Okay, I’ll admit it, I harbor the unpopular opinion that tea is better than coffee. On a college campus situated in Manhattan, that is an opinion that gets me into a lot of trouble, but I believe that my judgements are well founded. I have absolute respect for coffee-drinkers and won’t deny the fact that a black coffee with three shots of espresso will undoubtedly get one through an all-nighter, but I also believe that coffee doesn’t have the same soothing and calming effect that tea does. In preparation for the coming winter, I recently restocked my tea. Here is a list of teas that will get you through both the best and worst of times.
Barley Tea / Boricha
A staple in South Korea, Boricha is my personal favorite comfort-drink. Although this tea doesn’t contain any caffeine, its detoxifying and cleansing qualities make it a popular drink in East Asia. Since it is so rich in antioxidants, the tea is often used to cure cold and flu or to treat indigestion. Barley Tea has a more nutty flavor with an herbal scent and slightly bitter aftertaste. Since it isn’t too sweet, this tea has amazing calming qualities. If you want to add a little bit of sweet or sour, feel free to squeeze in some lemons or honey! Note: All herbal teas do not contain caffeine.
Rooibos Tea / Red Tea
One of the most well-known health benefits of Rooibos Tea is that it treats acne-prone skin. The alpha hydroxy acid and zinc in Rooibos is great for treating any sunburns, pimples, or wrinkles. Besides skincare benefits, this tea also does not have an caffeine, so drinking one cup of Rooibos before bed can help induce deep sleep. As an herbal beverage, Rooibos Tea is popular for its great taste, which is a mixture of just the right amount of sweet and herbal. Just like Boricha, honey can always be added for those seeking a sweeter taste.
Oolong Tea
For those of you looking for caffeinated tea options, Oolong tea is the perfect choice! One cup of this tea contains half of the caffeine that is in a cup of coffee, so Oolong is a great option when you need a small dose of caffeine to get you started on any activity. It is a pleasant aromatic tea and possesses a more fruity flavor. Despite its caffeine content, Oolong tea leaves are renowned for their ability to reduce stress and boost mental awareness. If you’re looking to efficiently complete a homework assignment in a comfortable and relaxed mood, I highly recommend brewing a cup of Oolong Tea.
Earl Grey Tea
A favorite among tea drinkers around the world, Earl Grey is a classic aromatic and more citrusy drink. Just like Oolong Tea, it is a flavored tea, which means it has a black tea base. With caffeine content levels approximately the same as black tea, Earl Grey has a plethora of health benefits. Of these, the most notable is that it has the ability to boost your mood. The bergamot orange in Earl Grey has a calming effect on the mind, and as you inhale the scent of the tea, the aroma reduces stress and anxiety. This tea is a great choice to pair with both late night study snacks and early morning breakfast.