Herbal Teas For Home Gatherings

Herbal teas are a great way to unwind at the end of a long day. The soothing ingredients in these teas can help relax the muscles and ease you into a peaceful sleep.

Spice up a cozy winter evening with an herbal tea latte. Combine warm milk, herbal tea and spices together in a pan, then pour into the French press for a richly frothed drink.

1. Relaxation

The calming nature of herbal teas can provide a welcome respite from the stresses of life and help to relieve tension. Some of the most relaxing herbal teas include chamomile, lemon balm and mint, which all have anti-anxiety properties. They are also known to relax the muscles and promote relaxation and sleepiness. Other teas that are relaxing are lavender and ashwagandha root.

Herbal teas are perfect for winding down after a long day or evening. They are gentle, soothing and contain no caffeine, making them the ideal drink to promote relaxation before bedtime. In addition to promoting relaxation, many herbal teas have other benefits such as supporting digestion and boosting energy levels.

Providing a variety of herbs and tea blends can make for a fun and interesting way to entertain friends. Try serving herbal teas with a selection of appetizers such as cucumber sandwiches, cookies and other light treats. Tea parties are a great opportunity to socialize with friends while enjoying healthy snacks and a cup of tea.

Tea can be an excellent tool for building client relationships. Adding tea to your client engagement strategy shows that you are invested in their well-being and can create an atmosphere of trust. Some companies have successfully incorporated tea into their meetings and found that the relaxed interactions resulted in increased client satisfaction.

When choosing teas for your clients, consider their health needs and dietary preferences. Green and white teas are good choices for those looking to improve their digestive system, while black tea is a rich source of caffeine that may not be the best choice for clients who are trying to reduce anxiety or insomnia.

Tea can be made from dried or fresh herbs, leaves and flowers. When using dry ingredients, rinse them thoroughly. Place the herbs in a tea pot, tissaniere or cafetiere. Add boiling water and let steep for three to five minutes. Steep the herbs for a longer time to get more flavor and deeper color, but remember that too long can cause bitterness. Sweeten with honey or a sugar substitute to taste and serve.

2. Refreshment

The process of heating water, steeping herbs and inhaling the aroma of the tea is a soothing ritual. It’s ideal for unwinding after a busy day, before bedtime or as a relaxing activity to enjoy with friends or family. Unlike the jolt of caffeine, herbal teas have a calming and grounding effect on the body and mind.

In addition to being a tasty beverage, herbal teas can also be used to encourage conversation and create a more laid-back atmosphere. Try setting up a table with teapots, loose leaf teas and a selection of delicious treats. As guests sip their tea and eat, they can chat about the ingredients of each and discuss their favourites. It’s even a great way to introduce new herbs and blends to your friends!

As your friends and family enjoy their cup of herbal tea, encourage them to share any benefits they have found from drinking it. Many of the herbs have health properties such as stress-reduction, anxiety reduction and increased energy. Explaining the benefits of each herb can help make your tea more interesting and increase the enjoyment of the experience.

Herbal tea is easy to prepare. If using dried herbs, simply measure out the amount needed for one cup of tea (plus a small amount for the pot) and pour boiling water over them. Allow the tea to steep for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the type of herb. Delicate leaves, flowers and seeds are best left to steep for just a few minutes, whereas more robust root teas such as dandelion or chicory can take longer.

Herbal teas can be sweetened with honey or sugar substitute, if desired. Many herbs are naturally pale, so adding a little honey darkens them and brings out their flavour. Alternatively, lemon juice can be added to lighten the tea, but this may affect the taste. Herbal teas can be served hot or cold, making them a versatile option for all types of parties and occasions.

3. Social

As the weather turns warmer, it’s a great time to invite friends over for herbal tea tastings. This is a fun spring activity and it’s a great way to sample new tea blends you may not have tried before. Plus, each tea has its own unique nutrient profile so it can be an informative experience for your guests.

When you’re ready to host your tea party, select a theme and prepare a variety of appetizers to pair with each herbal tea. You can serve traditional English options like cucumber sandwiches, smoked salmon canapes and egg salad sandwiches as well as scones with clotted cream and fruit jam. You can also make healthier choices that are lighter in calories and fat, such as a fresh green salad or a tray of seasonal fruits with yogurt dips.

You can encourage the conversation around each tea by creating a card to put in front of each pot that notes the specific health benefits associated with that particular type of tea. You can also add a short description of each tea to help your guests get more familiar with the teas you’re serving and to inspire them to try new teas they might not have had before.

During the party, encourage your guests to rate each tea in terms of aroma, taste and aftertaste, as well as its overall value. This will allow them to identify their favourites and discover new herbal teas they may wish to try at home.

Many businesses are incorporating tea into their client interactions, and many report that this strategy improves the quality of their meetings and leads to long-lasting business relationships. By choosing the right tea for your meeting and by presenting it in an elegant fashion, you can create a memorable and meaningful experience for your clients that will set you apart from your competition.

For a festive treat, use Bigelow’s BOTANICALS Cold Water Infusions for summer gatherings and then switch to cozy autumn blends like the Cinnamon Spice Black Tea and a batch of Pumpkin Chai Latte. You can even switch to holiday season teas when the cold weather rolls in, such as the Bigelow Eggnog’n Black Tea or Peppermint Bark Tea.

4. Health

Unlike regular tea made from the cured leaves of Camellia Sinensis, herbal infusions don’t contain any caffeine. Instead, they provide a range of benefits.

Some, like chamomile and rooibos (a South African shrub), are rich in antioxidants. These help scavenge free radicals that can damage cells, thus slowing aging. Others, such as ginger, ease indigestion and reduce nausea. And still, others, such as fennel and peppermint, provide antimicrobial properties that fight against bacteria.

These herbs are also filled with other nutrients and minerals. The mucilage in fennel, for example, supports the digestive system and helps the body absorb iron. Rooibos and hibiscus, on the other hand, have high levels of potassium, calcium and magnesium, which can lower blood pressure.

Then there’s the tea’s aroma, which engages your senses and supports mental clarity. In fact, a study found that simply inhaling the scent of chamomile reduced cortisol levels and boosted mindfulness. Peppermint tea, meanwhile, can help ease stress and encourage alertness.

All that, and tea is a natural hydrator, which aids digestion and lubricates joints and muscles. It also boosts metabolism and hydrates the skin.

Herbal teas are a healthy alternative to sugary drinks that can add up to hundreds of extra calories. They are also low in sodium and a great source of calcium, magnesium and potassium.

To prepare herbal teas, simply fill a kettle with filtered water and heat it to just before boiling level. Then add one teaspoon or a teabag per cup, and let it steep for 5-15 minutes. Sweeten with honey or whole stevia leaf to taste. For a stronger flavor, increase the amount of leaves or flowers and steep longer. For more herbal options, look for fresh, organic herbs from a local nursery or grow your own. Herbs such as spearmint, chamomile and fennel are easy to grow in the garden. And if you don’t have time to pick them yourself, check online vendors for dried varieties. These herbs and others, such as yarrow and beetony, can be found in many grocery stores. Then, brew and enjoy!