Guide to Tea

Apart from being the second most-consumed drink in the world, tea is an integral part of life in Britain.  Sure, an espresso  might be nice from time to time, but few things as lovely as a cup of tea on a dreary day.  There is nothing more classic than a cup of PG Tips  or Barry's  to perk yourself up mid-afternoon, but don't be afraid to try something new.  There is a big world outside of black tea, so why not consider a jasmine  or chai  tea once in a while?  Read on for more suggestions.

Varieties

Black Tea  From the floral Darjeeling  to the smoky Lapsang Souchong  to the classic English Breakfast,  there is a black tea for everyone.  One lump or two?	Green Tea  Consuming green tea may lower chances of heart disease and cancer, so drink up! Try a Chinese Gunpowder tea  or a Japanese Genmaicha.	White Tea  White tea is a specialty of the Chinese province Fujian but can be found around the world. Silver Needle  or White Peony teas  are great places to start.	Oolong Tea  Oolong is the best of both worlds, neither sweet like black tea, nor vegetal like green. Make your next cup a Jade Oolong  or a Pouchong.	Flavoured Teas  If you like a little pizzazz with your tea, try a flavoured version. Popular choices include Earl Grey,  apricot,  lemon  and ginseng.  Drink up!

Herbal Teas

Not actually made from tea leaves, herbal teas  or infusions  can be beautifully fragrant and often have medicinal properties (but remember to consult a physician before beginning any herbal tea therapy).  Below are a few of the many varieties of herbal teas available.

Chamomile  is known for its soothing properties. A cup of tea before bed can help calm your nerves and induce sleep.	Cinnamon  can improve circulation, help you recover from a cold and is thought to relieve menstrual cramps.	Dandelion  roots and leaves are used to make tea. The plant is a diuretic and may help reduce gallstones.	Lavender  has been used throughout history not only to ease tension, but also to settle stomach pains.	Liquorice  makes a delicious tea that can relieve coughs and sore throats as well as improve digestion.

Mint  (spearmint  or peppermint ) can help relieve stomach pains and is also thought to help with headaches.	Rosehips  are a source of vitamin C and are filled with antioxidants. Also great against bladder infections.	Besides smelling great, rosemary  can improve circulation, stimulate the liver and relieve joint pain.	Sage  is extremely soothing and can help ease coughs and lung congestion. It can also aid digestion.	St. John's Wort  is useful for relaxation: it is thought to lift spirits, relieve anxiety and improve your mood.

Related Products

Tea Pot	Tea Kettle	Electric Water Kettles	Tea Strainers	Tea Infusers

External Guides

• BBC.co.uk: Does milk reduce tea's health benefits?
• 2BASnob.com: The Snob's guide to tea.
• Wikipedia.org: A guide to herbal teas.
• About.com: Health benefits of herbal teas.