The Benefits of Drinking Tea. For centuries, tea has been more than just a drink. Across cultures, it has served as medicine, ritual, comfort, and even a moment of mindfulness in an otherwise busy day. tea can support our wellbeing. Beyond physical health, tea creates a moment to pause and reset. Sitting with a warm cup can feel grounding, turning a daily habit into a meditative practice. Some cultures, like Japan’s tea ceremony, elevate this into an art form, showing how deeply tea is tied to mindfulness. The tea ceremony (chanoyu) elevates this idea into an art form, where every movement embodies respect, tranquillity, and presence. This mindful approach turns tea into more than a beverage. It becomes a daily anchor for calm, helping to regulate stress and reconnect us with the present moment. What makes tea so good for wellbeing? The answer lies in its bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols (like catechins and flavonoids), L-theanine, and moderate caffeine. Polyphenols function as antioxidants, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to aging and chronic diseases. L-theanine, an amino acid unique to tea, promotes relaxation without drowsiness. Studies show it may improve focus and reduce stress when combined with caffeine. Caffeine, in moderate amounts, sharpens alertness and boosts energy without the crash associated with coffee. Together, they create a unique constructive interaction. Instead of overstimulating the nervous system, tea provides gentle energy while supporting relaxation—a combination that explains why tea drinkers often describe feeling “centred” after a cup. Types of Tea Green TeaGreen tea is packed with antioxidants like catechins. Green tea is perhaps the most researched of all teas, celebrated for its high concentration of catechins, these have been linked to a wide range of health ben green tea supports heart health, boosts metabolism, its moderate caffeine content provides a gentle lift. A large meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that regular green tea consumption was associated with lower cholesterol levels and helped to support healthy arteries. A different study suggested that green tea may enhance memory and protect against cognitive decline. Green tea may slightly boost metabolism and fat oxidation, making it a popular addition to weight management routines. Green tea offers a light, grassy flavour that pairs beautifully with moments of quiet reflection that is ideal for a mindful morning ritual. Black TeaBlack tea has a richer flavour and a higher caffeine content than green tea, black tea can sharpen focus and improve alertness. It is also linked to improved gut health. It’s often the base for popular blends like Earl Grey or English Breakfast tea. Research shows that the polyphenols in black tea may encourage the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which are linked to improved digestion, mood regulation, and immune health. Black tea supports heart health. A study published in Preventive Medicine found that regular black tea drinkers had a reduced risk of experiencing a stroke. Black tea offers a steady boost in alertness. Herbal Teas True teas” all come from the same plant: Camellia sinensis, a shrub native to Asia. Green, black, the differences in taste, caffeine, and health benefits come from how those leaves are processed (oxidized, steamed, dried.) Herbal teas do not use Camellia sinensis leaves. Instead, they’re made by steeping herbs, flowers, spices, fruits, or roots in hot water. As they don’t come from the tea plant, they’re technically “tisanes” (a French word for herbal infusions). People call them “herbal teas” for convenience, but scientifically they sit in a different category. As they’re made from herbs, flowers, and roots, herbal infusions they offer unique benefits. They can support your digestive system. Calm your nervous system. They can provide support to your heart and metabolic health. As they’re mostly water with added plant compounds, tisanes provide hydration. They can be a good alternative to sugary drinks or coffee late in the day. Here are some tisanes and their benefits: Ginger tea can help with nausea and provide support to your circulatory system. Hibiscus tea can help to manage blood pressure and provide an antioxidant boost to the body this is because it is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress. Hibiscus has been shown in studies to lower blood pressure naturally. Rooibos tea supports skin and metabolic health. Lemon Balm tea has a calming effect and may have mild effect on improving the mood of an individual. Chamomile is known for its calming effects, chamomile tea has apigenin, a compound that binds to receptors in the brain and promotes relaxation. Clinical trials suggest it may reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. Peppermint is refreshing and cooling, peppermint tea is rich in menthol, which can relax digestive muscles and ease symptoms of indigestion or bloating. Lavender is known for its calming smells and mild sedative effects. Herbal teas offer a gentle way to wind down in the evening, making them a natural choice for bedtime rituals. Tisanes act like nature’s wellness toolkit. By choosing blends tailored to your needs soothing chamomile for sleep, ginger for digestion, hibiscus for heart health. You could create a personalized, caffeine-free wellness routine. Be aware: If you’re on medication check with your health team to make sure that the tisane will not cause an adverse effect on your medication. A cup of selfcare At its heart, tea is more than antioxidants and amino acids it’s a connection, a ritual, and a comfort. Science may be able to explain how tea supports the cardiovascular health system, calm the nervous system, or sharpen focus, but the deeper truth is simpler: a cup of tea is an act of self-care. Whether you’re sipping green tea to get through the morning, or chamomile to ease you into sleep, or black tea to focus during work, each cup is an opportunity to pause, breathe, and nourish yourself. In a world that rarely slows down, tea offers a gentle reminder that wellbeing is built not just from grand gestures, but from small, consistent rituals. the next time you make a cup of tea; remember you’re not just hydrating. You’re taking part in a tradition of wellness that spans centuries and cultures, one sip at a time. Sources Kuriyama, S., Shimazu, T., Ohmori, K., Kikuchi, N., Nakaya, N., Nishino, Y., ... & Tsuji, I. (2006). Green tea consumption and mortality due to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all causes in Japan: The Ohsaki study. JAMA, 296(10), 1255–1265. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.296.10.1255 Rezai-Zadeh, K., Arendash, G. W., Hou, H., Fernandez, F., Jensen, M., Runfeldt, M., ... & Shytle, R. D. (2008). Green tea epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) reduces β-amyloid mediated cognitive impairment and modulates tau pathology in Alzheimer transgenic mice. Brain Research, 1214, 177–187. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2008.02.107 Gardner, E. J., Ruxton, C. H. S., & Leeds, A. R. (2007). Black tea—helpful or harmful? A review of the evidence. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 61(1), 3–18. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602489 Amsterdam, J. D., Li, Y., Soeller, I., Rockwell, K., Mao, J. J., & Shults, J. (2009). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 29(4), 378–382. https://doi.org/10.1097/JCP.0b013e3181ac935c
