Hot tea is a great way to warm body and soul while getting some healthy side effects. Herbal options are caffeine free, so adding bags of favorite flavors to your assisted living apartment can be a good way to get a warm drink without resorting to decaf coffee every time you need a cozy beverage.
Whether you're new to teas or you've had your own electric kettle since you moved into the Park Regency Loveland assisted living community, here are some teas you might want to try this winter.
A word of caution: While many teas are all-natural and generally safe, some do have effects on the body that can be an issue for certain seniors. Consult with your health care professional before adding a tea regularly to your diet, and always drink teas in moderation.
It's also a good idea to drink these teas without sugar or sweeteners to reduce caloric intake. But if you do need a little flavor boost, consider adding a teaspoon of honey.
Peppermint tea is a great beginner hot tea and a favorite of long-time tea lovers. It's simple, flavorful and hard to over steep, so you're less likely to get a bitter taste if you leave the bag in too long.
People have used peppermint tea for centuries to sooth minor tummy troubles and aid in digestion, making it a great choice for after dinner.
Chamomile tea has been used by people to help with restlessness and anxiety. It's regularly imbibed by people who want a good night's rest, as it has soothing and mild sedative properties that many find make sleep more likely. It's also generally considered safe for most people, though in rare cases, individuals may be allergic to the chamomile leaf and become congested after drinking the tea.
White peony tea is typically less processed than many other options on the market. That means its polyphenol and antioxidant levels are high, providing some potential benefit for the immune system. White teas may also help control blood pressure, but if you experience low blood pressure to begin with, you may want to limit how much of these teas you consume.
The savory herb that seasons meat and other dishes also makes a good base for tea. Don't steep your actual cooking rosemary, though; opt for a tea version. Some people believe that rosemary supports cognitive functioning and regular inclusion of it in a diet can help with neurological health.
This is a great tea for those who like both hot and cold beverages. The flower is flavorful enough to deliver a fruity taste to your tea, so you don't need to add sweetener. Drink hibiscus tea warm, or steep the tea in a mug of hot water before pouring the entire concoction over ice for a refreshing beverage. Like white tea, hibiscus may help control blood pressure, so you'll want to avoid drinking too much of it if you tend to dip below average in that area.
