Tea has been enjoyed for centuries for its taste and potential health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, tea has countless health benefits. Did you know that the type of tea and its brewing method can significantly impact the health benefits received? Now that’s the tea.

While promising research exists on tea’s health benefits, consult a healthcare professional before using tea for medicinal purposes, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take medications. Moderation is also key. Enjoy your tea, but be mindful of your caffeine intake and potential interactions with medications.

Tea Time

Teas can improve heart health, boost your immune system, promote mental alertness, aid in weight management, bring relaxation and stress relief, improve gut health, and reduce inflammation, among other benefits.

Green Tea

Green tea, originating from China, is minimally processed, retaining its vibrant green colour and the highest concentration of antioxidants called catechins. It’s loaded with catechins, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease, certain cancers, and Alzheimer’s disease. Green tea may also boost metabolism and aid in weight management.

Black Tea

Originating in China, black tea undergoes a longer oxidation process than green tea, resulting in a bolder flavour and darker colour. Similar to green tea, black tea boasts antioxidants that contribute to heart health. Black tea may improve gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and may help regulate blood sugar levels.

Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is also from China and falls between green and black tea in terms of processing. Oolong tea may be particularly helpful in lowering cholesterol levels and improving blood sugar control.

White Tea

Delicate white tea, primarily from China, undergoes minimal processing, resulting in a light flavour and the potential for the highest number of antioxidants among teas. Beyond its antioxidant content that may boost the immune system and improve dental health, white tea may also have antibacterial properties.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile, native to Europe and North Africa, is a popular herbal infusion, not technically a tea, from the Camellia sinensis plant. Chamomile is known for its calming effects, which may help reduce anxiety and promote sleep. It may also ease muscle tension and inflammation.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint is a refreshing herbal tea native to Europe and Asia. It may improve digestion by relaxing the muscles in the digestive tract and relieving nausea, indigestion, and bloating.

Ginger Tea

Ginger, a root native to South Asia, is used in many cultures for its medicinal properties. A well-known remedy for nausea and motion sickness, ginger tea may also help reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.

Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea has a tart, cranberry-like flavour and is a good source of antioxidants. It may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The vibrant red beverage is made from the dried flowers of the hibiscus plant, native to Africa.

Echinacea Tea

Echinacea, a flowering plant native to North America, is traditionally used to support the immune system. Echinacea tea is commonly consumed to boost the immune system and may help shorten the duration of a cold. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea (red bush tea) is unique to South Africa. It is naturally caffeine-free and boasts a reddish hue. It’s rich in antioxidants and may improve heart health, blood sugar control, and bone health.

Sage Tea

Sage, a herb native to the Mediterranean region, is used in both culinary and medicinal applications. It may help soothe a sore throat and reduce inflammation in the mouth and gums.

Lemon Balm Tea

Lemon balm, native to Europe and Asia, is a member of the mint family and has a calming lemon scent. Lemon balm tea has calming properties that may help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.

Rose Hip Tea

Rose hip tea is an herbal infusion made from the fruit of rose bushes, which are native to Europe and Asia. It’s a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants and may help boost the immune system and improve skin health.

Passionflower Tea

Passionflower, a vine native to Central and South America, is traditionally used as a natural remedy. Like chamomile and lemon balm, passionflower tea is another herbal tea known for its calming properties. It may help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality, potentially aiding insomnia.

Nettle Tea

Nettle, a prickly plant native to Europe and Asia, is used in various cultures for its medicinal properties. Nettle tea may help reduce allergy symptoms and hay fever by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages.

Elderberry Tea

Elderberry, a flowering shrub native to Europe and North America, has a long history of medicinal use. Elderberry tea is traditionally used to boost the immune system and may help shorten the duration of a cold or flu. However, it’s important to note that elderberries should not be consumed raw.

Dandelion Tea

Dandelion is a common plant native to Eurasia and North America. It is used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Dandelion tea may help improve liver health by supporting detoxification and may also help regulate blood sugar levels.

Ashwagandha Tea

Ashwagandha, an herb native to India, is an adaptogen, a class of herbs that may help the body adapt to stress. Ashwagandha tea may reduce stress and anxiety and improve sleep quality.

Hawthorn Tea

Hawthorn, a flowering shrub or tree native to Europe and Asia, has a long history of use in traditional medicine for heart health. Hawthorn tea is traditionally used to support heart health and may help improve blood flow and circulation.

Holy Basil Tea

Holy Basil (Tulsi) is a revered herb in India and Southeast Asia. It is considered an adaptogen similar to ashwagandha. Holy basil tea may help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation, as well as help with respiratory problems.

New Zealand Teas

New Zealand Teas

While New Zealand isn’t known for a massive tea industry, we do have one claim to fame: Zealong Tea Estate.

Located in Waikato, New Zealand, Zealong Tea Estate is the only commercial tea estate in the country. They cultivate and process a variety of black, green, white, and herbal teas, all certified organic.

In addition to Zealong Tea Estate, you might also find some specialty loose-leaf teas or tea blends that incorporate native New Zealand ingredients like kawakawa leaves or horopito (New Zealand pepper) at local tea shops or online retailers.

Kawakawa Tea

Made from the dried leaves of the kawakawa plant (Macropiper excelsum), kawakawa tea is a traditional Māori medicinal tea. Kawakawa has a peppery flavour and is said to have several health benefits, including relieving stomach upset, boosting the immune system, and healing skin conditions.

Horopito Tea

Horopito (Pseudowintera colorata), also known as New Zealand pepper, is a shrub native to New Zealand. The leaves of the horopito plant have a strong, peppery flavour and can be used to make tea. Horopito tea is said to have digestive and circulatory benefits.

Manuka Tea

Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) is a flowering plant native to New Zealand and Australia. The leaves of the manuka plant can be used to make tea. Manuka tea has a similar flavour to green tea and is said to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Pohutukawa Tea

Pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa), also known as the New Zealand Christmas tree, is a large evergreen tree native to New Zealand. The flowers of the pohutukawa tree can be used to make tea. Pohutukawa tea is said to have a calming effect and may help to relieve anxiety.

With the growing interest in native plants and their potential health benefits, more teas incorporating these ingredients will likely become available in the future.

It’s important to note that some native New Zealand plants may be endangered or protected, so it is important to source your tea from a reputable supplier.

Again, some native plants may have side effects, so it is always best to talk to your doctor before consuming any herbal tea.