In times of uncertainty and stress, it’s important to remember to take care of yourself. Here are some ways tea can provide a ritualistic safe haven of calm for you and your family members with the bonus of additional health benefits.
Please note: Tea is not a medicine and should not replace medical treatments issued by your doctor. You should always consult your physician for personalized medical advice. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment solely because of something you read online.
1. Tea Time can bring your family closer.
While you are self-quarantined, sharing tea can become a social activity to build bonds and share health benefits. During bonding moments, the hormone oxytocin is released, which has been known to reduce blood pressure and levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Note: Although tea may have antiviral properties, you should still avoid sharing cups.
2. Keeping your routine can lower stress levels.
If it’s been your daily habit to start each day with a hot cup of tea, or begin relaxation in the evening with a soothing herbal infusion, you should probably continue doing so. Northwestern Medicine claims following a routine can reduce stress levels and put you in control with better time management.
3. Replacing sugary drinks with tea and herbal infusions may improve your health.
Tea without any additives has negligible calories. In addition to reducing your calorie intake, eliminating or reducing drinks high in sugar can lower your risk of heart disease, even if you’re not overweight. Researchers at UCSF say overconsumption of sugar can lead to long-term dysfunctions like type 2 diabetes, cancer, stroke and even Alzheimer’s disease.
4. Black tea may aid your immune system and prevent lung damage.
Studies have shown the flavonoids in black tea worked together with a gut microbe to prevent lung damage in mice infected with the flu. A study also found “participants who drank 20 ounces of black tea per day produced five times the amount of certain germ-fighting immune cells as those who drank the same amount of coffee.”
5. The catechins in green tea may prevent viral infections.
Researchers in Japan studied the effects of gargling green tea and discovered its catechins may protect against flu infection. Another study stated, “Green tea catechins have also been shown to be effective against a number of viruses, parasites, fungi, and even prions.”
6. Many herbal teas have antiviral properties.
While herbs have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine and homeopathic remedies, science is beginning to offer conclusive evidence of their effects. We recently reviewed research on the antiviral effects of 10 herbs in the herbal infusions that grace our shelves.
We hope you and your family stay safe, happy, and healthy in the coming months. Please let us know how you are doing in the comments below.
As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions or concerns at listening@theteasmith.com.