Teas Best Suited In Rainy Season

We all enjoy the rain, especially the ones who are living in the Northern part of India where rain is less. Whenever the mighty clouds pour out the rain, the environment becomes beautiful and all that our heart desires is a hot cup of tea with some pakodas or samosas. This is indeed the best part of monsoon season.

Every state in India has its own way to celebrate monsoon. They have their own delicacies for monsoon which differs according to the culture but one thing which stays common is tea, better known as “chai” in North India, “chaya” in South India. There are many versions of chai when in various states of India.

We as Indians are attached to tea that for us nothing can beat a hot cup tea, especially during the monsoon season. Tea in monsoon is like a family tradition to us and both chai and monsoon go hand in hand. There are many reasons to use chai during the monsoon season in India.

First of all simply because it tastes awesome and makes you feel the real monsoon. Secondly, drinking tea in monsoon helps away to keep various bacterial infections which leads to cold and flu.

Monsoon season is excellent for those who love to travel. The tiny rain drops falling on to our face when we look up straight into the sky is just marvelous. Those planning for a long ride during rainy season can have all the fun and refresh themselves by stopping at the local tea stalls to have a superb hot cup of tea. Not only travelers, you can even sit at your home watching the rain and sipping that perfect cup of tea.

There is a lot which tea can do for you during the rainy season. Rainy season is all fun but it also brings some health problems. Once we are wet in rain, there are chances of getting sick, if we are not careful enough. One can easily get caught by bacterial and viral infections leading them to cold, flu, throat infections etc. Now, tea can do wonders during the monsoon season. There are various types of teas which strengthen our immune system and keep us healthy during the rainy season. For those prone to allergies during rainy season, herbal teas are the best.

Curl up on the sofa and start sipping…here’s how to brew the most flavorful and aromatic teas this monsoon season with keeping sickness at bay….

1. Chamomile tea

This tea was used by the ancient Egyptians to treat a wide variety of ailments. It is said to have both anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties which is particularly helpful in the rainy season, since the season brings tones of infectious diseases like cold, flu, viral infections and various severe skin diseases, if not taken care properly.

Other benefits of this include fatigue relieving and it works as a wonderful cure for insomnia. The relaxing property of chamomile tea is good when a person is stressed out. If you’re one of those who develops stress fevers, then brew yourself a pot of this tea STAT.

How to brew: Place a sachet of dried chamomile into a cup or buy chamomile tea from tea floor. Boil water and cool it for 20 seconds, then pour it over the chamomile. Cover and let it steep for about 5-7 minutes. Strain and sip. The flavor will be sweet and soothing.

2. Rosehip tea

Sore throat and various other infections as discussed earlier are common in the monsoons. Rosehip tea, is probably the oldest flavored teas available, which helps to strengthen our immune system and is good cure for sore throat. It also contains vitamins A, B3, C, D and E, which helps to protect the skin, clearing of the toxins in body and develop a strong immune system in the rainy season.

How to brew:  Boil a bowl of water and add dried rosehips to the bowl. Be sure to cover the rosehips with water. Let the mixture simmer down for about 10-15 minutes. Filter the contents and treat yourself to a healthy dose of rosehip tea. Use no sugar or cream as the flavor is best had natural.

3. White tea

White tea is the best when monsoon is on. This is because of the simple fact that this tea is the least processed of all the teas and has three times as many antioxidants as green tea. It helps to strengthen the immunity of our body as soon as possible. Moreover, various studies suggest that white tea can preserve the skin’s natural collagen, which means it protects the skin from various external factors such as bacteria, UV rays and more.

How to brew: Boil water to about 158 to 167 degree F and pour it over the tea leaves. Steeping time can be for about 10 minutes. Serve as it is, without milk or sugar. Remember not to use hard water.

4. Chrysanthemum tea

This is an extremely potent herbal tea and is very helpful in the monsoons. It has high levels of B carotene which is converted in Vitamin A in the liver, which in turn is treats various skin problems and builds immunity during rainy season by protecting against various infections. When we get fever during rainy season, this tea acts a “natural coolant” and help to lower the body temperature. It also treats sore throat, pimples and acne due to bacterial infection. Everybody is prone to eye infections during rainy season. This tea helps to provide relief from redness, itchiness and dryness in the eyes.

How to brew: To boiling water, steep the tea leaves at 90°c (194°F) for about three minutes, or until the liquor turns light yellow. A good tip is to brew the tea with a little sugar or add a little honey to it. It can be served both hot or cold.

5. Peppermint tea

Now this tea needs no explanation at all. It has menthol in it which is helpful in bringing down fever during rainy season, curing itchy throat and dry cough too (due to its antispasmodic quality). If you have any stomach trouble due to eating from outside in monsoon, then peppermint is the best as it relieves abdominal gas, bloating, muscle spasms and combats nausea.

How to brew: Buy readymade peppermint tea from teafloor. Now heat 2-3 cups of water in a teapot and add the tea leaves. Let the leaves simmer for a while. Pour out the contents and enjoy it hot.

6. Ginger Tea

One of the top in the list for monsoon season. It helps to fight common cold, clears out the throat and helps in allergies too. Also, helps to clear out stomach-related problems during the monsoon is very common, and ginger tea can help combat this by improving blood circulation and ensuring proper absorption and digestion of food.

How to brew: This is very easy to make. Just add a few crushed ginger to the regular black tea and serve hot.

7. Lemon Balm Tea

Lemon balm is a perennial herb from the mint family and its leaves are used to make medicines. It is also used alone or as part of various multi-herb combination products. Now let us how it is useful in the monsoon season.

Monsoon season brings with a variety of infections, especially the ones associated with gastrointestinal area. Lemon balm tea aids in digestive problems such as upset stomach, bloating, intestinal gas (flatulence), vomiting, and colic pain.

How to brew: Crush the leaves in a glass or cup and add boiling water to it. Let the mixture settle for a while and add a couple of fresh leaves to the same. Filter the contents and consume. You may add honey or sugar syrup for taste. Lemon Balm tea improves concentration and does wonders to your spirit.

8. GREEN TEA

Everybody on the planet knows about this wonder tea. There is so much which green tea does to give us good health. Loaded with antioxidants, this tea helps us to boost our immune system. During monsoon season, boosting the immunity helps us to stay away from the attacks of infectious diseases. Green tea also helps to flush out toxins out of our body. If you don’t like the taste of green tea, feel free to stir in a bit of sugar or honey for improved taste.

How to brew: This is easy to prepare. Boil water and add green tea leaves or green tea bags to it. Let the mixture simmer down for a while. Filter the contents and pour the tea in a cup. A healthy cup of green tea is ready. You may add fresh Tulsi leaves and sugar for aroma and taste.

9. BASIL TEA

Basil tea lies in the tradition of Indian culture. It is called as “Tulsi” in India, and is one of the miraculous herbs being used in the ayurveda. This leaf has a ton of healing properties. It can cure a host of problems from headaches, colds, and fevers to heart diseases and lung problems. It is very helpful in the monsoons as it keeps our immune system strengthened, protects one from cold, flu and bacterial infections. This is a must drink tea for those especially who are prone to allergies in the monsoon season.

How to brew: Purchase freshly made tulsi tea leaves from teafloor. Boil the leaves with some water, pour it into a cup, and add some honey or lemon for better taste. However, it is healthier to consume it as is.

These were the teas which will help you enjoy the monsoon season and will keep you away from the attack of diseases of the season.

Have a great monsoon!!! Enjoy…