Oolong tea benefits have been known for centuries in the Orient. The tea has been cultivated and refined to perfection in Taiwan, China and Japan. Oolong, sometimes called WuLong, is taken from the camellia sinensis plant, the source for all true teas. Oolong is different for how it is oxidized or fermented. Its taste and properties lie somewhere between green and black tea.

Oolong tea benefits are similar to those of green tea, though most oolong is oxidized to a greater degree than green tea. It has less of the raw grassy taste of green tea and tends to be a darker brown color with earthier, woody flavors. Some oolongs when less oxidized can tend to have a green tea taste with a flowery flavor. Either way, the benefits of drinking this tea are legendary.

Oolong’s Complex Powerhouse of Polyphenols
Oolong tea benefits are as varied and nuanced as the many varieties of oolong teas. For centuries oolong has been used as a medicine—studied and judged in competitions and festivals like fine wine for all its subtle qualities. The Western world is just beginning to realize what the Asian world has been appreciating for ages.

Taste the distinctive tannin in oolong tea. That is evidence of the complex variety of molecules called polyphenols that come from oxidizing and fermenting oolong. The polyphenols act as antioxidants to eradicate the damaging free radicals that wreak havoc in the body. Scientists have only begun to understand the complex makeup of polyphenols but their benefits are clear.

A Short List of the Long List of Oolong Tea Benefits

• Polyphenols in oolong are known to strengthen enzymes that remove free radicals that cause everything from wrinkles to diabetes to arteriosclerosis.
• Oolong tea is known to promote fat metabolism and to control obesity by activating enzymes that dissolve triglycerides. In China, the tea has been traditionally known to control obesity. More than any other tea it is recognized for increasing resting metabolism.
• Oolong is known for cleansing and promoting digestion.
• Oolong is thought to reduce cholesterol build-up in the bloodstream.
• It is considered a support for the heart.
• It is thought to support and strengthen the immune system.
• It is believed to strengthen bones.
• It is believed to fight tooth decay.
• The tea has long been used in Chinese medicine to improve spleen and kidney energy symptoms.
• The leaves can be brewed many times, improving with each new brewing, unlike other teas.

These benefits are just the start of the many properties offered from this tea, once you start investigating the benefits of oolong tea, you’re sure to find that the benefits may just be too long to list.

Papaya leaf tea is full of enzymes that break down proteins, which make it a primary aid for stomach disorders.

The main enzyme that the papaya leaf is famous for is papain. Papain is readily available from the milky white latex of the leaf.

Papaya leaves are large—20-28 inches in length. The leaves are considered a green vegetable while the papaya is a soft fruit. Of course, the leaves in papaya leaf tea are cut down in size for use in teas.

The Power of Papain in Papaya Leaf
The papain enzyme in papaya leaves is so powerful for breaking down proteins that the big leaves have long been used in South America as wraps around meat for tenderizing fibers. The papain is used commercially as a meat tenderizer. The leaves have even been used as feed for chickens and pigs to tenderize their flesh. No wonder the papaya leaf tea has been considered good for indigestion and breaking down toxins.

Papain in the papaya leaf is only one of the leaf’s dynamic constituents. There is a litany of other natural chemicals and nutrients—including more enzymes like chymopapain (latex and exudate), alkaloids, a fermenting agent called myrosin, rutin, resin, tannins, carpaine, dehydrocarpaines, pseudocarpaine, flavonols, benzylglucosinolate, linalool, methyl salicylate, malic acid, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, beta-carotene, B-vitamins and vitamins A, C and E and antioxidants. Though many of the plant’s constituents are difficult to pronounce, they attest to the rich nutritional complexity of the papaya leaf.

A Cup of Ancient Wisdom
The papaya plant was cultivated in Mexico and Central America many centuries before its discovery by the West. Now the tree-like plant grows everywhere in the tropical and subtropical climates of the world, allowing anyone to enjoy a cup of ancient wisdom through the papaya leaf tea drink.

When it comes to health, most of us think of fruits and vegetables or laps around the gym until we are tired and sweaty; chances are, we rarely think of seaweed. However, it turns out that kelp is actually one of the healthiest things you can put inside your body. In fact, kelp is called the “miracle plant,” thanks to its healing and therapeutic properties as well as its ability to perform phenomenal acts of wellness.

Kelp’s first talent lies in the fact that it is an ideal source of trace minerals. This means that sprinkling even the smallest amount of kelp on food can provide your body with salt and minerals important to the function of your body. Kelp is also a great source of protein, iodine and iron. All these elements help both the thyroid and blood cells work to the best of their ability while leaving you feeling overall healthy.

When it comes to wellness in kelp, it is ever overachieving because its health benefits are not limited to just the above. It is also rich in Vitamin A, Niacin and Calcium. The iodine and selenium in kelp strengthens the immune system and helps keep your body free of illness. It also helps you heal faster when you are sick. Kelp contains around 1g of fat, 40g of carbohydrates and 7.5g of protein per 100 grams.

The other health benefits of kelp include offsetting malnutrition and mineral deficiencies brought on by poor diet, brain development assistance, and osteoporosis prevention. It’s also beneficial to those who are impotent, anemic and emaciated. Kelp can also help rid the body of toxins by cleansing the insides and help increase metabolism, which aids in both weight loss and weight maintenance. A high metabolism also helps overall health and well being.

Along these lines, kelp can also help dissolve fat through the skin. A kelp wrap, or seaweed wrap, can leave the body looking younger and slimmer. Kelp may also help the body overcome digestion issues and rebuild – as well as maintain – the function of the glands.

As demonstrated above, the benefits of kelp are many. While other things, such as a diet rich in healthy foods and antioxidants as well as a proper exercise routine, can help compound the benefits of kelp. Simply consuming kelp on its own is also an integral step in maintaining your health or healing your body. Kelp is one of the simplest ways to take a step towards a happier, healthier you.

For years now, many of us have been hearing about the benefits of natural remedies. One of the most popular natural remedies in use is in the berry family. From blueberry to strawberry, from raspberry to acai, berries everywhere are basking in the limelight watching as their popularity continues to grow.

Aside from the more common berries such as blueberry, there are many lesser-known beneficial berries. For instance, you might not have heard of the Schisandra berry. Unknown among the Western countries, this berry is extremely popular remedy among the Chinese due to the many benefits that they derived.

In fact, the Chinese have used Schisandra berries as a staple in their diet for centuries.

Among Schisandra berries, many claimed benefits are: preservation of beauty and youthful appearance, increase of stamina and mental clarity, relief of stress and fatigue, protection against liver disorders and anti-depressant qualities.

Nevertheless, Schisandra berry benefits may not stop there. In medical studies, this berry has suggested an ability to fight hepatitis, produce antioxidants, stimulate the nervous system, improve speed and reflexes and make the brain more efficient.

Although it has only been historically recorded that the Chinese use Schisandra berries, it is not the only country in which they grow. Russia and Korea are both homes to Schisandra vines. It is even rumored that some parts of the Eastern US have these vines as well.

Like all herbs, Schisandra berries might not be right for everyone. Please consult your doctor before consuming any botanicals on a regular basis.

We hope the tea drinkers out there will enjoy this list.
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We all know you can drink tea, and I’m sure many of us know one or two other things a person can do with a tea bag, but take a look at this list of 15 things you might not have thought of:

1. Put some tea bags in your drawers for a fresh scent on your clothes or linens.

2. Stain fabric with tea to make it appear aged.

3. A wet tea bag is soothing on shaving cuts and burns.

4. Seed your lawn! Sow grass seed in small bare spots with a used tea bag. Make sure the bag is moist and place it in the dirt where you want the grass. Sprinkle it with seed. The bag will hold moisture and gradually decompose.

5. For a broken fingernail: cut a small piece of tea bag and coat in clear nail polish. Place over broken nail, cover in colored coat.

6. Freeze leftover tea in an ice cube tray. Add that to your next iced tea brew.

7. Cold, wet tea bags have been known to soothe bee stings and insect bites.

8. Prevent rust by wiping out your cast-iron pots with a brewed-out tea bag.

9. Place the contents of used, but dried out, tea bags into your cat’s kitty litter to neutralize odor.

10. To heal plantar warts, place a hot wet tea bag on it for 15 minutes a day.

11. Clean your mirrors with strong tea that has cooled. Use a soft cloth for a streak free clean.

12. Wash your face with tea to fight acne.

13. If used on lighter colored hair, Chamomile has been effective as a hair dye.

14. Clean Persian and Oriental Carpets by sprinkling nearly dry tea leaves on it, and then sweeping them away.

15. Let it cool down a bit and a tea bag can be used to calm swollen, puffy eyes.

When it comes to thinking about beauty products, chances are you think of name brands, lotions and cleansers available at the local drugstore or shampoos and conditioners sold by your hair dresser. Chances are you might be overlooking what’s under the sea.

It turns out that the sea is the birthplace to several beauty products and treatments. A variety of these products help the skin remain fresh and young (no wonder you can never tell a fish’s age), while giving yourself a sense of renewal.

In particular, seaweed, and the products derived from it, has become a bit of a magic serum when it comes to the skin. It is often utilized as a natural spa treatment, in the form of a seaweed rub for rejuvenating skin.

But seaweed is certainly not the only natural spa treatment available. When it comes to beauty, there is an ocean of possibilities, including:

Sea Salts: Sea salts are often derived from the Dead Sea, surrounded by the lowest known area of dry land on our planet. This region produces sea salts that are extremely high in minerals and nutrients. Many cleansers, exfoliating creams and natural spa treatments utilize sea salt as a beauty aide. Using it can help remove dead skin and dead cells, leaving a glowing, younger-looking complexion. It can also help unclog pores and exfoliate your body.

Kelp: Sometimes called seaweed, kelp is another natural spa treatment. Kelp can nourish and nurture your skin. Just using a little bit of kelp can help relax, detoxify, and renew your body. It is typically sold in strips and can be applied as a mask. Using kelp on its own, or with other beauty treatments, is an ideal way to keep your face looking and feeling fresh.

The benefits of seaweed, or kelp, are not limited to the facial area. Full body, or partial body, seaweed wraps may help tone sagging skin. These wraps can also help eliminate or minimize cellulite.

Bladderwrack Powder: Bladderwrack powder refers to a type of seaweed that grows along coastlines all over the planet. It is known to contain a variety of vitamins, minerals and amino acids essential to health. Though it can be ingested, Bladderwrack powder is often used topically and may help to compress and renew the skin. The powder can simply be added to other cleaning agents such as masks and wraps.

Irish Sea Moss: Irish Sea Moss is a type of marine algae found in shallow areas of the ocean. It is well known for soothing respiratory ailments such as mucous membranes, dry coughs, bronchitis and lung problems. Like kelp, bladderwrack powder and sea salts, Irish Sea Moss is also great in helping skin stay young, healthy and blemish free.

Just as many Eastern cultures have embraced the offerings of the land, using roots, herbs and plants for medicinal and everyday purposes, so have Native Americans. In fact, Native American herbs were among some of the most widely and commonly used herbs in the past.

The Native American culture is a culture of creativity bent on finding original ways to use all kinds of things on Earth; it is almost as if no plant goes to waste. They use herbs to make medicines, teas and even insect repellent.

The variety of Native American herbs is as varied as their uses. Each Native American herb serves a specific purpose and engages in a specific job. Here is a taste of the more common Native American herbs and their benefits.

Sage: Native Americans have historically used this herb for nearly every ailment. Sage, from a scientific standpoint, is said to be an antibiotic, antifungal, tonic and antispasmodic.

Sweet Grass: Sweet grass is one of the most commonly used Native American herbs. In fact, many Native Americans believe that sweet grass was the first plant on Earth. It has been used for everything from crafts, to perfume, from ceremonial purposes to eyewash. Medicinally, it has been used for treating windburn and calming nerves, usually before entering a meditative state.

Parsley: Parsley can be used to help make the bladder stronger and decrease blood pressure. It acts as a natural diuretic, flushing out the kidneys. When rubbed against the skin, it may help relieve the itchiness of mosquito and other insect bites.

Thyme: Thyme is an antiseptic used as the main ingredient in mouthwash. Historically, it has been used as an antibiotic (before modern antibiotics came to be) and to aid with infected toenails. It is also great for respiratory diseases by helping to clear the nasal passages while clearing the throat of irritation.

Pepper: No longer the peanut butter to Salt’s jelly, pepper, by itself, is finally getting the accolades it deserves. According to folklore, pepper may aid many ailments, including constipation, earache, insomnia, tooth decay, hernia, lung disease and hoarseness. It is also known for increasing metabolisms, acting as a stimulant and helping the absorption of several key vitamins and minerals.

For years, we have been hearing about the health repercussions of eating salt. It causes hypertension, fluid retention, and it can contribute to heart attacks and strokes. It’s hard on our cells and hard on our systems. Salt, for many of us, has become the enemy. We find ourselves leering at it across the tables of restaurants and kitchens everywhere.

While it may be true that regular ol’ salt, otherwise known as table salt, is not the best thing to be putting in your body, there are other types of salt that can benefit you. Mineral salt and sea salt fall into this category.

Mineral and sea salts are different from the types of salt we usually ingest. Sea salt is derived from evaporated sea water. It tastes different than table salt, which is composed merely of sodium chloride. Though more expensive, many people find that sea salt is better tasting than table salts. It is typically the salt of choice for serious cooks.

Mineral salts can come in varieties. They are inorganic salts and include phosphate, calcium, chloride, sodium and potassium. One of the most common mineral salts is iodized salt. Iodine is essential to the function of the body. An iodine deficiency usually leads to the development of a goiter. Thus, if your iodine levels are compromised, iodized salt is a great remedy to help your system regulate.

Table salt is salt that is mined from salt deposits below the earth. It is more refined and processed than mineral salt or sea salt. The processing includes adding additives and eliminating most minerals.

Mineral salt and sea salt are also more natural than table salt. They do not undergo a lengthy production process: rather, they are much more as the Earth intended.

While these salts might be better than some table salts, you should still only use them in moderation. Since salt is used to balance the water system of your body, ingesting too much can throw that system off. The key is to find that happy medium.

Chances are, you don’t look longingly at flowers, licking your lips and hoping for a taste; simply put, you are not a giraffe. While eating flowers might not be a common thing among the human population, it turns out that they may actually be good for us, at least their extracts are. This is particularly true for the Hibiscus flower.

The Hibiscus flower is actually not one flower but a combined genus of around 220 floral species. These flowers are grown in naturally warm, subtropical and tropical climates, such as the Caribbean. A variety of these species are known for their exceptional beauty and vivid colors, but they have also received accolades for their other talents.

Using Hibiscus flowers for health their health benefits has become a common practice. These flowers may possess similar benefits to red wine and green tea.

This theory comes from a study conducted in Taiwan, as published by the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture.

In this study, researchers divided rats into four different groups and provided them with a variety of diets. One group was controlled, one involved high cholesterol, and two involved high cholesterol with hibiscus flower extract.

After three months, the healths of these rats were assessed. The results showed that the rats that received Hibiscus flower extract had significantly lower cholesterol content and no oxidation of low-density lipoproteins. This suggests Hibiscus flowers may have positive impacts on one’s health.

What this means is that Hibiscus flowers may work with your body the same way wine tannin’s do: to help prevent oxidation and the build up of cholesterol.

Of course, this news is not new, at least not to certain cultures. Some countries have used Hibiscus flowers for health benefits for years. In Jamaica, for instance, Hibiscus flowers are used often in soft drinks and holiday drinks, mixed with other herbs and spices. A Hibiscus flower tea is also consumed in West Africa, the Middle East, India and Brazil.

The Hibiscus flower itself contains a lot of Vitamin C and acts as a natural diuretic. In folk medicine, the leaves have been used to treat high blood pressure and liver ailments.

Hibiscus flowers are just one more healthy food to add to your diet and you don’t need to be a giraffe to do so.

Tea is one of the most popular drinks in the world, if not the most popular. It is soothing, healthy, tasty and a great pick me up for early mornings. It is also the master of diversity: tea comes in thousands of varieties.

One of these varieties is Fair Trade loose tea. For those who are not tea connoisseurs, Fair Trade loose tea is actually two different things: loose tea, and tea that has been sanctioned as a fair trade product.

Fair Trade loose tea is just what it sounds like, loose and unbagged. It is usually comprised of larger tea leaves compared to those which are packaged into bags.

In loose tea, the large tea leaves are not broken up; thus, more of their flavor properties are preserved. In bagged tea where these leaves are broken apart, the essences often are diminished. The result is a tea with compromised, and sometimes little, taste. However, there are some higher end tea brokers who sell bagged tea that is full of flavor.

The other portion of Fair Trade loose tea is the Fair Trade label. Since this is not a label limited to just tea, many people may have an understanding of what this distinction entails. In short, Fair Trade certified is a trademark that assures tea and other products, are being produced by workers in developing countries who are reaping the benefits of their efforts.  Buying Fair Trade products benefits farmers and growers by ensuring their compensation for the product is, as the name suggests, fair.

The aim of Fair Trade loose tea is to help tea workers receive fair compensation and a better life. The program assures that minimum wages and labor standards are constantly met. This program also implements a democratic way of doing business and advocates the use of methods that are conducive to human and environmental safety.

The Fair Trade Certified Tea program began in 2001 and now includes over 70 approved tea estates from small producers in 11 different countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Purchasing Fair Trade loose tea is a great way to help the world, and, of course, help your taste buds in the process.