International Tea Day: 5 Unique Teas To Try

For many tea enthusiasts, tea is a daily ritual – and for some of us, a ritual carried out multiple times in the day. Be it herbal, kharak, Turkish or black with a dash of milk, it happens that drinking tea is also a cultural and traditional practice depending on what part of the world you’re from. Certain types of teas, especially those from the Far East, also often have a number of health benefits, with different teas being consumed for different ailments, including weight loss, mental sharpness and often act as anti-oxidants! Since its International Tea Day, which falls on 21^st May annually, we’ve listed the 5 teas that will offer up an insight into new cultures from all over the world, and what makes these teas so unique and beneficial to your health…

By Amrita Singh

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Pu-erh

Pu-erh tea is a dark fermented tea from the Yunnan province in China, which is most commonly drunk after a meal. The tea does contain caffeine and is known for improving mental alertness and sharp thinking. Other health benefits include weight loss, lower cholesterol and protection from cardiovascular problems. Most commonly the tea is prepared in loose form, boiled and steeped for just under 5 minutes. Pu-erh is often floral or slightly stale in aroma, but smooth in taste.

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Genmaicha

This Japanese tea can be had hot or cold, and has numerous health benefits. The tea itself is a nutty blend of green tea and roasted brown rice, which is a source of vitamins, flavonoids, and minerals. When the rice is combined with the green tea, it becomes an ultra-antioxidant-rich drink known to reduce cancer risk.

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Tienchi Ginseng Flower Tea

Sworn by in China, this particular tea comes from a plant revered for its medicinal properties. Consuming this tea helps to lower cholesterol, improve blood circulation, help with heart trouble and reduce insomnia. When prepared, the flowers are steeped in hot water and drunk before bed to help calm the mind and promote a restful sleep. The tea is said to be sweet with a slight minty taste.

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Labrador

The Labrador is actually an evergreen shrub most commonly found in North America. Founded by Native Americans, the plant’s leaves are used as a herbal treatment for ailments such as coughs, colds, headaches, sore throat, hangovers, kidney and liver problems and more. Labrador tea is said to be rich in vitamin C and has an earthy aroma and slightly spicy taste. When making this tea, people are warned to use small amounts of the tea as an overdose of it can cause indigestion, vomiting or paralysis!

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Ginkgo Biloba

Considered to be the oldest living tree in the world, the Ginkgo Biloba’s leaves are said to be rather special. Ginkgo is known to enhance brain function and memory and is also said to have high antioxidant power and has the power to improve blood circulation, and aids the removal of toxins that can be found in the arteries. Drinking the tea on a regular basis can reduce cholesterol levels and blood clotting, whilst being a mood booster and improving mental capacity.

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International Tea Day: 5 Unique Teas To Try

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