Ali Silk, founder of Tea Horse, has the following advice:
Sunburn and protecting against sun damage
Applying green tea topically, as well as drinking it, has been shown in studies to protect the skin from sunburn after exposure to UV light. Whilst we’d never recommend swapping your sun cream for green tea, it can work in synergy and the antioxidants in green tea can help protect against skin damage and sun-related cancers (see below) and help speed up skin healing after sunburn.
Stress and anxiety
Drinking tea is known for helping relaxation and many people find it helps them relieve stress. Tea contains high levels of L-theanine, an amino acid that works in the brain to increase the serotonin, dopamine and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) levels in the brain. Studies show that L-theanine can be effective at reducing mental and physical stress and could help with concentration – as well as helping with symptoms of PMS. However, some that suffer from anxiety or panic attacks may be advised to avoid caffeine. Therefore the solution in this situation would be to choose a lower-caffeine tea. Green and white teas are often recommended and white tea particularly contains high levels of L-theanine.
Ageing
Due to green and white tea being processed the least, they have a higher level of flavonoids called catechins (lots of long words that we know as antioxidants). These catechins boost the metabolism. If you brew white or green tea from loose leaves (not tea bags), you will get significantly higher levels of catechins, up to four times as many as black tea. These antioxidants can also protect against free radicals in the body, fighting the signs of ageing caused by staying out in the sun too long, protecting the skin and fighting some damage – as well as reducing the risk of cancer, lowering cholesterol and fighting the signs of ageing. Teas such as White Peony (also known as Bai Mu Dan) or green teas like Sencha or Mao Feng are lightly sweet with delicate flavours and very easy to drink. If you don’t like the bitterness that you often find with green tea bags, choose a loose leaf variety and make sure the water has cooled before brewing.
Colds and flu
White tea has natural antibacterial and antiviral properties. Combine this with herbs such as lemon verbena, lemongrass and Echinacea, which boost the immune-system and fight colds with antibacterial effects amongst others, and you have the perfect light, citrusy antidote to a summer cold.
Hangover
Let’s face it, we get hangovers at any time of year – and a throbbing head in the summer can be even worse! An aged tea, which can fetch huge prices amongst tea connoisseurs, is believed to help hangovers. In Chinese Medicine, pu’erh tea helps the spleen (which takes some damage after a big night out) and flushes out alcohol. The benefits of lowering blood pressure and cholesterol are an added advantage, especially if you’ve indulged in some night-before food you maybe shouldn’t have done!
Increasing energy
We always want to do more in the summer time. Tea does contain caffeine, but a significant amount less than coffee – at least one-third less. Furthermore, rather than a quick peak and immediate crash, the caffeine in tea works with the theanine to provide a slower boost without any crash – keeping you perked up for longer. The alkoloids in green tea promote energy.
