It's Tea Time!

Winter has been no joke here in Chicago and Spring seems to be taking it's time showing up in the Midwest. The weather has been like a roller coaster with warm days leading right back into cold days. It's no surprise that people get sick so much during this transitional period. I personally battled a month long upper respiratory infection and bronchitis. I had a cough and congestion that just wouldn't let me be.  Due to the fact that I had a virus, antibiotics and traditional medicine were a no go. Instead, I opted for more natural alternatives, supplements, water and lots of rest.

One of the very few things that helped with my cough and helped to clear my chest congestion was actually tea. All tea — black, green, or white — contains a group of antioxidants known as catechins.  These antioxidants may have flu-fighting properties which could be the reason drinking a cup of tea is so helpful during the flu season. In a 2011 Japanese study, people who took catechin capsules for five months had 75 percent lower odds of catching the flu than people taking a placebo. Other research suggests catechins may help boost overall immunity, rev up your metabolism, and protect against health issues such as cancer and heart disease.

I drink a lot of tea as it is, but I was looking for teas that included spices and roots such as ginger and turmeric for the added health benefits. Turmeric is like a superfood. Turmeric is native to Southeast Asia and is a member of the Zingiberaceae or ginger family. It has been used as an herbal remedy for
thousands of years in Indian Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin is what gives turmeric its characteristic yellow color. Curcumin is also proven to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

A great brand for tea is Good Earth Tea Co. They offer top of the line, USDA certified organic teas. They are a brand that is so passionate about tea, they have one of the world’s top tea masters sourcing their leaves and ingredients from around the globe—and right here in the US. They work to create unique, exotic and exciting blends. 

I had the opportunity to try their Turmeric Chai and it tasted and smelled heavenly. It also helped me through my month long battle with illness. This is a true tea-lover’s chai. It's a beautiful masterful organic blend that is full of robust flavors. The spicy ginger and pepper gives the tea a kick, the sweet cinnamon softens up the blend and the earthy touch of exotic turmeric adds to the health benefits. You can enjoy it black or with milk and honey. Adding the milk gives it a comforting full body that really showcases the Indian spices on your palate. While sick, I didn't add milk. Instead I added lemon and honey to help soothe my throat and airways. 

Check out more of Good Earth Tea Co.'s products at: https://www.goodearth.com

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Jen