pouring hot water over the cured leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which produces traditional varieties like black, green, white, and oolong tea. It can also refer to the TEAS Exam, a standardized test used for nursing admissions. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

 

Traditional and Herbal Teas

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🌑 Black Tea :

- Magical properties : courage, strength, wealth, banishment, energy, stability, death, alertness.
- Brewing temperatures : 205-212°F (96-100°C)
- Brewing time : 3-5 minutes

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Green Tea: Unoxidized leaves that are steamed or pan-fired. It retains a green color and delicate, earthy flavor (e.g., Matcha, Sencha).

🌿 Green Tea :

Unoxidized leaves that are steamed or pan-fired. It retains a green color and delicate, earthy flavor (e.g., Matcha, Sencha).

- Magical properties : passion, healing, sexual health, love, energy, longevity, immortality,

cleansing.
- Brewing Temperature : 175-180°F (79-82°C)
- Brewing time : 2-3 minutes

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🌞 Oolong Tea :

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Partially oxidized, offering a flavor profile somewhere between green and black tea.- Magical properties : reflection, meditation, concentration, romance, friendship, wisdom, divination.
- Brewing temperature : 180-195°C (82-90°C)
- Brewing time : 2-3 minutes

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🐚 White Tea :

 The least processed of the true teas, made from young leaves and buds, yielding a very light and subtly sweet taste.

- Magical properties : happiness, wisdom, purification, protection, clarity, cleansings, new beginnings, fertility, lunar magic.
- Brewing temperature : 175-180°F (79-82°C)
- Brewing time : 3-4 minutes

 

 

Herbal Infusions: Caffeine-free beverages made from ingredients like chamomile, peppermint, rooibos, or hibiscus. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

For a visual breakdown of how these popular tea varieties are c ategorized:

Herbal "Teas"

While colloquially referred to as tea, herbal infusions (tisanes) are not derived from the Camellia sinensis plant. They are naturally caffeine-free and made by steeping dried fruits, flowers, barks, or roots in hot water. Common varieties include: [1, 2, 3]

• Chamomile: Known for its calming, sleep-promoting effects.

• Peppermint: Often used to aid in digestion.

• Rooibos: A sweet, earthy red bush tea native to South Africa. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

 

Health Benefits

Tea is a hydrating, low-calorie beverage that has been linked to numerous wellness benefits, primarily due to its high concentration of flavonoids and catechins: [1, 2, 3]

• Heart Health: Regular consumption is associated with lower blood pressure and improved cholesterol levels.

• Brain Function: The combination of caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine promotes calm, sustained energy and improved focus.

• Inflammation: Antioxidants help protect cells from environmental stress and reduce overall inflammation in the body. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]