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What teas and herbal infusions are good for your yoga and meditation practice?
Our guest author knows the answer. Guest post by Cédric Beer.
Not all teas are the same
Colloquially, any infused beverage is called tea, even if it is a preparation of peppermint leaves or hibiscus flowers. But if we take it very seriously, the term "tea" should apply exclusively to beverages made from the leaves of the various cultivars of the tea bush Camellia Sinensis. But don't worry, the diversity of varieties that this plant alone yields is impressive.
First, there are the six types of tea:
1. white tea, the most natural variety
2. green tea, the lightly fermented tea
3. yellow tea, slightly oxidized tea
4. oolong, tea with a fermentation stage between green and black tea
5. black tea, fully fermented tea
6. pu erh, post-fermented tea
Within these types of tea, there are countless varieties of tea that differ enormously in taste, cup color and effect, giving great pleasure to all gourmets. All these "real" teas are naturally caffeinated, contain important phytochemicals, which have long been the subject of medical, cosmetic and pharmaceutical research.
By the way, if you are interested in tea and the research on it: I collect on our site, among other things, the latest scientific research on tea knowledge.
Meditative and beneficial: tea ceremony as a ritual of mindfulness
Tea as a meditation master? Yes, for sure. Your tea won't be ready faster if you brew it hotter or dose it higher. The infusion and the waiting alone therefore draw your attention to the process.
While this works especially nicely with the Japanese tea ceremony and with the methodical stirring of matcha. But other teas are also perfectly suited as rituals of mindfulness.
Because regardless of which tea you choose, the conscious preparation alone creates a meditative atmosphere. The mindful enjoyment also rounds out your practice ideally as an attunement as well as a crowning conclusion.
In addition, teas, both "real" teas from the leaves of the tea bush, as well as herbal and fruit infusions, are extremely versatile thirst quenchers. Just pick one that suits you. In the following, I'll show you what's important. Maybe one or the other idea will inspire you.
Teas for yoga and meditation practice
MATCHA
Just as yoga has been shown to improve memory (this study found that), drinking the particularly "focused" matcha green tea can also awaken your spirits and have a positive effect on your ability to concentrate. To this end, the meditative, focused preparation alone is a perfect complement. The high caffeine content, in turn, is interesting for training in itself, which makes the delicate powdered tea an exciting alternative to espresso.
AYURVEDIC TEAS
Of course, when I think of yoga, I also think of Ayurvedic spice teas in particular. These are assigned to the various Doshas or temperaments and, according to Ayurvedic teachings, are supposed to have a harmonizing effect on body, mind and soul.
mind and soul. In any case, these spicy, warming drinks taste delicious and can be both relaxing and stimulating. So you can tune in to both yoga and meditation classes with the right Ayurvedic herbal tea.
GREEN TEA
Not all green tea is the same. The variety of green teas is absolutely impressive and presents you with the proverbial agony of choice. In addition, studies have found that green tea can positively influence mood - it arguably boosts concentration and calms you down at the same time. Ideal for meditation and mindful yoga practice.
But since we've already discussed the highly caffeinated Matcha - green tea where you "drink" the entire leaf - above, I'd like to introduce one of the two popular varieties that are considered less rich in caffeine: Bancha. Bancha is characterized by a mild taste and is rich in various phytonutrients, which makes it a perfect drink for physical and mental activity.
Tip: By the way, the caffeine content in green tea reduces with each infusion. Even the second infusion can have a calming effect, depending on the variety.
ROTBUSH
Rooibos originates from South Africa and is considered the national drink there. The plant from which this herbal tea is obtained is naturally caffeine-free. Rooibos is rich in flavonoids and minerals, tastes earthy-sweet and can be enjoyed in the evening regardless of its strength. Thanks to its full-bodied taste, it is a perfect base for hot and cold drinks.
LAVENDER TEA
According to a recent study, lavender is effective against restlessness and depressive moods. This also supports the traditional use of lavender tea as a sleep and calming drink. Lavender tea is a wonderfully gentle drink that allows you to leave the daily grind outside and fully engage in your meditation or yoga session.
About the author
Cédric Beer is a great tea fan - and tea connoisseur. His enthusiasm for international tea culture and for the diversity of varieties led the owner of a Swiss online agency to co-found the premium online shop
Deluxe Tea. There, in addition to a large and well thought-out selection of teas (including numerous organic teas), you will also discover the readable
section "Tea Knowledge", which collects and publishes facts and study results about this
traditional beverage are collected and published.
Deluxe Tea offers climate-neutral shipping, environmentally friendly packaging and supports projects for the protection of endangered great apes with every order.