyan teas are highly bright and colorful, with a pleasant flavor. Although tea has only been grown in Africa since around 1900, the climate and advances in scientific know-how mean that African teas are used in many of the more common blends available today.Be adventurous and try some teas from around the world. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover new flavours and you may just find your new favourite tea.

Chinese White Tea And Its Uses And Types

Generally, Chinese white teas are considered to be the rare in China. They are rare in China since most of the white tea is exported. Well, for long years, the Chinese tea drinkers have been hip to white tea’s benefits, until recently it was virtually unknown outside of Asia. But, not anymore because today, everyone from chefs to medical researchers is praising the delicate flavor and purported health benefits of the Chinese white tea.

But what really is Chinese white tea?

Chinese white tea is sometimes considered as a subclass of green tea. It is slightly fermented with its body covered with fluffy white hair. It is usually harvested in the cold of earliest spring when tea bushes have just shed their protective scales on the tips of their branches to show to the world their fuzzy white down on the leaf buds.

These delicate buds are among the most carefully plucked and processed of all teas. The buds, as well as the first few unfurling leaves are not allowed to oxidize whatsoever. What happens is that immediately after picking, the buds are naturally dried in sunlight or inside under low heat in a very well-ventilated structure.

Unlike the oolong, black and pu-erh teas which undergo cellular oxidization to develop fragrance, color and flavor, most Chinese white teas are formulated with the absence of such processing step. This then results in a beverage whose taste is closest to fresh leaves from the tea bush.

Classifications of Chinese White Tea

Just like the other varieties of Chinese tea, white tea is divided into different types. To mention, there are the Silver Tip white tea and White peony tea as two of the most commonly well-known varieties. Let’s take a look at each of them:

•Silver Tip White Tea – This variety of Chinese white tea is produced at Fuding and Zhenghe areas in Fujian province. Many tea drinkers consider this as a top grade white tea. In the processing, the single buds are plucked right when they fully develop and are ready to open. The beautifully acerose buds are covered with silvery hairs, hence the tea named “silver tip white tea”. Also, this Chinese white tea is taken as “the beauty” in teas.

Many tea lovers also describe this tea as “white like cloud, green like dream, pure like snow, aromatic like orchid”. And, as commonly noted, every bud stands in the cup upright just like bamboo shoots after a spring rain, when infusing.

•White Peony Tea – Also known as “Pai Mu Dan”, this Chinese white tea variety is made from the buds and leaves that remain after the famous silver tip white tea has been harvested. This is sweet and mild, yet very full-bodied. Also, the cup color is darker and the aroma is bolder. Its natural sweetness clearly determines the close relationship to the silver tip white tea.

•Gong Mei – This is the third grade of Chinese white tea. The production of this tea uses leaves from the Xiao Bai or Small White tea trees.

•Shou Mei – This is a fruity furry Chinese white tea that is a chaotic blend of tips and upper leaf. According to some Chinese tea drinkers, Shou Mei has a stronger flavor than other white teas, similar to oolong. Also, it is the fourth grade of white tea and is plucked later than the White Peony, hence the tea may be darker in color.

Today, these varieties have reached America and many market researches predict that consumers will soon share their enthusiasm, turning the Chinese white tea into one of the hottest new food trends.