Important! Always consult your doctor before trying these or any home remedies. "Natural" does not mean it is safe for everybody.

There are several legends about the origins of tea. The Japanese and Hindus say it was brought by a Buddhist monk called Bodhidharma. But the most widely accepted legend is the one that says that tea was discovered in China by Emperor Shen Nung. Legend has it that one day the emperor was resting under a tree. Previously, Shen Nung had imposed rules of hygiene that included boiling water before drinking. That day the emperor was waiting for his water to cool when some leaves from the tree fell in it. Immediately, the water changed color. When Shen Nung drank the water, he was surprised of the delicious flavor. Well, this tree was the now famous "tea tree."

Although we do not know the exact origin of tea, the fact is that it has been propagated throughout the world. Today there are different varieties of tea.

Varieties of Tea

Black tea: This tea is the most popular variety in the West and in the world with 78% of the population drinking black tea. Its flavor is strong, its effect is exhilarating and astringent.

Green tea: This variety is unfermented tea. It is made by leaving the leaves to dry. In the meantime the leaves are kept in the heat so that they do not decompose or lose their natural oils and antioxidants. Green tea is considered a preventive of cancer and heart and liver disease.

Red Tea: Also known as Pu-erh. It is not known for sure how this tea is made. Only the Chinese know this secret but it is believed that this is green tea that is subjected to many years of aging. It is a good detoxifyer of the body. It helps lose weight, control cholesterol, and strengthen the immune system.

Oolong: This is a semi-fermented tea. Its flavor is similar to that of black tea. It is a regulator of the circulatory system, reduces cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

White tea: This is the most delicious and healthy tea. But also the most expensive. It is obtained from the tender shoots that arise after the winter. This is the tea that contains less caffeine and the more powerful antioxidant that is known.

Components of Tea:

Polyphenols: These have antioxidant properties. The main polyphenols are the flavonoids and tannins which are responsible for the bitter taste and astringent properties. It is because of the polyphenols that tea is good to prevent and reduce heart disease and cancer, and for delaying the aging process.

Caffeine: The caffeine in tea is different from the one in coffee since it is absorbed more slowly because of the polyphenols. So the heart does not accelerate and the stimulatory effects are more lasting.

Mineral salts: Tea contains potassium, magnesium, iron, copper, phosphorus, calcium and sulfur.

Fluoride: For its fluoride content, tea is effective in preventing tooth decay and gum care.

Vitamins A, B, C in fermented teas, and Vitamin E in India and Ceylon teas. Other ingredients: amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, organic acids, enzymes, proteins, fiber, and essential oil.

Benefits of Tea:

Stimulates blood circulation

Anti-bacterial

Improves dental health

Improves attention and concentration

Helps the immune system

Prevents gastrointestinal infections

Improves digestion

Prevents heart disease

Stimulates blood circulation

Prevents some types of cancers

Helps the body to eliminate toxins and prevents the absorption of fat

Diuretic

Reduces the formation of blood clots

Helps lose weight

Relieves diarrhea

Relieves migraines

It is a bronchodilator

Some Disadvantages:

It is also important to discuss some disadvantages that tea has.

It prevents the absorption of vitamin B1. A deficiency of this vitamin brings nervous problems.

The caffeine it contains can cause insomnia or interfere with some medications.

It is not recommended that pregnant women drink tea during the first trimester of pregnancy.

It may cause constipation.

The Use of Tea in Home Remedies:

To calm sore nipples when the mother is breastfeeding. Make an infusion of black tea leaves and put the leaves on your nipples after breastfeeding the baby.

To renew parquet flooring. In a liter of water, empty and boil 2 previously used tea bags. Cool and strain. Add 4 liters of water and use this solution to mop the floor. Let it dry for two hours, apply wax, and after two more hours polish with a wool rag.

To care for the plants. Add used tea leaves to the water with which you will irrigate plants. This is a very nourishing and moisturizing bath for your plants.

When you have a tooth extracted, apply a tea bag in the affected area to relieve pain and inflammation.

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