Tea. Or rather, chai—we love it, can’t live without it and it is to 4 'o' clock what its other brewed counterpart is to sundown. Today as tea loyalists everywhere ditch their 'cutting' cups for lighter, healthier (minus the copious amounts of mils and sugar) infusions, Vogue explores the benefits behind the herbal brews.
Ginseng infused Oolong
A.k.a: Brain food
Thumbs up: Enhances mental endurance and the endorphin release makes you happy.
In it: Fermented oolong leaves are rolled with ground ginseng for a wholesome flavour.
Cuppa cool: Brew 1 teaspoon into a cup of boiling water for 1-2 minutes. It’s great as an afternoon-pick-me-up to beat the 4pm work slump.
Jasmine
A.k.a: Fountain of youth
Thumbs up: Powerful antioxidant protection gives your skin a youthful glow.
In it: Jasmine petals are often blended with green tea for enhanced fragrance and flavour.
Cuppa cool: Mix a teaspoon of the leaves into a cup of boiled water and steep for a minute or two. Or cool and add ice cubes for iced jasmine’s refreshing sweetness.
White tea
A.k.a: Antiseptic gulp
Thumbs up: It's rich antibacterial properties help fight off colds, flu and most infections.
In it: Available in a tea bag blend but it’s best in its purest form—loose white tea leaves.
Cuppa cool: Add 2 teaspoons to a cup of hot—not boiling—water and allow the leaves to unfurl as you sip.
Fruit Blends
A.k.a.: Radiant detox
Thumbs up: Berry and citrus infusions provide caffeine-free refreshment with diuretic properties to detoxify your body and counter the bloat that fluid retention causes.
In it: Dehydrated fruit berries, seeds and pulp are used pure or mixed with green tea.
Cuppa cool: Heap a spoonful into 100ml boiled water and stir until fragrant and vibrant in colour.
Chamomile
A.k.a: Banish the blues
Thumbs up: Lifts your mood by enhancing the release of dopamine and serotonin.
In it: Dried blooms or spice blend in a teabag.
Cuppa cool: Pour freshly boiled water over a spoon of fresh buds or teabag and steep for up to 5 minutes.
Hibiscus
A.k.a: Flower power
Thumbs up: Boosts immunity and protects skin against UV damage with its high Vitamin C content.
In it: Dried petals blended with white tea or mixed with mint leaves.
Cuppa cool: Enjoy hot or cold by infusing dried hibiscus roselles in a cup of water with a dash of honey. Steep until it’s deep crimson.
Ginger
A.k.a: Hunger games
Thumbs up: Beats hunger and battles cravings with its warming, fuller-for-longer feeling.
In it: Pure ground ginger root or ginger powder mixed with green tea.
Cuppa cool: Dissolve one teaspoon of ginger powder in freshly boiled water with a slice of lemon for added goodness.
Green tea
A.k.a: Green goddess
Thumbs up: Naturally rich in caffeine and Vitamin B it burns fat and increases metabolism.
In it: Fresh leaves from the plant are steamed and dried for a pure, unblended elixir.
Cuppa cool: Heat water to the brink of boiling before pouring over half a teaspoon of loose leaves or infusing a teabag. Steep for no more than 2 minutes.
Peppermint
A.k.a: Feel-good freshness
Thumbs up: The anti-spasmodic properties of peppermint ease muscle tension and stomach cramps—think pain free PMS!
In it: Freshly picked peppermint leaves.
Cuppa cool: Boil a handful of fresh leaves in a pan of water and serve immediately, leaving the leaves in the cup to steep for lasting essence.
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