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High blood pressure, known scientifically as hypertension, is a chronic medical condition. Hypertension can be dangerous, and is associated with an increased risk of potentially fatal conditions, including heart attack and heart failure, stroke, aneurysm, and kidney failure. Fortunately, there are a number of effective natural treatments for hypertension, including exercise, diet, and herbal remedies. This article focuses on one herbal remedy for naturally lowering blood pressure that is safe, inexpensive, and widely available: hibiscus tea.

What is Hibiscus Tea?

Hibiscus tea is a drink made out of the sepals of the roselle plant, Hibiscus sabdariffa. This drink is popular as a beverage in a number of countries worldwide, particularly in the Carribean, Africa (where it is called karkade in North Africa, bissap in Senegal). Hibiscus tea is sour, aromatic, and has a deep purplish-red color. Hibiscus tea can be easily brewed at home by steeping the dried sepals in water just as you would any herbal tea.

Studies of Hibiscus Used to Lower Blood Pressure:

Hibiscus has been studied more thoroughly than a number of herbs and has been found to be effective for lowering blood pressure. Both the extract of the plant, and hibiscus tea itself have been directly studied in recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials. The mechanism of action is also beginning to be understood: it is thought that hibiscus acts as an ACE inhibitor, a well-known and well-studied class of hypotensive (blood pressure lowering) drugs. Perhaps more importantly, the quantity of hibiscus tea used in one study suggests that the benefits of this treatment are available to people who consume a moderate amount of hibiscus tea daily.

Comparison With Medications:

There are a wide variety of prescription medications used to lower blood pressure, and only a few of them have been compared to hibiscus in scientific studies. One study found hibiscus to be roughly comparable in effect to captopril (brand name Capoten), an older drug. It was found to have a weaker effect than lisinopril (also known as Prinivil, Tensopril, Zestril, or Hipril), a newer and more powerful drug.

Safety & Side Effects:

Hibiscus tea has been widely consumed as a beverage worldwide, for thousands of years. It is an ingredient in many herbal teas and is generally considered to be a safe beverage ingredient. In addition, the clinical studies have observed a noticeable absence of strong side effects–in pharmacological language, the tolerability of hibiscus is outstanding. This safety profile stands in stark contrast to the synthetic ACE inhibitors, which have a number of common unpleasant side effects, and some potentially dangerous ones as well, leading to many contraindications for these drug treatments.

The primary complaint about hibiscus tea is one of taste: the drink is very sour. Although some people complain that the drink is too acidic, others love the sour taste. In fact, hibiscus is one of the most popular ingredients in herbal tea blends, and is usually used primarily to impart a sour flavor and a deep red color: the well-known Celestial Seasonings Zinger teas (Red Zinger, Lemon Zinger, etc.) all have hibiscus as a main ingredient.

Other Benefits and Medicinal Uses:

One advantage of natural remedies over their modern pharmacological counterparts is that natural herbal remedies often have additional benefits. In the case of hibiscus, these benefits have not been as thoroughly studied, but there is some evidence from animal studies that hibiscus may protect against liver damage, lower cholesterol levels, and have an antipyretic (fever-lowering) effect.

Buying Hibiscus Tea:

Hibiscus tea is widely available virtually everywhere worldwide; although the pure drink is less widely available in the United States, supermarkets in the U.S. stock a number of herbal teas that have hibiscus as one of the main ingredients. Hibiscus is also available in bulk through a number of mail order tea and herb companies.

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Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world. What is the first? Well water of course! But after water it is tea. There are so many variations to this beverage that it is easy to see how it is the second most consumed beverage.

You can drink it hot or cold, it can be made from traditional tea leaves, exotic blends of herbs and fruits, and out of other types of plant materials and roots!

There are just so many types of tea that this alone explains how it is the second most consumed beverage in the world.

Just as there are many different kinds and types of tea, there are many bizarre tea facts. We are going to share five Tea Facts with you in this article.

Tea Fact #1

The True Age of Tea

Tea is often said to be traced back to a Chinese Emperor, Shen Nung who live over 4700 years ago. Although this is likely not true, the earliest record that confirms the cultivation of tea is dated to the 4th century China. Drinking tea leaves steeped in a tea pot did not become popular until the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and modern tea drinking is about the same age.

Tea Fact #2

Tea Contains Less Caffeine than Coffee

Tea contains about 50% less caffeine than coffee, making it a great alternative to those that are sensitive to caffeine intake. Tea can also be made to be decaffeinated as most of the caffeine is released in the first few minutes of the steep.

Tea Fact #3

Tea is Money!!

Until the nineteenth century, solid blocks of tea were used as money in Siberia. Who would believe that tea blocks were used as currency!

Tea Fact #4

North Americans Love Tea!

While England is the one of the countries that is acclaimed for its tea consumption, 5 out of 6 North Americans drink tea! (Whoa! What a tea fact! I would have never guessed!) It is the most popular and cheapest beverage, next to water, in the world.

Tea Fact #5

White Tea Vs Green Tea

White Tea has a higher anti-oxidant level than green tea, making it superior in it’s ability to boost the immune system and heal the body.

I hope you enjoyed these interesting facts about Tea!

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Peppermint tea is always an excellent choice. It is an herbal tea, made from the leaves of the peppermint plant. Sometimes it is called simply mint tea. This means it has no caffeine in it, so you can happily drink it with no ’shock’ effects to your body.

Peppermint tea has been known throughout history and many people swear by its healing properties. It can help your stomach settle down after a meal, much like a digestion aid. It has a really cool, fresh taste that gives your whole body a nice feeling. It is also good when you have a diarrhea attack or suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. As it settles your stomach, it is also excellent when you have stomach cramps or just tummy ache.

Peppermint does away with bad breath which is why it is often a main ingredient in toothpaste. It is also good for headaches as is the essential oil of peppermint. Not only that but it can help alleviate coughs and colds. Another way to help with coughs and colds is if you can inhale the steam of the peppermint tea (for this it has to be very hot) – simply put your face over the steam (careful, not too close) and for extra effect you can cover your head in a towel so the steam is directed to your face and throat. Make sure you have the bowl of tea on a secure table so that you won’t spill the hot liquid and burn yourself. If you have a sore throat, try gargling with peppermint tea.

The property of menthol in peppermint tea has an antibacterial component which helps get rid of unfriendly bacteria and viruses. It really has many uses. If you have sore muscles, try some peppermint tea. You can also use it to treat skin problems and you can soak a pad in the cool tea and apply to the skin – it even soothes sunburn.

As you can see this tea has many, many health benefits, which is why it is and has been such a popular herbal tea. You can buy it at almost any supermarket or go to one of the many tea websites online and purchase it and it will be delivered to your door.

You can make it yourself from the dried or fresh leaves of peppermint, depending on the season. Simply pour boiling water over the leaves and let them steep for a few minutes before you strain the tea. You can drink it hot or cold (it’s very refreshing served with ice on a hot summer’s day). It is refreshing and tasty. An amazing tea with many ways to help your body.

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Dan Marion who is the NFL hall of fame had piled on excess pounds due to low activity post retirement but has regained the lot confidence and appearance with the help of Nutrisystem Diet Supplement. The Nutrisystem vitamins have greatly helped aging men to get back their strength and at the same time get rid of excess weight. As you grow old your metabolism becomes weak and you are not even left with enough stamina to sweat it out at gym. Some face diabetes problem and too much workout can fatigue them and also lower their blood sugar levels.

Nutrisystem fibre and vitamin enriched food is one answer to get a body like Dan even at the age of 50. The Nutri system meals are low in sodium and cholesterol unlike other packaged meals. The meal products are designed for people above 60 which can propel them to lower their blood sugar and also help in weight loss. The success of weight loss by Dan Marino with the help of Nutrisystem has made him the brand ambassador of Nutri system and some of its supplements are sold under the name of Dan Marino.

The Nutrisystem vitamins are packed with essential oils and age defying anti oxidants. These vitamins also contain green tea, biloba and lutin extracts which are great anti oxidants and also ease stress. The Nutri system vitamin supplements are fortified with vitamin A, C, B6 Bd B12

There are several aged men who look up to Dan Marino and have benefitted from Nutrisystem diet plan as well as Nutrisystem vitamin supplements. Nutrisystem has been in the trade for over 30 years. It started as just a shop in Pennsylvania selling health foods and food related consultancy and today its meals and products are available all over US and Canada.

Today with the spread of online you can get help from experts at Nutrisystem even if you are miles away from them. You can subscribe to online diets and also but Nutrisystem weight loss equipments. Nutrisystem weight loss vitamin supplements are great to keep your body vitalized and if you are working out or following a strict diet it will prevent any form nutritional deficit.

Vitamins are essential for the body and helps in proper functioning of the body. These are required in less quantity as compared to macronutrients carbohydrates, fate and proteins. But deficiency of vitamins can cause several deficiency diseases and your immunity is also low. But you cannot live only on nutrients; you need carbs, protein and fat to absorb these nutrients.

Vitamins present in fruits and vegetables are often lost due to over cooking sometimes eating low fat and low fat food can make you feel low on energy and it’s these supplements that come to your aid then. Nutrisystem vitamins are enriched with vitamin A which is good for eye sight, then Vitamin D helps in absorption of calcium and Vitamin B fro other body functions, Vitamin C provides suppleness to skins. Nutrisystem vitamins have proven their worth and help in maintain a good revitalized mind and body.

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If you want to look and feel younger without prescription drugs or surgery something as simple as adding green tea to your diet may be an effective option. This very simple yet effective and tasty drink may very well reverse some of the more visible signs of aging!

Studies have indicated that green tea’s powerful combination of biological compounds, called polyphenols which has a subgroup called “catechins” are extremely effective at destroying free radicals which can help reverse the aging process.

The most powerful of these catechins is a compound called EGCG. This is a natural antioxidant found in green tea or green tea extract which has 25-100 times the potency of vitamin C or E.

Here is one very interesting example. There is strong evidence supporting the notion that drinking green tea may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s.

Healthy cells exposed to “amlyoid”, a protein highly linked to Alzheimer’s, rapidly died ( a condition called “cell death” ) due to the high toxicity of this protein. On the other hand, cells exposed to amlyoid and then exposed to green tea extracts containing catechins survived.

These amazing findings are too powerful to be ignored and give strong support to the notion that consuming green tea or green tea extract may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

There are many other anti-aging benefits related to drinking green tea such as: Reducing age spots, clarifying the skin, protecting against the suns UV rays, lowering LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol)…

More good news! There is no real downside to moderate sensible tea consumption. Green tea does contain caffine, which could be related to insomnia, anxiety, or other symptoms caused by the caffeine content naturally present in green tea.

A recommended dosage would be 300-400 mg of polyphenols daily to fully realize the anti-aging properties of green tea or green tea extract. One cup beverage contains about 50-100 mg of polyphenols, depending on the quantity and quality of tea leaves used.

Compared to most artificially sweetend, overly processed and overpriced beverages out there today, you can’t find a more healthy substance to put into your body than green tea. With every enjoyable cup you’re doing your mind and body a favor – slowing the aging process the easy way!

Travel Guide

Tea, once the beverage of Chinese royals, has spread today to most parts of the world. Along with its spread across the world, the methods of production and brewing have also undergone a sea change. Each part of the world has tea traditions unique to them, may it be the brewing of tea or its production. With the development of unique traditions and customs related to tea, various different varieties of tea have also been discovered. Let us then have a look at some of the tea traditions in Asia, the birthplace of tea. It would be prudent to look at the tea traditions of the two most important tea producing and consuming nations of the world, China and India. Let us start with China, where tea was discovered.

China Tea

Chinese culture places a high importance to the consumption of tea, especially at any social gathering. Tea can be found in almost every neighborhood in China. Tea houses, places who specialize in making various varieties of tea and snacks to be consumed with tea, are dotted across the country, more so in the cities. From late afternoon, when people start coming out of work, till late in the night these places are packed with people.

All through Chinese history the production of tea has evolved greatly. It started of with the compressed tea bricks found during the Tang Dynasty. Later, during the Song Dynasty, tea was found as a fine whitish powder. This was the period when a great development took place in the production of White Tea. The tradition of making a cup of tea from loose leaf tea took place in the fourteenth century during the Ming Dynasty when a royal proclamation was issued to state that tea would be accepted as tribute only if given in the loose leaf form. Most of the modern methods of tea production developed during the Qing Dynasty in the eighteenth centuryToday, in modern China, tea in still prepared on special occasions to make the day memorable. It is used to show respect to elders by the younger generation.

This is done by the young serving tea to the elders. Tea is used in any family gathering, especially on Sundays when the entire family gets together after a week of hard work. Tea can also be used as a sign of apology. This is done by a person pouring out tea to whom he wants to apologize. Lastly, the Chinese also serve to share the exquisite flavors of the tea they have brewed and also to share their peace of mind.

India Tea

In India, which is the largest producer of tea, tea traditions have remained the same since tea was introduced in the nineteenth century by the British East India Company. Here, tea is popular all across the country as breakfast and evening drink. The most popular method of brewing tea is by boiling the tea leaves along with sugar and milk. Served across thousands of roadside stalls across the country, this is known as masala chai. The tea served in high society gatherings is generally aromatic.

Most Indian tea is Black Tea. Grown in Darjeeling, Assam and the Nilgiris, the tea is judged according to its fragrance, strength of taste and heaviness of the leaves. The most expensive variety is the Darjeeling tea and is known for its light color and exquisite aroma. Assam tea is dark and has a strong taste. Nilgiri tea is also dark and it is a variety of tea which is highly flavored.

In India, it is the cultural practice to offer tea and not alcoholic drinks to visitors. In fact tea is so common in India that it is referred to as Chai-Pani, which literally means tea and water, but is used to mean tips, wages and even bribery!

Besides these two countries, other nations of Asia such as Japan, Myanmar, Tibet, Sri Lanka and Pakistan have their own unique customs. However, there would be no stopping if one got into the tea traditions of each country, so important and revered is this drink!

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Even though the hibiscus is primarily grown for the decorative properties of its flowers, many cultures call the hibiscus tea their preferred drink. Even in ancient times, there is evidence that show Pharaohs of ancient Egypt drinking the hibiscus tea. This drink is usually a mixture of black tea with hibiscus flavoring.

Where does the hibiscus tea come from?

The seeds of the hibiscus plant are planted in late spring or during the summer. These will produce a bush type plant which will produce the flowers in which the tea will be derived from. Each different species of hibiscus will produce a different flavor of tea. With over 200 different known species of the hibiscus in the world today there are many different variations of hibiscus tea available for you to sample.

Where they are grown

The hibiscus tree is typically found in tropical and subtropical regions where sunlight is abundant. The plant itself comes in many different shapes and forms, such as bushy shrubs as well as small trees. The flower itself is rather large and stands out. Other than its ability to provide great tasting tea, its conspicuous nature makes it popular for decorations. In Hawaii, the flower of the hibiscus is a popular flower for the use of making leis.

Benefits

The hibiscus tea has been known for many health benefits. Regular intake of the hibiscus tea has been known to prevent constipation, bladder infection, as well as prevent high blood pressure. The hibiscus flower that is made into a form of herbal tea is usually mixed with black tea and another product known as rosehip. Even though the studies that provided this information are not scientific in nature, it is still widely believed by many.

Other than tea, the hibiscus is also used to create other drinks. In Jamaica, for example, an iced drink derived from hibiscus is very popular.

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The kind of tea you choose determines the benefits you get from it. But whether you choose black, green, or white tea, there’s always the guarantee of getting the rich aroma and healthy advantage of drinking brewed tea. So what is the best and ideal drink for your tea kettle?

Black tea is regarded as the most complete of them all. Aside from the regular antioxidant polyphenol, it also contains significant amount of fluoride and manganese that help you build stronger bones. Additionally, the University College of London revealed in their research that black tea is also very good in calming a person in times of stress and tension since it can reduce the level of the stress hormone called cortisol. It is recommended to drink four cups of black tea every day to effectively absorb the nutritional and mineral benefits.

If black tea is considered the more complete variety, green tea on the other hand is best if you want to lose weight. A research in Japan found out that green tea has the ability to clean and eliminate body fat and cholesterol especially in the arteries leading to the heart. So aside from ensuring the breakdown of fat and cholesterol, it can also speed up your metabolism through the component called catechins. What you need is at least five cups of green tea every day to feel the benefits.

White tea has very high levels of natural antioxidants since it is the least processed of all the varieties of tea. It is therefore ideal for maintaining good skin. The antioxidants, elastin, and collagen are perfect ingredients for preventing rapid aging and skin deterioration.

For diabetics, the best tea kettle should contain chamomile tea. It is considered by experts as the best variety for preventing the aggravation of diabetic symptoms and complications. The ingredients and chemicals found in chamomile are responsible for stopping the development of an enzyme that’s causing the growth of diabetic signs.

The last option is oolong tea. It is a variety found mostly in the provinces of China. A good amount of catechins present in oolong is credited for keeping your teeth white, strong, and healthy. Furthermore, the antimicrobial properties help protect the teeth and gums from decay and other damages.

The kind of tea you will be choosing depends mainly on your needs. But what’s sure is as long as you practice drinking any type of tea every day, you’re guaranteed to feel and absorb the good benefits in no time.

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Tea tree oil is an herb with many functions and has been used by Australian Aboriginal people for centuries. They used the leaves of the tree as an antifungal and antiseptic by crushing the leaves and making a pack.

It was considered essential by the Australian government for the first aid kit of armed forces during the Second World War. Once the war was over, there was an increased use of antibiotics which led to a decrease in the use tea tree oil’s all over except in Australia. In 1960, itl regained its popularity everywhere. Today, Melaleuca alternifolia is grown in many places including California.

The properties of the tea tree oil are present in its leaves. The oil is manufactured by the process of steam – distillation of the leaves. The main active substances in the oil are 1,8-cineole, terpinen-4-ol, p-cymene, gamma-terpinene and other turpenes. The aroma of the oil is that of a pleasant disinfectant.

Uses include:

o Antiseptic : It can be used to treat conditions like insect bites, burns, cuts, acne, bruises, infected wounds, boils, scabies, chillblains, lice, diaper rash, hives, prickly heat, and sunburn as it is an excellent natural antiseptic.

o Anti inflammatory : It has anti inflammatory properties and can be applied topically for sprains, bunions, arthritis, bursitis, gout, eczema, hemorrhoids and also carpal tunnel syndrome.

o Analgesic : It can be used for relief from pain

o Anti Fungal : It also has Anti Fungal function which can take care of athlete’s foot, albicans, thrush, jock itch, ringworm, and onychomycosis (Infection of the nails).

o Preventive: Surgeons in hospitals in Australia treat patients with it before surgery to help those with chronic illnesses like chronic fatigue syndrome and give a boost to the suppressed immune system.

o Household cleaning: It is natural solvent which makes it an excellent biodegradable cleaning agent. It can be used as a deodorizer, for washing cotton diapers; or disinfectant and to treat houseplants for molds, parasitic infections and fungus.

Toothpaste and tea tree oil

The disinfectant and antiseptic properties of it makes it ideal for use in products for oral hygiene. Mouth washes and toothpastes containing tea tree oil have been proved to be effective against many oral problems. Some of these are, gum disease, halitosis (bad breath), and cancer sores

Brushing your teeth with toothpaste which has tea tree oil as an ingredient or adding some to your usual toothpaste is recommended. This will help both teeth and gums. You can even add a couple of drops of the oil to the water to be used for gargling. A few drops of the tea tree oil applied on the sore area would bring down the inflammation.

The use of Tea tree oil has also been done to kill oral bacteria prior to dental surgery and to decrease the irritation in the mouth caused due to dental procedures. In patients who have oral candidiasis, which is a fungal infection of the throat and mouth, a mouth rinse containing tea tree oil may prove effective in reducing symptoms.

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Is loose tea really better than tea bags? Some tea connoisseurs will answer a resounding yes; however, others swear by tea bags. The truth lies somewhere in the middle.

The convenience of tea bags is a considerable factor, especially when brewing a cup at work or away from home. Using a tea bag you can enjoy a good cup of tea anywhere hot water or a microwave is to be found. Wrapped, they fit very nicely in the purse and are always handy.

The tea used in tea bags is usually fannings and dust. These are simply smaller particles, but may be broken leaves of excellent quality tea. The smaller, broken particles brew more quickly, because of the greater surface area. Absorption of caffeine and tannins are usually a little greater from a tea bag as well, again due to the smaller particles. This can be an advantage, or not, depending on your tastes.

One major disadvantage of tea bags is that the smaller broken particles used in tea bags tend to go stale more quickly. A whole leave will retain its freshness much longer, so tea bags should not be stored for long term use.

Loose teas come in more varieties, which can be used individually or blended to your own tastes. Most tea bags are blended for a specific flavor. Using loose tea, you can taste the pure flavor of each variety, then blend to your preferences.

Environmentally conscious tea enthusiasts compost their tea leaves, while tea bags are not as environment friendly. This is an additional consideration.

When using loose tea, you can control the quality and freshness of the tea. Some of the tea used in tea bags is of lower quality, but this is true of loose teas as well. I recommend that you judge each brand and method of brewing according to your taste preferences and convenience factors. While there will probably always be a little snobbery surrounding this debate, the main consideration is the enjoyment of a good cup of tea.

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