Named one the hottest food trends of 2015 by Canada’s Hospitality Business Magazine, Canadians are drinking almost 10 billion cups of tea each year. Second only to water, tea is the most consumed beverage in the world, and with good reason. With endless combinations of healthful herbs, spices, and fruits, there is a tea to meet every need. Break your way free from the afternoon doldrums, soothe a sensitive stomach and ease anxiety all with a cup of tea.

When you need to relax

If you’re feeling stressed, anxious or can’t sleep, sipping on a cup of chamomile may be the answer. A mild sedative, chamomile will help instill a sense of calm without knocking you out or leaving you feeling groggy. This gentle and sweet smelling herb is child-friendly and can help ease bedtime battles and childhood insomnia.

When you need an energy boost

If you’re looking for something that will wake you up without the jittery feeling and gastrointestinal irritation of coffee, then go green. A cup of green tea offers a gentle jolt of caffeine balanced with relaxing amino acid L-theanine. The result of the combination is an anxiety-free alertness.

When you need a tasty treat

Who needs sugar and chocolate when you have tea? With tea stores around Canada offering hundreds of flavours and blends, you can find one for any flavour craving. It’s also quite easy to make your own mouthwatering brew. Creating a signature festive blend is a great way to invite the holidays into your home and your cup.

Spiced apple pie: After making an actual apple pie or applesauce, simmer the peels, cores and a few sticks of cinnamon in a pot of water. Add an orange slice or two and enjoy the smells of traditional holiday markets from the comfort and warmth of your own home.

Better than pumpkin spice: Leave the chemicals and sugary drinks at the store and celebrate everyone’s favourite fall flavour in your own kitchen. Using oolong or rooibos as a base, simmer the tea with a blend of cinnamon, allspice, cardamom, nutmeg and cloves.

When you need some digestive support

Bloating and gas and nausea, oh my! There is nothing like a bout of tummy troubles to take you from feeling like a hero to a zero. Banish them with common herbs and spices.

Ginger: When you feel nausea taking hold, simmer a few slices of ginger in water for 20 to 30 minutes and sip your pain away. More ginger makes a stronger, spicier brew – test varying strengths to find the right one for you.

Chamomile and peppermint: This gentle yet powerful blend can calm most digestive discomforts. Enjoy a cup after meals to support digestion and prevent irritation. If you’re experiencing acid reflux, ditch the mint.

When you’re feeling under the weather

Soothe a sore throat and bring warmth to your body with a cup of lemon, ginger and honey tea. A fan favourite in the Vakharia household, this was my mom’s go to whenever my sister or I were sick. Simmer the ginger for 20 to 30 minutes, and add a healthy amount of freshly squeezed lemon juice and a generous spoonful of raw, unpasteurized honey.

With so many readily available healthful and aromatic ingredients fit for tea, the possibilities are endless. Get creative and mix flavours to create your own custom tea blend.

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