If you’re in the mood for a hot and soothing beverage during a chilly day, a comforting blend of herbal tea may just be what you need. Not only does it offer a fragrant and appealing change from black tea, it also has nourishing elements that come from a fusion of leaves, seeds, roots and bark extracted in hot water. Hugo Chetcuti’s team of tea specialists have come up with a guide detailing the effects that this delicious and healthy beverage has on our body.
Lemongrass tea
This citrusy-tasting plant is an ancient Chinese remedy for digestive problems. It contains a compound called ‘citral’ aids the digestion of food, so it’s best served right after a large meal. The potassium found within lemongrass regulates blood pressure and helps to purify the liver. Moreover, lemongrass is also rich in Vitamin A and C which are great for preserving healthy skin and hair.
Mint tea
Used for centuries as a remedial treatment for various illnesses, mint tea is recognised for its rejuvenating aroma and invigorating flavour. Drinking between four or five cups a day can relieve coughs and sore throats, along with loosening congestion in respiratory infections. The scent can also boost mental faculties and help you to be more alert, whilst the taste can freshen up your breath after eating food rich in onions or garlic.
Hugo Chetcuti recommends: Rooibush tea
The main ingredient in this type of brew is rooibos, a South African plant rich in antioxidants and responsible for the reddish colour of the drink. It can help to slow down the aging process and contains curative properties for skin conditions like eczema. Rooibos can also ease stomach cramps and is rich in calcium, iron, potassium and many other minerals.
Jasmine Tea
Perhaps the most potent quality of jasmine is the number of antioxidants it possesses. Green tea is often used as a base and is known for its high levels of catechin, which inhibits the level of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) in the blood. Furthermore, its ability to metabolise glucose has proved jasmine to be highly useful in preventing conditions that may lead to diabetes.
Sencha tea
The Japanese are just as fanatical about green tea as their Eastern neighbours, the Chinese. Sencha is the most common ingredient amongst most of the tea manufactured in Japan, and as with jasmine tea, it’s high in catechin content. Although it doesn’t have as much caffeine as a cup of coffee, it has more than other tea varieties making it a top morning booster and stimulates metabolism.
For a cleansing and purifying experience, come and sample some of the herbal teas at Bacco Sticks and Sum, a Chinese-influenced establishment owned by Hugo Chetcuti. We offer a choice between black, green and herbal, so there’s bound to be something for everyone. Don’t forget to try out some of our mouth-watering dim sum specialities while you’re here!
