Tea, tea: the magical drink. The more you gulp, the better you think. Okay, this impromptu rhyme may not be stage-worthy, but it does describe a lot about tea’s influence on the body.
Photo by Frances Griffey
Tea has been around for ages. Its ancient roots stem back thousands of years in China and its continued presence today proves that it’s kind of a big deal.
But Why?
“Particular herbs react with the body in different ways to induce certain states of mind,” Jenna Marie Fuentes said. Fuentes has worked at a local tea shop called The Secret Garden for seven years. She can tell you what types of teas will wake you up and which will help you fall asleep; which are good for digestion and which reduce menstrual cramps; which can help with anxiety and arthritis. To say this woman really knows her teas would be an understatement.
The Secret Garden truly is hidden. You can find it tucked away by the creek in downtown SLO.
Photo by Frances Griffey
“Tea helps fight free radicals, is high in antioxidants, helps with heart problems and boosts metabolism,” she said. “Each one does something different for the body.”
When?
Fuentes, who’s trying not to consume caffeine, said that drinking tea in the morning is an excellent alternative to coffee. She prefers Secret Garden’s own Mental Magic tea. “It helps clear my head and improves the flow of oxygen to the brain,” she said.
Photo by Frances Griffey
Compared to coffee, Fuentes said teas are higher in antioxidants and easier on the gastrointestinal track. She said she drinks tea all day, every day. “I drink specific ones in the morning to get myself going, then during the day to keep me going, and at night to help me fall asleep,” she said. Cal Poly junior Josi Bertling also drinks tea throughout the day. “I drink tea in the afternoon and evening as a pick-me-up when I don’t want to drink coffee,” she said.
Fan Favorites
Everyone has their go-to tea. Bertling’s favorite is chai, which originated in India about 5,000 years ago. “It’s more than just a tea — There’s an art to making chai,” she said. “It’s warm and comforting.” “I drink all types of tea: white, green, black — everything,” Cal Poly senior Mila Feldsher said. “One of my favorite teas would have to be jasmine green tea.”
Photo by Frances Griffey
It’s Personal
Coming from a Russian background, Feldsher said tea drinking is a very cultural thing. It helps her feel more connected to home. “It makes me happier because I grew up drinking tea with my family. Teatime would be a tradition after dinner,” she said. “It has given me a routine — something I can go to for relaxation,” Feldsher said.“Especially after a stressful day, sometimes I’ll have some tea in bed to relax and go to sleep.” Bertling and Fuentes feel the same way. It calms them and always manages to improve their mood. “If I’m having a bad day a cup of tea can help me feel better,” Bertling said. “It’s like a ritual,” Fuentes said. “It brings me solace.” Tea has that special something. It comes from the earth, so it can help you feel more in tune with nature. “It comes from the ground and you drink it — there’s something spiritual about it. It’s not like drinking coke,” Bertling said.
As Fuentes said, “Tea is a way of life.”
Copyright-free images used by Frances Griffey
Recap
Tea can:
- Boost metabolism
- Alleviate menstrual cramps
- Reduce symptoms of arthritis
- Improve mood
- Decrease anxiety
- Reduce certain health risks
- Help you stay awake
- Help you fall asleep (and stay asleep)
- Decrease stress
- And much, much more
Basically, tea is awesome and so beneficial for the mind and body. How do you take your tea? One lump of sugar, or two? A splash of milk, a squeeze of lemon, or a drizzle of honey? Let us know in the comments!