Never underestimate the power of a good cup of tea for your health, especially your gut. There’s more to this warm beverage than keeping you warm and giving you that feel-good vibe. Tea may help you stave off disease, maintain a healthy weight, ease physical discomfort, and so much more.
Regardless of the variety of teas available at your local supermarket, all “true” teas are derived from the camellia sinensis plant, also known as the tea camellia tree.
The manufacturing process, which includes the time the leaves were harvested, how they were allowed to wither and how long the leaves were oxidised or browned, is what gives each type of true tea its distinct colour and flavour. Here are five types of tea to try.
Green Tea
Green tea is high in catechin, an antioxidant compound found in tea leaves. It’s been sipped for centuries and can protect your cells from the damage caused by free radicals. It can also help to: prevent cancer, fight heart disease, lower blood pressure, treat inflammation, boost weight loss and lower cholesterol.
Dandelion Tea
Dandelion Teais derived from the roots and leaves of the dandelion plant. It is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which contribute to potentially helping support liver health, stimulating digestion, and reducing inflammation in the body. Dandelion tea also has diuretic properties that help flush out toxins, promoting kidney health. The presence of potent antioxidants, further enhances its ability to combat oxidative stress, supporting overall wellness
Hibiscus tea
Hibiscus tea is made from the dried petals of the Hibiscus sabdariffa flower, is known for its tangy flavor, and its health benefits. Containing antioxidants such as vitamin C and beta-carotene, it aids in neutralizing free radicals that can cause inflammation and disease.
Hibiscus tea may contribute to lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, supporting liver and kidney health, aiding weight management, and controlling blood sugar, thanks to compounds that fight inflammation, bacteria, and oxidative stress, making it a heart-healthy, detoxifying, and metabolism-boosting beverage.
Oolong Tea
Oolong Tea is a traditional Chinese tea that falls somewhere between green and black tea in oxidation. Its unique processing involves withering the plant under the strong sun and then oxidation before curling and twisting. I has antioxidants, improves heart health improvement (lowers cholesterol/triglycerides), weight management, boosts metabolism/fat burning, better brain function (L-theanine for focus/sleep), stronger bones, healthier skin (eczema relief), and potentially lower diabetes risk, all thanks to its unique polyphenols and moderate caffeine. It supports overall wellness by fighting free radicals, improving gut health, and providing gentle energy.
Buchu Tea
Buchu tea is made from the leaves of the Agathosma betulina plant, a traditional South African herbal remedy known for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties. It is widely used to treat various ailments, particularly those related to the urinary tract and digestion.
Buchu is a member of the Cape Floral Kingdom that has been used by indigenous people for centuries as a cure-all natural remedy. Flavonoids in buchu include diosmin, rutin and quercetin – all powerful antioxidants that are able to reduce the number of harmful free radicals that damage your body’s healthy cells. It has Anti-inflammatory agents in buchu, making it a very effective remedy for gout, arthritis, and rheumatism. Buchu has been listed as a digestive tonic to relieve stomach ailments, nausea, diarrhoea and flatulence. It acts as an antispasmodic, it helps with stomach cramps, and period cramps too.
Bongi Sikelo 