As one of the world’s oldest beverages, tea has been enjoyed in a multitude of cultures throughout the world for centuries. Available in a kaleidoscopic array of flavors and forms, tea is a pleasure to drink; the acts of preparing and imbibing it are a treasured ritual for many. In addition, certain forms of tea, such as antioxidant-rich green tea, possess health-enhancing properties. In some cases, fragrant tea may serve as a form of aromatherapy.
Definition of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the practice of promoting mental, emotional and physical well being through scents. Proponents of aromatherapy believe that certain odors can have specific effects on a person’s mind, feelings and body. Aromatherapy takes place whenever a person experiences beneficial effects from a particular natural, plant-derived odor.
Traditional Aromatherapy
Traditionally, aromatherapy involves the use of natural scents derived from plants, flowers, trees, herbs, and spices. Pure essential oils contain the potent essences of these natural materials in liquid forms; such essential oils are the traditional tools of aromatherapy. Essential oils are not meant to be ingested. Instead, they are inhaled or combined with a carrier oil such as jojoba and massaged onto the body. They may also be dropped into a special essential oil diffuser or into a bathtub full of water. Each of these methods is used in traditional aromatherapy.
Using Tea in Aromatherapy
Many forms of tea are highly fragrant and their fragrance comes from the natural materials with which they are made, including herbs, flowers, and spices. For this reason, tea, like essential oils, can be a tool of aromatherapy. Simply brewing a cup of tea and inhaling its aroma can be therapeutic. Making a compress by soaking a cloth in fragrant tea, pressing it to the face and inhaling deeply is another way to use tea in aromatherapy.
Ingredients for Tea Aromatherapy
Many of the ingredients commonly found in tea produce scents that are favored in traditional aromatherapy. For example, rose petals and buds are a common feature of many herbal teas and they release a delightful floral aroma. In aromatherapy, the scent of roses is used to promote feelings of happiness, alleviate depression and soothe a broken heart.
Lavender is another component of many teas. In aromatherapy, the fragrance of lavender is used to promote feelings of calm and relaxation and encourage sound sleep.
Some types of green tea include jasmine flowers. In aromatherapy, jasmine flowers are used to promote calm and ease mental tension. Other good ingredients for tea aromatherapy are refreshing mint, soothing chamomile, and mind-sharpening rosemary.
Other Therapeutic Benefits of Tea
In addition to containing ingredients with scents that promote feelings of well being, tea has numerous other therapeutic benefits. These benefits vary according to the type of tea. For example, peppermint tea is soothing to the stomach and aids digestion. Green, black and white teas, which are all made from the Camellia sinensis plant, are rich in antioxidants, as is rooibos tea from the South African honeybush plant.
References
- "Aromatherapy: An A-Z: The Most Comprehensive Guide to Aromatherapy Ever Published"; Particia Davis, 2005.
- "The Tea Enthusiast's Handbook: A Guide to the World's Best Teas"; Mary Lou Heiss, 2010.
- A World of Aromatherapy: Essential Oils A to Z
- Medical Dictionary-The Free Dictionary: Aromatherapy
- Cooks Corner: Antioxidants in Tea
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