A lot of cultures enjoy tea, each having its own unique flavors and mixtures of teas. But what are the benefits of tea and what are the different types of teas available?

First lets start with the basic types of tea.

Black- black tea is more oxidized than the other types of tea, which gives it its color. It tends to have a deeper flavor and more caffeine than the other teas. It is believed to have good vascular benefits. Black tea is generally the tea you find in iced tea.

Green- green tea is believed by most to be the healthiest tea; it has high levels of anti-oxidants, is believed to be useful in weight loss, to strengthen bones, prevent kidney stones, help digestion, reduce heart disease and cholesterol, fight cavities, and improve cognitive function. Green tea in some mixtures can contain as much caffeine as a cup of coffee.

White- white tea is believed to have similar benefits to green to but with a milder flavor. Although white tea is believed to have more anti-viral and anti-bacterial qualities, though it does not have the amount of fluoride that green tea does.

Oolong- is classified as somewhere between green and black tea, that has its own distinct flavor.  Excellent for skin care and completion. Also aids in metabolism and digestion. Known for being a weight loss tea, more so even than green tea.

Rooibos- also called red tea, is an African tea, which is believed to have all of the same benefits as green tea but with anti-aging properties as well as pain fighting, benefits.  Red tea is a very healthy tea that is loved by some, but has a distinct sweet flavor that others do not like. It is used by many to help sooth upset stomach and is also given to children because it contains no caffeine. It is used in infants to treat stomach ailments and colic. It is also used to treat allergies, skin conditions, hay fever, headache, and insomnia. It contains copper, iron, potassium, calcium, fluoride, zinc, manganese, alpha- hydroxy, and magnesium. This tea helps figh colds and reduces the effects of allergies. It has high levels of anti-oxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Pu-erh- pu-erh tea is proven to lower cholesterol and is believed to help with the effects of over alcohol consumption. Pu-erh tea is aged and is believed to taste better with time.

Maté- a South American tea that has a high stimulant level but without the jitters or addictive qualities of caffeine. Is used as and appetite suppressant.

Herbal Teas

Herbal teas are made by mixing different herbs with different teas to make a variety of flavor and sensory combinations.

Some tea herbs include:

Anise- mild anti-parasitic, relives digestive problems, relieves toothache, treats lice and scabies, and soothes menstrual cramps. Used in chai tea.

Barley- taste similar to coffee when brewed into a tea.

Bergamot Peel- used in some sunscreens, help protect skin.

Cinnamon-  teats tooth ache, fights bad breath, aids in type 2 diabetes treatment, treats colds, aids in digestion.

Catnip- used as a sedative and to help relax.

Cloves- a treatment for stomach upsets, vomiting and diarrhea, toothpain, digestive problems, and hiccoughs. May also help prevent premature ejaculation.

Cardamom- used to treat infections in teeth, gums, and throat, to break up kidney and gall stones, for lung congestion, and digestive diseases. Also treats stomach aches and reduces inflammation.

Cacao- Believed to lower cholesterol, has a a high level of flavonoids, and used to make chocolate. Also has good effects on the cardiovascular system.

Chamomile- used as a sedative, helps relieve insomnia, treats sore stomach and IBS. May cause blood thinning.

Chrysanthemum- aids in recovery from influenza, treats acne, treats sore throat, helps reduce fever, treats eye pain, clears the liver, reduces stress, and treats circulatory diseases.

Dandelion- a liver tonic and laxative.

Dill- used to ease upset stomach.

Echinacea-helps to prevent the common cold by boosting a person’s immune system, wards off infections.

Fennel- aids in weight loss, relieves vision problems, colic, and toothaches. Used to make gripe water and as a diuretic. Increases breast milk production. Is also believed to treat chronic cough.

Ginger- used to treat diarrhea and nausea as well as other stomach ailments.  It has also been used to treat inflammation and diabetes.

Ginseng- may enhance a persons libido, is believed to reduce stress. Has a high level of anti-oxidants.

Hibiscus- used to treat kidney problem. Has a mild flavor and is often blended with fruit. Also believed in the Middle East to increase longevity.

Jasmine- a fragrant herb that is believed to treat and prevent cancer, lower cholesterol, and relieve Anxiety. It is also believed to have anti-bacterial properties.

Lemon Balm- has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties that allow it to be effective against herpes.  Can also be used to reduced stress and as a mild sedative. This herb has a high anti-oxidant level.

Lemon Grass—has a citrus flavor and may contain cancer-fighting properties.

Licorice Root – used as an expectorant, in tooth powder, and as a mild laxative. Also believed to help with shingles and viral herpes. Also believed to lower high stress drives in men and help sooth stomach and intestine ailments such as IBS and Crohn’s disease. May also have cancer curing qualities.

Lime Blossom- believed to sooth vomiting, reduce fevers, reduce inflammation, treat intestine disorders, fight users, and help to cure liver and gallbladder disorders and cellulites.

Mint- a strong diuretic that aids in digestion. Treats stomach and chest pain and whitens teeth.

Peppermint- sooths the symptoms of IBS and other stomach ailments.

Rose Hip- high in vitamins D,C, E essential fatty acids and antioxidents. Used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Used for its extremely high vitamin C content.

Rosemary- lowers the risk of strokes and neurodegenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and Lou Gehrig’s.

Stevia- treats heartburn and enhances glucose tolerance. Also used as a sweetener.

St. John’s Wort- used to reduce stress and treat depression. May enhance drug interactions and change metabolism of certain drugs.

Thyme- an antiseptic used in mouth wash. Used to cure coughs and bronchitis, also helps prevent sore throat by reducing inflammation of the throat.

Vanilla- believed to be an aphrodisiac and a remedy for fever.

Each tea is different because is affected by its age, region, flavorings (whether it is flavored by fruit, spice, or other), and brewing method. To learn more about teas and to purchase a large variety of tea visit www.teavana.com or a Teavana store near you.