Tea doesn’t really deserve the reputation that it gets. First of all, it gets lumped in with dainty little girls’ tea parties. And let’s not forget about the Boston Tea Party… Screw the British, amirite? Coffee usually beats it out as the hot drink of choice and it’s just not fair.
Well I’m here to tell you that tea is way more than a girly drink or a bargaining tool of the Revolutionary War. It’s got tons of benefits that college kids, in particular, can really get a lot out of: hangover cures, sore throat soothers, and mid-afternoon pick-me-ups for when the weekend is just too far away.
1. The Hangover Tea
Photo by Samantha Yu
Flavored green tea is a severely underrated hangover cure. Teas are hydrating, so they help cure the feeling of having the inside of your skull beaten with a hammer after a night of heavy drinking. Green tea in particular has long been used as a natural digestive aid. This means it’ll get rid of that queasy stomach and hydrate you while you recover from your morning blues.
And here’s another bonus: green teas are packed with antioxidants which help strengthen your ability to fight disease. I like pomegranate flavored because it has an extra punch of flavor that regular green tea doesn’t offer.
2. The “Pick Me Up” Tea
Photo by Samantha Yu
Lemon flavored tea. This is what I turn to if I know I’m going to have trouble staying awake in class or need to stay up late studying. Drinking lemon tea is a way to avoid that awkward professor call out when you’re drooling all over your lecture notes.
Plus, in many ways, tea is actually healthier than coffee. Lemon tea has enough caffeine to keep you going and that citrus zing wakes you up right after the first sip.
3. The Thirst Quenching Tea
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Hands down the best iced tea is lemon flavored. It has the ideal amount of sweetness so that it is not overwhelmingly sugary, but also has just enough taste. No one wants to be left thirsty in these dry winter months, and this will keep you quenched and deliver a punch of flavor.
4. The Tea to have With Breakfast (Or Lunch, or Dinner)
Photo by Samantha Yu
I pair English Breakfast with meals like pasta or soup because it isn’t too flavorful and doesn’t distract from the food. That’s not to say it’s boring—the British wouldn’t be famous for their tea parties if it was bland.
English Breakfast has light floral undertones that give it just the right hint of flavor. In addition, it has a good amount of caffeine which makes it perfect for breakfast. Try it with a splash of milk, you won’t regret it.
5. The Emergency Tea
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Medicinal tea is there for you in times of peril. And by times of peril I mean when you lose your voice before that big presentation that accounts for 25% of your semester grade. Herbal medicinal tea literally coats your throat and helps a lost voice be found again. Everyone, especially actors and singers, should have a stash throat coat in their room at all times. You never know when you’ll need to be heard.
6. The Sleepytime Tea
Photo by Samantha Yu
The tea I turn to when I need help falling asleep is a light white herbal tea. In the winter, nothing beats curling up with Netflix and a steaming mug of vanilla herbal tea, and peach herbal tea has a perfect taste for chillier spring and summer evenings outside.
Herbal teas are also ideal for when you’ve got a cold coming on because they sooth your throat and help your body fight your sickness. Next time you notice a friend has the sniffles, bring them a mug of herbal tea and they’ll be eternally thankful.
The Add-Ons
I’m what you might call a hardcore tea drinker (yeah, we exist), so I drink my tea black, but occasionally I do add a little something something to switch things up. In the winter I like to toss a cinnamon stick into my mug and stir it around for a cozy feeling, especially with vanilla herbal tea.
I also add extra lemon to iced tea, lemon tea and English Breakfast as an extra refreshing punch to wake me up faster. If you’re feeling under the weather, add some honey to your tea to soothe a sore throat. If after reading all this, you’re a bit confused about the difference between say, herbal and black tea, here’s an article that will clear everything up.
My most important tip for you is to brew your tea correctly to get optimum flavor. This article is a nice guide for anyone who feels their brewing skills are sub-par.
Okay young grasshopper, you’re ready to face every occasion with the perfect tea. Wield your power wisely and happy sipping.
Other articles for the avid tea drinker: