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Storm in a tea cup

Sales of herbal teas are booming as more and more people cut out caffeine in the quest for a healthier lifestyle

Written by Byron Loker

24 Jan 2005 -- In a world that is becoming increasingly demanding on our time and energy, there is nothing like a cup of tea to revive flagging spirits. While consumption of traditional tea has fallen by a third in five years (according to a UK market report by analyst Taylor Nelson Sofres), makers of alternative brews have seen sales rise by at least 10 % per year since 1999, as herbal and fruit varieties of tea are becoming a daily drink.

Traditional teas, such as those from India, Ceylon and Kenya contain almost as much of the stimulant as instant coffee. It is good to know that there are alternatives, like Green tea, which has long been known to have antioxidants which combat the effects of free radicals and help to boost the immune system, however, when choosing an herbal tea remedy as an alternative, experts say to be sure to pick the right one. While fruit flavoured teas - such as blackcurrant, apple and orange - tend to be delicious, they are developed for their flavouring and tend to be blended from synthetic ingredients.

Herbal teas, on the other hand, often contain real herbs. This means that they make effective remedies if drunk at least three to four times a day as a substitute for regular tea. So says Chris Loker, co-owner of Polari-Tea, a South African-produced herbal tea remedy. “An increasing number of people are turning to herbal drinks to help them cope with more stressful lifestyles which often entail having to balance careers, relationships and family life. We are seeing a marked increase in interest in our herbal tea, as people seek healthier, non-caffeinated, hot drink alternatives. In addition, people are turning to natural, indigenous medicinal remedies in a backlash against chemical and drug solutions.

“A cup of traditional tea contains about 40mg of caffeine, compared to 65mg in instant coffee and 150mg in filter coffee. The World Health Organisation recommends a maximum caffeine intake of under 300mg a day, so one can appreciate the health benefits of switching to an herbal-based tea alternative.”

A perennial favourite with South African tipplers, Rooibos Tea, has been scientifically shown to be more than just an enjoyable beverage; it contains many physiologically active compounds which may be beneficial to a healthier life. “Healthy doesn't necessarily mean non-tasty,” says Loker, “and the remedial and medical benefits of tea alternatives are widespread. We are bombarded by toxins both internally derived -stress, tension - and environmental created, and need to keep clearing our systems. For many years, people have considered chamomile tea as an alternative; it has a calming effect, and peppermint tea is also drunk as an aid to digestion. Flavoured teas are also popular among people looking for a caffeine-free hot drink, which in addition is low in calories.”

The Polari-Tea recipe has its origins in ancient Ayurvedic knowledge, which has been passed down through the ages, and perfected with modern scientific input to bring an “elixir” for 21st century living. Because people are used to drinking about three cups of tea a day, there is a reluctance to believe that tea-drinking is beneficial to health. Yet, switching to an alternative, such as Polari-Tea, can, not only reduce the health risks associated with excessive caffeine intake, but actually bring an improvement in health in many areas and offer prevention against ailments, rather than treatment once they exist, says Loker.

It has been reported in the media recently that, anecdotally, some compounds in spices and herbs, including those found in red chilli, black pepper, fennel, cloves, basil and ginger, have been identified as powerful aids in fighting cancer, with clinical trials now under way in the US. Scientists claim, for instance, that curcumin, an active component of turmeric, protects the body’s normal cells and fights cancer cells.

“Polari-Tea is a cleansing and revitalizing hot drink made from a formula of 7 herbs that are reputed to detoxify the body, assist with weight loss, aid digestion and sooth cramps. It contains herbs such as aniseed, which is reputed to help in the easing of cramps, intestinal colic and flatulence, as well as fennel seed, which many people claim strengthens digestion and calms the nerves,” continues Chris Loker.

Polari-Tea’s herbal ingredients also include ginger, often referred to as the “universal medicine” as it promotes gastric secretions and acts as a liver tonic, is reputed to loosen mucous and is also good for sore throats. Further ingredients of Polari-Tea include fenugreek, often quoted as aiding convalescence, as well as aiding in nervous, respiratory and reproductive systems; linseed which is said to be an excellent tonic for colon and lungs as well as a laxative and bowel detoxifier; and peppermint, which has been found to relieve intestinal colic, act as a mild anaesthetic to the stomach and can calm feelings of nausea and vomiting.

Licorice, also found in Polari-Tea, considered by many to dispel mucous and act as a mild laxative, on many occasions also relieves spasms and inflammation, and is widely used for its ability to restore and rejuvenate the body.