Given the chaos, health hazards and pollution levels that’re woven into our lives, a simple cup of tea can do wonders.
Forget the din of the world while you drink a cup of tea. The steam filled with the aroma of the tea oozing out of the cup makes you crave for more.
Health benefits
Not only does tea give relief from fatigue and exhaustion, but it also induces tranquility and mental equilibrium. “Drinking tea has a soothing effect on the digestive and nervous system, creates a sense of well being free from intemperance, and stimulates the spinal cord, stomach and intestine” says Dr. Sandeep Lakhtakia, senior gastroenterologist, CARE. Tea is said to engender psychological solace and satisfaction, accentuate consciousness and enhance memory and perception. Says Dr. Sushil Dhama, Noida Medical Center, “components of black tea include catechins (which lowers blood cholesterol and reduces the incidence of cancer), caffeine (which stimulates wakefulness, relieves fatigue and headaches and acts as diuretic) and flavonoids (strengthens blood vessels).”
Beauty with tea
Green tea is the magic potion behind great skin. It is devoid of chemicals and is rich in minerals, vitamins and acids. It works best when mixed with other herbal ingredients. To treat regular skin and hair problems beautician Sathi Dutta suggests that you boil green tea leaves in pure water to make green tea liquor.
To control oily skin: Green tea has astringent qualities that work wonders in controlling over-active sebaceous glands, especially during hot summers. Pour green tea liquor into an ice tray and freeze. Rub it over your face and watch it glow. It will hold off sweat and oiliness and allow make-up to stay for hours.
To banish body odor: Take green tea liquor and rose petals in steel bowl and soak overnight. Next day, strain it and mix it with water and take a bath with the concoction. You won’t suffer from BO and the rose water will keep you smelling great all day.
To cleanse: Take a fistful of chopped cabbage and boil it in a cup of water till the water level reduces to half. Stir in a half a cup of green tea liquor and one teaspoon of vinegar. Store it in a clean glass jar and refrigerate. Use this as your daily cleanser and you will benefit from the antioxidant properties of tea.
To freshen up: Take a cup of green tea liquor, four teaspoons of juice each from tulsi and mint leaves and three drops of peppermint oil. Mix all the ingredients in a jar and freeze. Use it as a face toner to revitalize dull skin.
So have your cuppa or two and get rejuvenated both internally and externally!
