It’s about that time…time for FINALS! It’s the end of the school year, and you’ve worked hard all year. Summer break is tantalizingly close- but you just have to ace those pesky tests and you’ll be home free!
To stay alert and do your best, switch up coffee for tea and enjoy tea’s mental perks.
1. Pick your Stimulating Potion: Black Tea
Good Morning! You have a lot to do today, so why not start with some black tea? Power through what you need to do with this caffeinated tea, which will help improve memory, learning, and information processing. It also is used to alleviate headaches and low blood pressure. The teas also contain a type of antioxidant called polyphenols – always helpful when combating free radicals. Depending on the variety, you may want to add some milk or sweetener. After all, you’re going to need all the natural energy you can get!
2. Get Going with Green Tea
The leaves come from the same plant as black tea, but fresh leaves are steamed. Green tea also contains caffeine, so it has the same mental stimulating qualities as black tea. It may also help with weight loss and some stomach disorders.
Try agave, honey or stevia to counteract some of the bitterness, and don’t let green tea steep too long. You can also add some cayenne pepper if you need to warm up fast!
3. Gear Up with Ginger
If you find yourself with a bit of an upset stomach – from nerves, or too much late night indulgences, a spot of ginger tea can provide some warm soothing relief. Ginger is a root of the plant Zingiber officinale, and the herb is used both medicinally, and as an ingredient in food.
Ginger helps reduce symptoms of nausea and motion sickness. Studies show it may also be used to treat aches and pains associated with muscle soreness, menstrual cramps and respiratory tract infections. Ginger contains over 50 antioxidants.
Honey or agave nectar compliment ginger well, and you can enjoy the tea hot or cold. This tea is perfect when you are headed out to tackle your day.
4. Recharge with Rooibos
Rooibos has been indigenous to African Bushmen for hundreds of years, but only began being traded globally in the 20th century. Lucky for us, we are able to start our day ready with Rooibos!
For people looking for an alternative to caffeinated teas, Rooibos also contain antioxidants, possibly as high as 50% more than green tea. It is also low in tannins, which can stain teeth, and make tea taste bitter. Rooibos may be a bit gentler on the stomach compared to oxidized black or non-oxidized green tea.
Let it steep for at least a full five minutes. You can prepare it with milk or lemon, and you may find that it’s slightly sweeter than other teas. You can also enjoy it hot or cold, and reheating doesn’t detract from its flavor. Pack it up in a Thermos and head out to class.
5. Keep Calm with Chamomile
When you’re ready to relax and get a good night’s rest after studying (and partying!), you can fix a cup of chamomile tea. Ch
amomile tea may help reduce symptoms of insomnia or anxiety. The plants are from the Asteraceae family which resemble a daisy. The two most common forms are German or Roman chamomile.
Note: Chamomile is not recommended for women who are pregnant. For folks with allergies to ragwood, marigolds or daisies, it may also cause an allergic reaction. Always check with your medical professional about healthcare advice and food interactions.
What’s the secret to surviving finals? Taking care of yourself! Get some decent sleep, eat something with protein, and have a tasty cuppa- it is just what you need as you review your notes one more time and cram before grabbing that little blue book.
Good luck!
DID YOU KNOW?
Tea was mentioned in the high-school based movie Grease?
Sandy: My parents want to invite you over for tea on Sunday.
Danny: I don’t like tea.
Sandy: (laughing) You don’t have to drink tea.
Danny: I don’t like parents.
“Top 5 Teas to Help You Power Through Finals”
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