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Tea Pots Around the World

As a historical artifact, the teapot is as important to the enjoyment of tea as the leaf itself. Choosing the right teapot could be as challenging as choosing the right tea for a special occasion. Most tea lovers like having a collection of different teapots, waiting for the right moment to be used. We discuss the most famous teapots and their historical significance.

Chinese Teapots

Teapots were invented and first used in China and the design is said to be based on the Chinese wine ewer. The first mention of China teapot is seen in a book?which says that the British East India Company officials in 1694 directed to be sent?teapots made in China. They specifically asked these pots to have a grate before the spout. They actually wanted a barrier in place before the beverage was poured in mugs to hold tea leaves behind. This was the first time that teapots with infusers were made.

Japanese Teapots

Tea was introduced to Japan from China by travelling Buddhist monks. Japanese teapot is traditionally known as Kusu while the teapot that was obtained from Yixing was referred to as cha-hu. There have been many shapes and designs of Kyusu in vogue in Japan. It can have a side handle or a handle at the rear.

Indian Teapots

In rural India, tea is still consumed in earthen pots or cups made of red clay. During formal occasions such as festivals and functions, teapots made of bone china or porcelain are used in different parts of the country. White teapots are standard across the country. A glass teapot set is used at special ceremonies to make a good impression on?guests, served in glass cups and the best table clothes.

English Teapots

The British imported not only tea but also teapots from China and India. English teapots were mostly pear-shaped whereas now nearly any shape and the colour is possible. Who would have thought we would see black, red or even multicoloured?teapots! Or a teapot that sits on top of a matching mug to serve tea for one.

European Teapots

The East India Company introduced not only tea to England but also Chinese teapots to Europe. It was in Germany that first attempt to make earthen teapots similar to those from?Asia was made. They tried to make soft paste porcelain, but they were fragile and often broke when hot tea was poured into them. Eventually, the breakthrough in making teapots was achieved in France where they also decorated these first?teapots with Rococo and elaborate baroque designs.

Turkish Teapots

Turkey is one of the biggest consumers of tea today and also have a rich history of drinking tea and different ways to make tea. Turkish tea drinkers use a double teapot called a ‘caydanlik’, to prepare strong black tea. Water is boiled in the lower pot while dry leaves are placed in the top-pot.

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5 Reasons to Drink Tea in Summer

Summer is here and with it your daily dose of vitamin D, and the warmth of the summer sun. However, along with that sun kissed glow comes the suns harmful and damaging UV radiation that can often leave skin looking dull and dry.?Counteracting these effects by drinking tea will allow for their powerful antioxidants, known as polyphenols, to reduce free radical damage and improve overall antioxidant activity. So while its important to keep the sunscreen handy and the SPF high, packing an extra iced tea bag into your summer cooler can provide a great second line of defense.

Next, tea can boost your metabolism and help you feel ready to adorn that new summer swimsuit just in time for summer. Sound too good to be true? Well, research has shown that drinking 3-5 cups of green tea a day inhibits the bodies glucose absorption into fat cells and work to stabilize these glucose levels, reducing overall appetite and working to prevent dramatic insulin spikes, an especially common byproduct of sugary sodas.

Third, and perhaps most obvious, is that drinking more tea will inevitably keep you more hydrated when the temperatures rise and your body needs it most! Debunking the myth that caffeinated teas will actually dehydrate you, studies reveal that even in a tea that is high in caffeine, there is still an overall net gain of fluid. In fact, time and time again, tea has been proven to be as hydrating a choice as water, but packs in an extra punch with its antioxidant density and other health benefits.

Give your workout an extra boost! With summer weather providing a perfect reason to get back outside and exercise, supplementing your workout with tea can increase muscle strength and reduce the risk of injury. The flavonoids found in green tea specifically are shown to reduce the risk of fracture and improve bone formation. Combine this with teas ability to lower blood pressure and use antioxidants to increase the bodies ability to burn fat for fuel and youre well on your way to your healthiest summer yet!

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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!

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Daily Stress of Life and How Tea can Address the Same

In modern industrialized society stress is as bad as cancer. It lurks deep inside your mind and feed itself on your vulnerabilities, weaknesses and shortcomings. Stress crops its head up whenever a situation overwhelms you and you start believing yourself inferior to overcome the situation. Sounds familiar?

We often portray stress as a villain; but all is not bad about stress. Psychologically speaking stress has positive sides too. It prepares our body and mind to face any danger and perform better under pressure or in emergency. Our nervous system and our body’s defense mechanism get into an automatic high-alert mode to protect us from any possible harm. It is called “stress response”.

However, too much of anything is bad. So, frequent exposure to emergencies and threats causes stress responses to persist; making permanent damage to human mind and body. At this point stress becomes negative and harmful. Some of the common symptoms of stress going overboard are:

  • Depression
  • Pain in body, especially joints
  • Sleep disorder
  • Digestion problem
  • Skin diseases
  • Poor memory and attention
  • Autoimmune diseases

Managing stress

It takes regular monitoring and controlling of stress levels once a person is diagnosed with chronic stress. Such process is commonly called stress management. There are different tools and psychotherapeutic techniques for managing stress. However, for relief from your daily stress there are a few home remedies and having herbal tea is one of them. Yes; it might sound trivial but they are tested and trusted therapies.

Let us discuss common varieties of teas, which are highly effective against stress.

Mint green tea

This is a variety of Green tea blended with Mentha Piperita or common mint. Its rich aroma soothes nerve and relieve anxiety. When under stress, our muscles contract to prepare our body for emergency. Mint extract is natural muscle relaxant.  So, if you are feeling irritated or anxious having a cup of mint tea is exactly what you need.

Chamomile tea

Chamomile is daisy like plant with lots of medicinal usage. Generally, Green tea is used as base in making chamomile tea from its dried flower petals. However, chamomile infusion can be taken without green tea. It is a natural sleep inducer; traditionally, used as herbal medicine in treating sleep deprivation. Mild flavour of chamomile has relaxing effect on nerve. A cup of chamomile tea before bed time can erase your everyday stress.

Tulsi tea

Negative stress has lots of toxic impact on our body and health. We need to detoxify regularly for overcoming torments of daily stress. Tulsi tea is considered having strong detoxifying impact. Natural anti-oxidants in Tulsi infusion also rejuvenates your nerves and make your body gain back the lost energy naturally.

Along with all these herbal infusions, green tea, on its own, is also a very good stress buster. Polyphenols in Green tea helps you to fight anxiety. It is adaptogenica and keeps you alert without causing drowsiness.

How to prepare these herbal infusions?

You can prepare any of the above infusions at home with right ingredients. They are simple to prepare but time-consuming; might not be an option in your busy schedule. Another alternative is using naturally blended green tea varieties from TE-A-ME Teas. They are available in tea bags for instant usage; natural blending of these herbals with green tea keeps all the medicinal qualities intact. So, we don’t have to worry about the healthy goodness.