Tea has always been a major part of health and well-being in our country. From a warm welcome drink to an antidote for gloomy days, tea is therapeutic in more ways than one.
We add various spices to our tea as per our requirements. There is no cold or cough that strong ginger tea cannot beat. In the south, black tea with a dash of lemon is considered to be the best medicine for an upset stomach. All in all, tea in its various forms is an integral part of the Indian way of life.
In the past few decades, classic tea has metamorphosed into a concoction of various flavours. Though classic tea remains one of our many favorites, connoisseurs do not hesitate to enjoy this medley of flavors. Most of these bring to the tea-table more than just taste. Depending on their ingredients, they also offer several health benefits.
Let us delve into our flavours of the week and see all that they offer.
1) Tulsi
Considered sacred and auspicious, Tulsi or the holy basil plant is a constant in almost all Indian households. Like tea, tulsi is also considered an antidote for many small ailments. When you mix the two together, you get the best of both worlds and all their miraculous benefits.
Tulsi leaves contain a set of antioxidants that can protect your body from free-radical damages. Apart from this, tulsi leaves are known to resolve and manage innumerable issues like respiratory problems, stress, fluctuating blood sugar levels, dental and oral health, and arthritis.
2) Lemon
With the rise in Covid cases, lemon became an indispensable item in our shopping lists as we began to understand the importance of vitamin C in our diet. Consuming lemon on a daily basis increases immunity and protects one against viral infections. Similarly, lemon tea also packs a whole lotta goodness.
Lemon-flavored tea has many benefits which include managing digestive issues, metabolism, stress, and hydration levels within the body. Other than this, lemon-flavored tea is very helpful in removing kidney stones.
Lemon is known for combating infectious diseases due to the presence of antioxidants. Adding a bit of ginger and/or honey to lemon tea can open up a congested chest naturally and effectively.
3) Honey
The combination of honey and tea has been considered a miracle cure for ages. Due to its antibacterial and antiviral properties, honey-infused tea is often consumed by those suffering from the common cold, a cough, or viral fever.
A warm, steaming cup of honey-infused tea is also known to elevate the mood. Apart from enhancing the flavor of tea, honey can help manage cholesterol as well.
Honey tea is said to be good for bone and oral health. Honey in a combination with lemon and/or tulsi promotes good skin and is quite an effective antidote for bad breath.
4) Mint
Originally an integral part of the Moroccan culture, mint tea (prepared from both peppermint and spearmint leaves) is a refreshing beverage that rejuvenates the mind, body, and soul.
Mint tea is one of the best solutions for an upset stomach. It is a major reliever of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and acidity. It helps in digesting food and regulating bile.
There is a myth that menthol, the compound in mint that gives it its cool refreshing taste, should not be consumed while you’re suffering from cold or flu. However, this is far from the truth. On the contrary, mint tea, especially peppermint tea, has antibacterial properties that help fight cold and flu-like symptoms.
Mint tea is also said to be beneficial in relieving menstrual cramps and giving fresh breath.
With so many flavours to pick from, now you can rediscover the many variations of this ancient beverage and soak in all its goodness, sip by sip.
Exactly 💯