Just my cup of tea. My enjoyment for hot tea dates back to high school when I would bring my thermal of green tea to class every morning. Quite honestly, I cannot remember where I picked up the habit but the sensation and joy of warming up from the inside out was (still is) irreplaceable. However, once I hit college, I was converted into a coffee drinking machine. Thank you art school!

This past summer, I noticed I would get stomach cramps after drinking my favorite almond caffè latte from Starbucks. Although I was very resistant to give up coffee and I miss the taste of a caffè latte, with its creamy milk and energizing espresso shot, my digestive system is thanking me for putting the cup down! Nowadays, it’s tea for me, please! My favorite tea to sip on? Masala chai for my morning kick and peppermint and/or ginger in the evening. If you’re in the DC area, Teaism Lafayette Park has the BEST chai!

Fun Fact: There are more than 3,000 varieties of tea which all begin with the dried leaves of one plant grown throughout Asia: Camellia sinensis. Herb teas not included.

The leaves of Camellia sinensis develop slightly different tastes depending on the soil, climate, and elevation of its cultivation, which creates in a variety of delicious tea flavors. Tea names often indicate geographic origins.

Herbal tea is made by steeping the leaves, stems, flowers, and/or roots of herbs. Herb teas do not contain caffeine and some even have documented medicinal properties. Black teas falls on one taste spectrum, but herb teas have a full range of flavors!

Brewing Tip: Tea leaves release their flavor in water– the hotter the water, the faster the tea steeps.

 

Beauty Tip: You’ll support a glowing complexion by stocking your pantry with teas that support digestion.