Teas And Infusion: What Is Each One Used For?

Since it is low in theine, we have to prepare a tea with hot water, but not boiling, so that its leaves do not give a bitter flavor.

You consume it every day, but you surely do not know all the varieties and what their properties are. In this article, you will find a complete guide to teas and infusions to know what each one is used for. Make sure you always have some in your kitchen!

Types and properties of teas

Green teas

It is a natural medicine on all sides, it is considered the healthiest and the one that brings the most benefits among all types of tea (especially compared to fermented). It retains its components almost intact, similar to those found in its natural environment.

Among the main properties of tea, we can emphasize:

• an antioxidant that delays the signs of premature aging
• purifier that eliminates liquids that accumulate in the body
• digestive
• anti-fat that helps to lose weight

It is rich in vitamins A, B and C, fluorine, sodium and minerals. It strengthens the immune system and helps the body protect itself from infections and viruses.

The tea has a low theine content, so it should be prepared with simmering water (and not boiling) because otherwise the leaves will cook and a bitter taste will appear.

The Chinese are the first to discover tea, but today it is in Japan that we drink it the most. The difference between the two countries is the elaboration process.

Black tea

It is the most popular in Western culture, the one that is consumed in sachets in everyone, but also in bulk (herbs). Its taste and properties make it a wonderful drink.

It contains a large amount of antioxidants, is satiating, good for the stomach and low in calories. It was not always used for consumption because it was a bargaining chip (since it does not lose its taste with the passage of time).

The leaves of Camelia Sinensis go through an oxidation process and their green color disappears to reveal the black color. It is a stimulant thanks to its quantity of theine.

The ideal temperature to enjoy it is 95 ° C and its intensity depends on the type and the minutes during which it has been immersed in the cup.

White teas

It is called “the elixir of youth” for its wonderful properties. It is said to be the most refined and exquisite of teas.

Instead of the leaves, the smaller, more tender buds are picked. This is why we say that the person who drinks it is in fact drinking the youth of the plant and therefore its vital energy.

The light color is due to a white veil that covers the leaves when they just come out and are hand-woven for a few days in the spring. It is found in the high mountains of Fujian in China.

White tea has a delicious taste and a delicate aroma, it provides vitamins C and E, it is antioxidant and diuretic. It should be drunk at a temperature of 75 ° C.

Red tea

It is called “Pu-erh” and is known for its wonderful fat burning properties. It is the tea of ​​the emperors, because for a long time it was forbidden among the population of the lower classes.

It has a very strong, earthy taste and is dark reddish in color. The maturation process takes many years. Drinking three cups of this tea a day removes fat from the body, lowers cholesterol levels. The ideal temperature is 95 ° C.

Blue tea

It is called “Oolong” or semi-fermented. It is found between green and black. Its fermentation process is interrupted, it is rolled up and oxidized twenty times. It comes from two regions: Fujian (China) and Formosa (Taiwan).

This tea has a vegetal taste like green and it can be more or less clear depending on the process. It is an antioxidant, it strengthens the immune system, it regulates cholesterol, it reduces blood pressure and contains vitamins and minerals.

The temperature for drinking it is 90 ° C, even if it is accepted “frozen” or cold.

Types of infusions and their properties

After discovering the main teas, it’s time to learn about the infusions that can be enjoyed, thanks to certain herbs or plants.

Chamomile

It is used to treat mild digestive disorders, indigestion, colic, diarrhea or gastritis.

It is also used for eye irritation or inflammation and is used for respiratory conditions such as asthma, coughs or colds. Chamomile treats acne and cleans superficial wounds.

Mint

It has antiseptic, antispasmodic and digestive properties. It reduces gas, scares insects, keeps good breath and is used against colds and coughs.

Thyme

The medicinal part of thyme is found in fruits and flowers. It is a sedative and is used as a tranquilizer for the nervous system. It improves digestion and helps you sleep better. It can be used to reduce arterial problems, colic and period pain.

Valerian

It is very similar to thyme in terms of its sedative and relaxing properties. It is important to be careful about the amount you consume as it can cause excessive sedation in the nervous system, lower blood pressure and delay blood flow.

Green anise

The leaves give fresh breath when chewed. It is an expectorant, it is a stomach tonic, it regulates menstrual cycles, it relieves gas and it helps digestion.

Rosemary

It has healing properties for the nervous system, it strengthens memory and improves blood circulation.