Tea information
Modern science confirms what monks, physicians and generations of other tea drinkers have known for thousands of years: a multitude of health benefits come from regular tea drinking. We now understand that these benefits are due to the specific combinations of vitamins, minerals and other vital chemical compounds in tea. While most research has focused on green teas, recent studies also substantiate the considerable benefits from white, black and oolong teas as well as other infusions like rooibos, honeybush and yerba mate.
Many health professionals now advocate drinking 3 - 5 cups of tea daily, as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
While tea can help the body stay healthier, it's not a cure-all and should not be taken in place of prescribed medication. If you're taking medication or if you're interested in tea consumption for medicinal purposes, it's advisable to seek advice from a trained health professional, especially in relation to tisanes and for pregnant or breast feeding women.
Tea compounds can have adverse reactions if combined with certain drugs, so tea should not be used for swallowing medication. People with irregular heartbeats or stomach ulcers may need to be cautious about tea drinking & should consult a medical professional.
It may not be wise to give children teas with higher tannin contents, (mainly black teas) as these may negatively affect their iron absorption.
Potential health benefits of 'true' teas
Caffeine in tea acts as a mild stimulant and increases the activity of digestive juices. While all 'true' teas contain some caffeine, the levels are generally a lot less than in coffee and vary by tea type: black teas have about 1/2 to 2/3 the amount of caffeine in coffee, while green teas have about 1/10 to the amounts found in black teas.
It's claimed that the type of caffeine in tea releases more slowly into the body's system, providing positive benefits without the jitteriness often experienced with coffee and cola drinks.
For more information on caffeine, check out our tea and caffeine info sheet.
While many tisanes are enjoyed simply for their great taste, some are drunk for their therapeutic properties, particularly those containing herbs.
While almost any human condition imaginable is covered by the list of potential health benefits, many modern-day consumers find the ability to enhance mood and provide a sense of wellbeing reason enough to include tisanes in their daily routines.
In traditional cultures, plant lore was passed down through generations, with remedies developed through trial (and error!) over many centuries. Without the benefit of scientific explanation, the impressive results of some skilled practitioners were sometimes seen as witchcraft or superstition. None-the-less, this ancient practice of restoring balance to the body using plants forms the basis for many of today's supportive medicinal remedies, including infusions brewed from herbs, fruits and spices.
Always select reputable suppliers and adhere to warnings and guidelines. Different plant parts contain different active ingredients and one part being safe for consumption does not guarantee the suitability of others from the same plant. Furthermore, while small doses of certain substances may have no effect, or even be beneficial, in sufficient amounts the same substances can sometimes be lethal.
t leaf T's ingredients are sourced from reputable suppliers and are suitable for general consumption. However, because people's reactions to ingredients can vary, before trying an unfamiliar tisane take all appropriate steps to determine its suitability for you. This should include consulting a trained health professional if you're taking prescription medication, are specifically interested in an infusion for medicinal reasons, or if you're pregnant or breast feeding.