An Autobiography of a Tea Leaf

You dropped me in hot water, strained me to take out the flavors out of me and I hardly mind that since I was born to serve you the best aroma I have. I eagerly anticipated this day when my full potential transformed into a warm cup of fragrant tea, right since the day I was born and raised in the beautiful hills of Darjeeling.

The Biology human-nerds call us Camelia Sinensis. But we are popular as Tea Leaves all over the world. And just like how humans have at least one cousin who has settled abroad, I have truck load of them living overseas! I know they miss home. Growing up dancing in the gentle breeze of Darjeeling hills, we watched the sunrise together. Our magnificent emerald green plantations were studded with lovely women hustling to pick the best of us. They sang beautifully. Sometimes even danced. This was the scene at the end of winters, with the sky lit with warm sunrays.

How do they work so hard? we often wondered and with smiles and grace, in these chilly breezy mountains

They have superpowers we secretly know it comes from us. Why else would humans wake up and drink Tea first thing in the morning? And all through out the day, especially when low on energy!

While I grew up, I overheard stories from our Tea Pickers. They spoke fondly about the magical cities. I have been excited about visiting those while I grew into sweet tender leaf in the winter months. But as magical as the cities are, people get tired often, I heard and there is so much work to do! Children seldom sleep at night. They always have to finish something called as late night studies. And the oldies, they are down with indigestion, blood pressure and diabetes. As I heard stories about them, just as much they made me sad, they inspired me to leave the comforts of Sadanand jis farm. For I believe I have the solution to all their problems!

After coming to the cities, I learnt a lot. Us Tea Leaves are known to cure tension and anxiety that busy lives bring to the human folklore. Now its hard for me to actually know what anxiety is, but by the sound of it, it seems taxing. I help humans release a chemical called dopamine, it helps the mind stay happy and calm. I am not surprised; I am very charming like that!
Cancer is the scariest thing I have heard of. Its caused by oxidative damage in human body. But I am full of anti oxidants. I can prevent this crazy disease that is rampant among humans.

When I was plucked and sent to the processing unit, I was terrified. The trucks moved so fast! Why are humans in such a hurry? After reaching the factory, we were segregated. I was mildly roasted, as I was to be Green. Getting roasted however wasnt easy. It was really hot. But boy, after the processing, I smelled so darn good! I couldnt get enough of smelling myself. Id put all the Lux Soap ads to shame!

Well there I was, Rachael, a fully qualified Green Tea Leaf ? ready to be packaged and put on a mission! This time, I traveled by train, which was even faster! Seriously humans, you guys need to slow down a little, dont be so hard on yourselves.

TE-A-ME carefully put me in a BEAUTIFUL tea bag, which was sealed in a sachet and packaged in these awesome colorful boxes! ?There was no way I could lose my fragrance. And thus I found my identity. I feel so darn proud. I have had many fine friends with me. With different backgrounds and high merit. We spent our time telling each other our awesome life stories. Ginger has my best friend and Tulsi smells so good! We were different, we argued and disagreed but together we decided to fight many troubles of mankind. Our mission kept us united and happy. ?And while we were dipped in hot water, we gladly came out as wonderful flavors complementing each other.

Let us then, humans, allow us to remind you, every time you brew yourself a fine Cup of Tea in your busy schedules, that everything will be alright. That we got your back ALWAYS!

Turmeric Tea : How I Harnessed the Health Benefits

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For those who have studied for an intense exam, be it college, university, entrances or any other, know the importance of highly concentrated and frequent need for caffeine concoctions. I say concoctions because after a point it doesnt even matter how it tastes and the concentration goes on progressively increasing until the exam day. This along with lack of sleep, stress and food intakes of whatever edible you can lay your hands on. Well this is what I went through 2 years ago while I studied for IAS exams.

What followed, was a nightmare come alive:

  • I lost all my healthy weight: I looked highly undernourished
  • Intense hair loss. Yes, I had to say goodbye to my long shiny locks.
  • Insane amount of painful cystic acneon my face and scalp
  • Emergence of unusually dark patcheson my face
  • High levels of acidity, stomach ache and loss of appetite
  • I fell sick?soon as the weather even slightly changed. Id be on a spree of sneezes and allergies.

Yes, nightmare wasnt an exaggeration. Post exams, I spent hours on Google search to recuperate. Individually tacking all this was taxing. I visited endless number of dermatologists and tried all sorts application based skin care products. For my face is the first thing I tend to get insecure about. Then I tried hair packs, hair masks, antacids, exercises, lifestyle changes. You name it, good or bad, I tried it all !

While once I was digging the internet for effective solutions, I came across Turmeric as a complete game changing substance. But any ancient, natural, plant based remedy is time taking. Now I am all about quick fixes but my problem was way too deep rooted. So I decided to give Turmeric a shot, for it had wise range of health benefits.

Preparation was a long drawn process. But I did it nonetheless. So heres how I made it:

  • Boil two cups of water.
  • Add turmeric powder or raw wedges of turmeric, depending on availability.
  • Boil for 5 minutes.
  • Add grated ginger, cinnamon powder, pepper.
  • Boil for 2 minutes. Let it cool.
  • I loved adding some lemon and little salt to taste.
  • Strain and serve.

However, this not only took up extra time, but also stained my white mug, along with taking up extra utensils and strainers. ?I did it any way. Truly, low self-esteem can bring you out of your otherwise comfort zone. The health benefits of Turmeric Tea started showing:

  • I slowly saw the changes on my face. At least the new acne emergence had stopped.
  • I stopped falling sick very often (although curing this wasnt on top of my agenda)
  • My stomach aches and acidity stopped in just 2-3 days
  • I regained my appetite
  • My skin texture improved, literally, without any external treatment !

While I experienced benefits of this turmeric tea that I prepared with such effort, something terrible happened. While pouring the hot tea into the mug, I spilled the entire tea on my kitchen platform- that which is made of white marble. To this day, the Haldi stain sits on it. And I lost my drive to prepare the tea thereafter.

A few months passed. I was on the phone talking to a friend who happened to work with the TE-A-ME team. He mentioned the new launch of wellness tea that I completely ignored at first. Then he mentioned Turmeric Tea with Natural ingredients. My eyes and my voice, both lit up !
Its made of real turmeric? Or just flavored? I am always skeptical

Yes, yes, REAL all-natural Turmeric is used in the tea my friend sounded serious.

Oh thats such a relief, Thank God He didnt know what I was talking about.

I ordered my pack IMMEDIATELY. It had to be TE-A-ME. I highly doubt if any other brand even makes turmeric tea bags, let alone serve a high quality. TE-A-ME uses 100% natural ingredients. In this span of using turmeric, I realized the importance of good quality ingredients. Turmeric is also known to be adulterated easily. I didnt have to worry about all that with this brand.

After just using TE-A-ME turmeric cardamom wellness infusion, I ordered 3 more packs, for my grandparents and my friend who is writing exam this year. Here are some health benefits of these lovely turmeric tea bag infusions:

  • Curcumin in Turmeric is anti inflammatory. It aids arthritis treatment (why it was a perfect gift for my grandparents)
  • Turmeric sharpens memory (why perfect for gifting my friend writing exams). It also prevents neurological diseases.
  • It prevents cancer
  • Delays aging (yey) by synthesizing anti oxidants
  • Its a natural antiseptic. Its probably why my cystic acne disappeared !
  • It helps detox liver
  • It treats digestive disorders and irritable bowel syndrome
  • Numerous skin benefits like increased collagen, prevents wrinkles, brings a natural healthy glow

One evening I prepared myself a cup of TE-A-ME Turmeric Tea and sat down next to my mother watching the news channel. She is always apprehensive about my health enthusiasm and tactics, so shes the last person I dare to offer anything to.

Your Tea smells nice She said, trying to sound casual.

Should I make you a cup, its a tea bag so it wont take too long. I asked

Yes please she replied, very happy.

I made her a cup.

This feels so good. Is an understatement of her expression because next day she asked me where I had kept the Turmeric Tea. The days that followed, I saw her with a cup having a Turmeric Tea bag. Shed sit with a book, every single day sitting at the exact same spot at the exact same time drinking the exact same tea.

You really liked that Tea, didnt you I laughed

I love how it makes me feel she said If I finish this, where are we getting the next batch from? she asked.

Dont worry about it, its available online I told her

It really is a tea bag with natural turmeric and cardamom, I can see it in my cup. She said.

I know.

If I make this tea at home, using the same ingredients, the problem is, one, it tastes like a concentrated concoction, two it makes me feel like Im sick, three, no one has the time to prepare it everyday, despite its share of health benefits.
My mother really enjoyed having a tea bag filled with all her favorite flavors. I was glad.

The next day I got a text from her friend asking for the online link to get the TE-A-ME Turmeric Tea Bags. My mother recommends everything she loves to everyone she loves.

I am super excited to get my hands on this product. And very ?very glad for my effort to good health has been slashed down by 90%.
Now its just heat water, add tea bag, and enjoy. Feels like an absolute hug in a mug !

Note: The blog is contributed by one of our community bloggers Shreya.

Tulsi Tea with Ginger and Honey is the Perfect Drink to Cure Your Monsoon Sniffles

Does the aroma of a freshly brewed cup of tea make you delighted every morning? Well, many people all over the world would totally relate to this feeling. And to suit the tastes of every tea connoisseur, a gamut of variants are available today, the tulsi tea, being one of the most popular kinds. Tulsi tea with ginger honey?is way better than your regular cup of tea not just because it tastes great; but also because it comes loaded with various health benefits especially for the monsoon.

Beat the blue and flu

With the advent of monsoon, comes the onslaught of the common cold and fever. Nothing can be worse than feeling miserable and cold on a damp rainy day when youre already down with flu. But fret not, a quick cup of tulsi tea will bring back that fervour in you and cheer you up in an instant!

The wonderful medicinal properties of ginger honey and tulsi, in this brilliant concoction, helps improve your immunity. While ginger and honey keep you warm, tulsi helps to cure infections and inflammations. With various vital nutrients like Zinc, Selenium, Calcium, Vitamins A and C, and iron present in it, tulsi tea is more than just a normal cup of tea. And soon after drinking a hot cup of tulsi ginger honey tea, you will feel soothed and healthy.

Boost your digestive abilities

Many a time, you get to hear about people suffering from digestive problems during monsoon. It can be anything like difficulties in digestion or even loss of appetite. If you wish to treat problems like these, then drink tulsi tea with honey and ginger.

How? Well, you must already know that ginger helps in boosting digestion. Tulsi or the Holy Basil plant has been revered since time immemorial, for its healing qualities. And ages of research have already confirmed its multiple health benefits which include improving digestion. Tulsi and ginger help in the elimination of toxins from the system, which in turn boosts appetite and improves health.

What is the best time to consume tulsi tea?

You can drink a cup of ginger and honey tulsi tea at any time of the day. But make sure that you consume it in the form of a delicate brew without adding milk to it. That way it retains all its natural beneficial qualities and lets you enjoy its light aroma.

Are there any side effects?

Tulsi tea with ginger and honey doesnt have any side-effect in particular but if you are allergic to the either tulsi, honey or ginger, then its best to avoid this tea. Tulsi tea is considered safe to consume during pregnancy, but its recommended that you seek your doctors or nutritionists advice before doing so.

Now that youre aware of the benefits of tulsi tea with honey and ginger, prepare a quick hot brew for yourself and set out to beat the monsoon blues with confidence!

Top Detoxifying Benefits of Cardamom Turmeric Wellness Tea

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Here comes the season of bugs!

Theres no way you haven’t been bitten by the sickness bug even once this season ? chances are that youve grown tired of them. Well, so have we, which is why we bring to you the perfect detoxifying concoction that will release all those nasty toxins from your body.

You mustve heard of the many detoxifying benefits of turmeric ginger honey tea. Well, this is a tried and tested spiced tea with the combination of turmeric, ginger and cardamom that works like a detoxifying wonder.

Why cardamom and turmeric?

Lets take a look at the health benefits of both spices:

Turmeric:

  • Turmeric is known for reducing internal inflammation
  • It reduces pain and helps wounds heal faster
  • It spikes your metabolism, which is why it is a good idea to have ginger honey turmeric tea on a regular basis
  • It reduces your stress levels and depression
  • It is also effective in preventing cancer
  • Diabetic patients can benefit a lot from turmeric.

Cardamom:

  • Like ginger, cardamom is also an anti-inflammatory spice
  • It does away with problems in the digestive gut
  • It has strong anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, which makes it good for the immune system
  • The essential oils contained naturally in cardamom act as good detoxifying agents

Why you should add cardamom to your turmeric tea

Most people have turmeric tea in different capacities- the turmeric cinnamon ginger honey?tea is a favourite among fitness enthusiasts because of its taste and health benefits. Both turmeric and cardamom have similar health benefits, and together they create a potent blend.

The turmeric cardamom wellness tea is effective in cleansing and detoxifying your body like no other drink. The anti-bacterial benefits of cardamom will enable your immune system to function better and keep all those pesky diseases away.

How to make turmeric cardamom tea

Bring your tea to a boil and then add both turmeric and the cardamom seeds to the mix. Boil it for a few more minutes and then strain the drink. Drink it while it is still warm for the best benefits. Or alternatively, you could simply give TE-A-ME cardamom turmeric tea a try. For this, pour boiling or lukewarm into a cup. Dip a TE-A-ME cardamom turmeric tea bag in the cup and let it steep for a few minutes ? and voila! You could mix a few a few drops of honey if you prefer and enjoy it hot!

Possible side effects of the tea

Being made from natural spices, this tea does not have any major side effects. However, if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, its best to avoid the consumption of this tea. Both turmeric and ginger are potent ingredients that may have some effect on foetal health so pregnant women are advised against drinking this tea during pregnancy.

Reap the benefits of this extraordinary drink every day!

As a great way to detox your body, few sips of this turmeric cardamom tea daily will help you get a boost of antioxidants, improve your digestive health, nourish your body and help you to reach your health goals.