Its Tea Time – A quick chat about the six best types of teas and their benefits

Story by Stephanie Lyew

Tea is entrenched in Jamaica’s culture. Though it is considered a tradition of the British, tea has become a cure-all for beverage for all Jamaicans – young and old – who, from childhood, are often introduced to a blend of ‘bush’ whether it be to help reduce the symptoms of a “cold” or given to them as a “wash out” remedy at the end of the long summer and winter holiday seasons when they would have had their fill of sweets and junk food. It has been steeped in the minds of many Jamaicans throughout past generations that ‘a cup of tea a day, could keep the doctor away’ and will be, for generations to come.

We’re not talking green tea, versus black or white teas, which are categorized based on the level of oxidation and fermentation the tea leaves receive. There are over 3,000 types of teas worldwide and it’s the good old herbal teas that Jamaicans at home or in the diaspora all have in their cupboards. Most herbal teas are not processed using oxidation but more so, the leaves, blossoms, and roots are harvested and then go through drying.

Each variety of herbal teas have a different flavour profile, taste and aroma. Some teas have a bitter, cooling as well as astringent flavours while others may emanate sweet, nutty, grassy or floral notes from the first sip. Here are six types of teas and their benefits which prove why you should not only have your tea but by all means, drink them too!

Ginger

Ginger The popularity of this brew has engulfed the nation for centuries as the ginger root has been a tried-and-true remedy used in traditional and alternative medicine. Ginger teas can be made with the fresh root, and comes in dried or powdered forms – these giving the option of with or without sugar, or infused with alternative sweeteners such as honey, to flavour mixes of ginger mint, ginger lemon and ginger turmeric. Ginger is the complementary cure for digestive issues and nausea and has also been said to help persons with arthritis because of its anti-inflammatory properties

Cerasee

Like the ginger tea that has been said to relieve digestive issues, Cerasee has also at the top of the list as a cure, but, because of its extremely bitter flavour, most persons will refuse a cup of this herbal tea. The Cerasee plant which grows like a vine and bears a fruit which turns bright orange when ripe, is full of phytochemicals like triterpenoids, polyphenols, and flavonoids which have been proven to slow down the growth of cancerous cells and reduce the risk of heart disease. The leaves have a pungent smell that immediately hint of its bitter taste. It is not uncommon to see many Jamaicans who have migrated to other countries, return home and stock up on the dried leaves and stems.

Moringa

There are many studies being carried out on the moringa, scientifically called Moringa oleifera. The plant has a significant source of vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin B6 and the leaves especially, contain high amounts of essential minerals and amino acids. Because of its medicinal properties, it has been called the miracle tree. One of the easiest ways to enjoy moringa is in tea form. It is one of the few teas that is naturally caffeine-free and can be consumed at any time of the day. It Southeast Asia and Africa, where it is a native plant, the moringa has helped persons who suffer from malnutrition and the antioxidants within the plants help to maintain the immune system, regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and lower inflammation that causes pain.