Myths about Tea, and Herbal Tea

Myths about Tea

History of the tea:

The history of tea dates back many years and is interesting. This plant (Camellia sinesis) was discovered more than four thousand years.

Its discovery is controversial. Some people believe that it was discovered in China in almost 2700 B.C., and some think that it was used by the Indians in America.

according to one of the stories, Emperor Shen Nung discovered tea leaves from the wild bush. He put those leaves into his boiling pot and found a pleasant smell. He was interested in the pleasant smell and started drinking the tea.

History of Tea leaves and discovery

In the beginning, it was used as a medicinal tea, but now it has got a position in our social life. It was used as raw leaves and boiled in water.

Later on, in the third century, these tea leaves were brewed and made into black tea.

In the 16th  century, tea was presented to the western priest in China, and it was called Cha. European referred to it as Chiai. It has different  names in different languages and countries like:

1. English = Tea or tee.
2. French = The.
3. German = Thee.
4. Finish = Tee.
5. Italian = Te.
6. Spanish = Te.
7. Thamal = Tey

You will make green tea when you brew fresh tea (camellia sinesis). When the leaves are fermented and then brewed, it will make black tea. Green tea is common in the Chines, and black tea is more common in Europe and India/Pakistan.

Historically, tea has been an integral part of most societies and is considered the favored drink of the time.

In India, it was brought by the East India Company. Initially, they offered free tea and started selling it later.

Dose of the tea:

It varies from person to person. Mostly one spoon full of tea is the dose by most people. You can make a weaker tea by adding 1/2 spoon of the tea. You can brew it for 10 to 15 minutes in 8 ounces of hot water. Some people may like to use 2 spoons full of tea, making very strong tea.

Storage of the tea:

1. This is a very important point. Otherwise, the tea leaves will lose their aroma (smell). tea is sensitive to odor, moisture, and light. It is advised to follow the instructions given by the manufacturer.
2. It is advisable to store the tea in opaque, airtight glass containers. Keep tea in a cool and dry place.
3. Never keep tea in plastic, transparent containers.  Take care in purchasing the tea; if the shopkeeper does not keep the tea in proper containers, never buy from him.

Types of the tea:

This tea may be:

1. Hot tea. When tea leaves are boiled in hot water.
2. Iced tea. These are cold tea and most likely are good in the summer. Iced tea may quench your thirst.
3. Tea may be mixed with various herbs.
4. Masla dar tea contains various spices. This is most likely a common drink in India.
5. Herbal tea. These are medicinal tea used for various types of diseases or ailments.

Herbal tea:

Here I will give a few herbal tea formulas for different types of problems in the human body.  Mostly used herbal tea are:

1. Green tea.
2. Chamomile tea.
3. Ginger tea.
4. Gensing tea.
5. Lemon tea.
6. Thyme tea.

Still, there are various herbs used to prepare medicinal tea.

Herbal tea for digestive disturbances:

Formula:

1. One part fennel seed (Soanf).
2. One part yarrow leaf and flower.
3. Two parts peppermint leaves.
4. 8 ounces of water.
5. Procedure:
   1. Take boiled water and add all the above herbs.
   2. Keep for 10 to 15 minutes, covered with the lid.
   3. Strain the water, and sip the tea slowly.

• Note: We will give the formula of a few more herbal te later.