By Patrick Snyder


Tea has always been a popular beverage but lately that popularity has continued to rise. If you are tired of drinking caffeine-laden beverages you may want to sample one of the many herbal blends loose leaf tea options that are available. Some can be incredibly delicious and may have beneficial effects as well. If the idea of purchasing something other than orange pekoe interest you, here are some things that you should consider.

You may wonder why people choose loose leaf beverages when there are many that are conveniently packaged in individual bags. Some people do not like the idea of using cloth or paper bags because they feel the taste of the beverage will be affected. They may also feel that the water is able to access more of the leaves when the tea is steeping and the flavor will be much better.

You may be surprised to learn that some herbal products can have fairly strong effects on your health. Chamomile, a popular ingredient in some recipes, can be quite effective in making someone tired and more able to sleep well. If you need to reduce the water in your system, drinking beverages that include dandelion can help have a diuretic effect. It is no wonder that traditional healers often use herbal teas to treat medical conditions.

While it can be convenient to simply toss a bag in hot water using loose leaf products is no longer as difficult as it was. Now there are many different pots and thermos models that use an integrated strainer to keep stray leaves from getting into your drink. Make sure that you use a strainer that is fine enough to trap small leaf fragments.

Caffeine sensitivity can be one reason why some people drink herbal beverages. Keep in mind that some teas can have as much caffeine or more than coffee. Others have different compounds that still give an energy boost. If you are very sensitive to these types of compounds, you may want to ask an expert whether you can minimize the effect or whether a different herbal blend might be better for you.

You should also find out what you need to do to prepare a particular blend properly. Some will need water that is warmer or cooler than others. Details to ask about include how much tea to add to your strainer and how long to let it steep. Some products can become bitter if they are allowed to steep for too long.

You may be amazed at how easy it is to find these products. Now, many pharmacies and supermarkets are beginning to sell loose leaf tea that you can try. If you want very specialized recipes you may be able to find what you are looking for and have it shipped to you in a relatively short period of time. If you are just starting to explore the world of tea you may want to shop at a store and take advantage of the staff's knowledge and experience.

Of course, once you have found several types of tea that you like you may be tempted to buy them in bulk. This may not be the best idea. Leaves can get stale and you will want to make sure that your leaves are as fresh and flavorful as possible.




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