Soothing or refreshing: a tea for all occasions
Herbal infusions provide warmth, revitalise and are great thirst quenchers. Which varieties are particularly suitable for which purpose - and which tea does not belong in the children's cup.
There are many stories and myths surrounding the origins of tea. What is certain, however, is that the hot infusion drink has its origins in China. Over 5000 years ago, the fermented leaves and buds of the tea plant were brewed and used as a stimulant and remedy. The first tea was imported to Europe at the beginning of the 17th century - still a luxury at the time.
Tea has become a common part of our everyday lives. Black and green tea in particular are often used as a pick-me-up. No wonder, with a caffeine content of up to 75 milligrams of caffeine per 250 millilitre cup.
As caffeine can cause restlessness, palpitations and sleep problems in children, these two teas are allowed in mum and dad's cup, but only herbal and fruit teas belong in the children's cup. Strictly speaking, these are not teas, but herbal infusions, but the name tea has become established for all varieties.
In addition to tap water and mineral water, hot infusions made from herbs and fruit are the ideal thirst quencher. They are low in calories and can also have a positive effect on our well-being.
So much more than a thirst quencher
Although most vitamins are lost during processing, herbal and fruit teas contain a lot of secondary plant substances. These polyphenols act as antioxidants, are said to bind free radicals and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Depending on the variety, there are also other positive effects. To make it easier for you and your family to choose, we have summarised the most common types of fruit and herbal tea for you.
Peppermint tea
Thanks to its antispasmodic effect, peppermint tea is often used to relieve stomach ache and nausea.
Camomile tea
The mild camomile tea has a calming effect on body and mind. It is also said to have an anti-inflammatory effect, making it the perfect tea for a cold.
Fennel tea
There are usually two clear camps when it comes to fennel tea: Team Hui and Team Pfui. Regardless of the flavour, it is very digestible and is often recommended for stomach ache and flatulence.
Lime blossom tea
Their soothing and diaphoretic effect makes lime blossom a popular household remedy for coughs and sore throats.
Rooibos tea
Due to its calming effect, the tea obtained from the African red bush is often recommended before going to bed. It is also rich in minerals.
Fruit tea
Naturally sweet, fruit infusions are among the favourite teas of young and old.
Make sure that there are no artificial flavourings or added sweeteners . In summer, fruit tea is also a wonderful base for a refreshing iced tea with no added sugar.
Dumped cold
Ready-made iced teas are not only unsuitable for children because of their high sugar content. Many are also made on the basis of black tea and therefore contain caffeine. This also applies to the hip drink mate tea, which is currently very popular with young people. An alternative is iced tea made from dried apple slices, for example. Simply pour hot water over the apple slices and leave to cool.
8 tips for enjoying tea
- Offer your child different herbal and fruit teas from time to time to encourage the acceptance of new flavours.
- It is best to serve tea unsweetened - i.e. without sugar alternatives such as honey or birch sugar. This will prevent your child from developing a preference for sweetened drinks.
- As tea is a natural product, it can contain pathogenic germs. Boil the tea water to eliminate these.
- The optimum temperature and brewing time can be found on the packaging. For a more pleasant drinking temperature, you can cool the tea with a little cold water after brewing.
- Enjoy leftover tea cold. Put the tea in the fridge. To avoid irritating your child's stomach with the cold, it is best to take the tea out of the fridge 30 minutes before serving.
- To keep the herbal teas for as long as possible, store them in a cool, dry and dark place. Opaque and airtight containers are suitable.
- Always pay attention to the best before date. Tea blends are susceptible to mould.
- Nowadays, tea is also increasingly available in the form of instant powder. As this usually consists largely of sugar, use loose tea or tea bags whenever possible.
