I start each day with one mug of coffee. It’s aroma wakes me up each morning. This is a switch on for me, and good beginning of any day that comes my way.

Then later on it is all about tea. I have the ritual of sipping various caffeine-graded teas during my day. I may have very low level caffeine white tea later in the morning, then herbal tea, at least 1-2 cups before lunch. I welcome afternoon with green tea that I drink till about 3 PM, after which I stick to garden variety of fruit teas. I avoid decaf versions of green or regular tea in the afternoon, as I am not positive that even small amount of caffeine will not affect me, and the process of decaffeination involves chemicals. In spring and summer I make my own teas from dandelion, mint and lavender. In winter, I add spices, like whole cloves, to the brew, which I described in one of previous posts in this section (“Clever Cloves”, “Surprising…Mint”and “Dandy Lions”).

Tea contains polyphenols responsible for its antioxidant properties. Tea acts as anti-inflammatory agent and may ease gum disease and joint pain. The caffeinated versions may add zest and energy and have diuretic properties. Many tea producers place a caffeine grading on tea packages helping you choose the tea version appropriate for you.

My favorite tea is its green version which I did not enjoy at first, but acquired liking for its’ delicate aroma and health benefits. This catechin-rich tea has potent anti-inflammatory properties in fight with colds, skin conditions and bacterial ailments. There is interest in green tea in regard to cancer prevention. More research is needed as in many areas of natural remedies.

Black tea has similar benefits. I abandoned that variety years ago as it discolors teeth, but more recently I came back to it for its aromatic and health properties, and there is nothing better than black tea with lemon and honey. I enjoy multiple versions from China and India, and when I have time I prepare my brew from fresh tea leaves.