Simplee Tea for Health

	Black Tea All black teas contain polyphenols which are powerful antioxidants and have great restorative powers. Unlike the high levels of caffeine found in coffee, the low amounts in black tea promotes blood flow to the brain without overstimulating the heart. The caffeine in black tea sharpens mental focus and concentration, and the trace element fluoride inhibits tooth decay. Black tea also contains abundant tannins which have a soothing anti-inflammatory effect on the digestive tract. One cup of black or green tea has more antioxidant power than a serving of broccoli, carrots or spinach. (Prevention, 1998) Black tea improves cardiac blood flow and coronary function and also improves endothelial function in the heard which improves vascular function. (Dr Renold Sebold, The Truth About Tea & Health part 1) Pu-erh tea is a particular type of Chinese black tea which is praised for its ability to boost the metabolism and help the body break-down fat. Throughout history, the Chinese have drunk Pu-Erh tea to counterbalance rich food and help digestion. Today it is very popular as part of weight-loss programmes due to its positive effects on metabolizing fat,
	Green Tea Unlike black teas, there is no oxidation or fermentation in the processing of green tea which means that the antioxidants found in green tea are unharmed. Green tea contains similar flavonoids to those found in broccoli, cabbage, grapes and red wine. (AmeriScan, August 2003) The University of Purdue found that green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells and also helps to reduce cholesterol levels.  Drinking green tea does not only inhibit the growth of cancer cells, it also kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. A study at the University of Kansas concluded that the catechins found in green tea is more than 100 times as effective as Vitamin C at neutralizing free radicals. (greentea.com) Drinking tea is known to aid weight loss by naturally burning fat and increasing the bodies metabolism. It has also been found that drinking green tea can block the absorption of bad fats by up to 30%. (greentealovers.com) Kidney problems are often associated with high blood sugar - since green tea has the ability to lower serum glucose, drinking tea can help protect against kidney failure.  The antioxidant properties of green tea also play a likely role in protecting the kidneys.  Maintaining kidney health is a crucial part of anti-aging medicine. Tests carried out at the University of Newcastle found that green tea could help improve memory and slow the development of Alzeimer's disease.
	White Tea White tea is made from immature tea leaves that are picked shortly before the buds have fully opened. The tea takes its name from the silver fuzz that still covers the buds, which turns white when the tea is dried. White tea leaves destined to be sold undergo even less processing than green tea leaves. Leaving tea leaves so close to their natural state means that white tea contains more polyphenols than any other type of tea. It is these powerful antioxidants that are responsible for killing cancer-causing cells.  White tea has been proven to provide protection within the body for the skin and skin cells.  It protects the cells from sun damage and possibly prevents skin cancer thanks to the protective measure it takes once inside the body. (tea.topicgiant.com) According to studies performed at the Linus Pauling Institute of Oregon State University, white tea appears to have more potent anti-cancer qualities than green tea a 2004 study at Pace University concluded that white tea can help your body's immune system fight off viruses and dangerous infection-causing bacteria. The same study concluded that fluoride-rich white tea helps prevent the growth of dental plaque, the chief cause of tooth decay. Growing evidence suggests that antioxidants found in white and green tea have the ability to not only minimize signed of ageing, but also to prevent their appearance. (origins.co.uk)
	Oolong Tea Oolong tea is sometimes referred to as blue tea. Unlike green tea, Oolong tea is fermented; however, the fermentation process is stopped before the leaves begin to change colour as they do with black tea. Oolong tea combines the health benefits that are found in both green and black teas meaning that it still contains polyphenols which act as antioxidants. In addition to polyphenol, Oolong tea also contains more catechin than black teas and more thearubigin than green teas. Therabugins are a type of polyphenol that are formed during the fermentation of tea leaves and contain antioxidant properties.
	Rooibos Naturally caffeine free, Rooibos contains high levels of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals as well as anti-aging properties. Studies have shown that Rooibos tea is comparable to green tea in the amounts of polyphenols it contains. It show anti-carciogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral activity.
	Bergamot Bergamot is the Italian lime which forms the base of Earl Grey. Bergamot has been documented as a healing fruit since the twelfth century. Its main properties are as a disinfectant and antidepressant, aiding relaxation. It also combats halitosis and oral infections.
	Chamomile Chamomile is renowned for being a powerful relaxant so drinking chamomile tea before going to bed is known to promote a good night's sleep. Chamomile is especially effective when used to treat digestive problems and to soothe allergic skin reactions. Those suffering from menstrual cramps are also advised to drink chamomile tea.
	Eucalyptus Eucalpytus is known to ease coughs, broncitis and rhematism. It also temporarily relieves nasal congestion and coughs associated with a cold.
	Ginger Ginger is excellent at stimulating the body's circulation and is therefore used in the treatment of arthritis. It is known to ease nausea and is therefore good for women experiencing morning sickness during pregnancy. Ginger also helps to prevent upset stomachs and hangovers.
	Ginseng Ginseng is traditionally known as a stress fighter, it has also shown great promise at reducing fatigue, improving memory and fighting off colds, flu and other infections.
	Lavender Lavender is a very special herbal tisane which is prized for its soothing and calming effects Lavender flowers help relieve stress, fatigue, headaches and insomnia. Drinking a cup of Lavender tea before going to bed is known to promote restful sleep. Lavender is also a digestive aid.
	Lemon Balm Lemon balm helps to aid digestion and is known to ease pain and discomfort associated with indigestion. Those suffering from nervousness, anxiety and slight insomnia would also benefit from drinking teas containing lemon balm.
	Lemon Grass Lemon grass has antibacterial and antifungal properties and is an effective diuretic. Drinking teas containing lemon grass is also known to have a calming effect which can relieve insomnia and stress.
	Lemon Myrtle Lemon Myrtle is the world's richest known natural source of citral which are antibacterial and antifungal. Citral is an essential oil and has long been considered to contain anti-tumour properties as well. However, the few studies carried out have been inconclusive. (Australian Journal of Medical Herbalism, Vol 3 (3) 1991) Lemon Myrtle has very high leves of Vitamin C so is great at fighting colds. According to Mark Blumenthal, lemon myrtle also has functional beneftis when it comes to upper respiratory tracts.
	Lemon Peel A study from the University of Arizona found that antioxidants in lemon peel help reduce the risk of skin cancer by up to 30%. Lemons are rich in Vitamin C which helps to fight off colds.
	Mate The Guarani Indians have relied on drinking Mate tea for centuries. They believe it is good for boosting immunity, detoxifying the body, reducing blood pressure, toning the nervous system, controlling apetite, curing insomnia and reducing fever. Research now supports that drinking Mate tea can help the following ailments: Diabetes - by balancing blood sugar levels Constipation - by stimulating digestion High Cholesterol - by inhibiting the oxidation of bad cholesterol (LDL) Allergies, including hayfever - by reducing symptons. Find Tea Palace teas and infusions containing Mate
	Nettle Nettles are high in calcium, magnesium, iron , silica and potassium as well as rich in Vitamins A and C High iron content and high nutritional content means that nettle tea is useful in the treatment of anaemia and fatigue. Drinking nettle tea regularly can sooth achy joints and muscles. It is therefore beneficial for people suffering from arthritis. Nettle is also praised for its digestive benefits in helping to sooth bloating and digestive discomfort.
	Orange Oranges are loaded with vitamins, the most abundant being Vitamin C which helps to fight off colds and flu. Oranges also contain high levels of calcium which helps to protect and maintain the health of our bones and teeth. The Magnesium found in oranges helps to maintain blood pressure and the Potassium helps to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.
	Peppermint   Peppermint is mostly known for aiding digestion but is also an antiseptic and has calming yet uplifting qualities. The menthol found in peppermint tea can also reduce nausea and is therefore recommended for travel sickness and morning sickness during pregnancy.
	Raspberries and Raspberry Leaf Raspberries and raspberry leaf have different health benefits mainly aiding women in different stages of pregnancy. Raspberry tea is used to alleviate the nausea of morning sickness and is especially good for strengthening the uterus during pregnancy Drinking raspberry tea can also improve constipation which is common during pregnancy. Women who experience heavy periods may also find it beneficial to drink raspberry tea. Raspberry leaf is commonly used by women wanting to get pregnant and in the last 3 months of a pregnancy. It tones the uterus and prepares it for childbirth. It also contains many vitamins and minerals including Vitamin C and calcium. It is, however, not recommended for consumption during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
	Rose Buds and Rose Petals Rich in Vitamin C, the essential oils in Rosebuds can help to improve circulation and are good for the heart. Drinking rose tea is known to sooth the nerves and the emotional state of mind - it is increasingly used in treatments for conditions of stress and nervous tension. Teas containing roses are also known to sooth a mild sore throat.
	Spearmint Data published in Phytotherapy Research shows that drinking two cups of spearmint tea a day for five days could reduce the level of androgens in women with hirtutism. Drinking spearmint tea after a meal is also known to aid digestion.
	Strawberry Strawberries contain high levels of antioxidants and a huge range of nutrients including    Vitamin C.
	Valerian Root Valerian Root helps to promote sleep and is therefore excellent for those suffering from insomnia. While valerian root acts as a sedative, it does not lead to the usual groggyness that people experience after taking other sedatives. Valerian root is also used for alleviating headaches and helping irritable bowel syndrome.
	Vervaine At Tea Palace we source the finest certified organic Vervaine or Lemon Verbena from France. The effectiveness of vervaine as an anti-stress and restorative infusion is undisputed and has been used for centuries to treat headaches and anxiety.  Info from : www.teapalace.co.uk