Wu-Yi - The Black Dragon Tea

Wu-yi (or Wu-long) stems from the Chinese words “wu” and “luong” for “black” and “dragon” respectively. Even legends exist surrounding how this famous tea got its name!
The mere mention of this well-known tea evokes an air of mystery; instantly conjuring in our minds a faint scent of jasmine and the exotic mystique of the far off Orient.
Let’s explore the mythical black dragon and find out what it is and why it has been used by traditional Chinese herbalists for centuries.
What is Wu-yi?
Also known as oolong in the West, this wonder drink is made from the same plant as all true teas - Camellia sinensis. While more full-bodied in flavor and higher in caffeine than green tea, its flavor profile is typically less sweet and contains less caffeine than black tea. There are several varieties of oolong tea, with the two most popular grown in the Wu-yi Mountain Province and Taiwan.

Wu-yi, like green (and to a lesser extent) black tea, contains antiviral and antibacterial properties as well as powerful antioxidants. These disease fighting powerhouses and anti-aging antioxidants, known as catechins, have been shown in scientific studies to inhibit some forms of cancer According to the National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/pressreleases/tea
Oolong is processed more than green tea, but oxidized and fermented for less time than that of black. As a result, the amount of phytochemicals and antioxidants present in this amazing drink differ from the two.
The level of oxidation a tea leaf undergoes effects the properties it contains. While catechin levels are reduced the longer a tea is allowed to oxidize and ferment, other benefits are increased.
Why Wu-yi?
Simply because it has a reputation as a wonder tea and there’s no wonder why!
Used to manage and treat all sorts of ailments from high cholesterol, allergies, eczema, high blood pressure and even diabetes, wu-yi’s benefits are nearly too many to name.
Scientific studies have shown that older women who regularly drink tea are less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than non tea drinkers of the same age. Also, regular, long-term tea drinkers (versus non tea drinkers) can add higher spinal bone mineral density to the long list of oolong benefits.
A healthy diet that includes regular cups of oolong tea is most definitely beneficial to nearly anyone.
Even children can enjoy a weakly brewed cup of this delicious and nutritious tea!
The benefits of oolong do not end here. There have also been studies that show this pleasurable beverage is extremely efficient in boosting the metabolism and plays a key, fat burning role.
Combined with a suitable exercise routine and healthy balanced diet, this can be a valuable addition to the life of anyone seeking to keep fit.
It doesn’t take numerous amounts of tea per day before one can start to see the benefits of oolong. A mere half a cup of this marvelous tea per day can reduce your risk of high blood pressure by nearly 50%. Those who regularly drink two and a half or more cups of oolong tea per day can enjoy an even greater reduction.
So you see, it doesn’t take much and it’s never too late or too early to begin reaping the benefits of this amazing tea!
The next time you decide to indulge yourself with the gift of tea, try considering wu-yi - The Black Dragon Tea.

Black Tea: India vs Ceylon

Black tea is certainly one of the most intriguing beverages on the market today. It comes in a variety of forms and flavors, making it popular among a diverse cross-section of people. In addition, researchers now believe that black tea may have medicinal qualities—a finding which has increased its stature among health-conscious consumers.
It’s important to note that the taste and consistency of black tea can vary greatly from country to country and from region to region. You may have heard, for instance, about both Indian and Ceylon black tea varieties. As a result, you may be wondering about the differences between the two—and about which one is right for you.
Fast Facts About India Black Tea



If you pick up a box of black tea from India, chances are that it was derived from the Assam Province. That’s because about half of all the tea in India is grown in this area. For the most part, it comes from the Brahmaputra Valley, which is known for both its hills and its rain. The province is in the northeastern part of the nation and borders on Bangladesh, Burma, and China.
The province is peopled by immigrants from Nepal and Bangladesh, for the most part. Black tea grown in this area tends to have a malt-like flavor and is best served with milk.You can also find tea in Darjeeling, which is located in the foothills of the Himalayas in the northern part of the country. In fact, the Indian tea business actually started here in the middle of the 19th century. The Darjeeling Puttabong version of the tea is considered to be light, with a slightly flowery taste.
Fast Facts About Ceylon Black Tea



Ceylon is definitely considered to be one of the most popular teas around the globe. The black pekoe version has its leaves fermented prior to drying. Thanks to the unique drying process involved, essential oils are preserved which provide the tea with its unforgettable taste. Although the tea originated in Ceylon, it is now grown in India and China.
The aroma of the tea is similar to that of citrus, although its taste may vary from region to region. Popularized by James Taylor, Ceylon tea rose to 22,900 tons by 1890, from a mere 23 pounds between the years 1873 and 1880.
It should be pointed out that there are half a dozen tea production areas in Sri Lanka. There’s Dimbulla, which is west of the central mountains; Galle in the southern part of the nation; Kandy, which is located near the ancient royal capital; Nuwara Eliya, which is the highest altitude area; Ratnapurea, located east of the Colombo capital; and Uva, which is east of Dimbulla.
Numerous Varieties to Choose From
You should be aware that there are numerous varieties of Ceylon black tea from which to choose. For instance, there’s Dimbulla and Dickoya tea, which is cultivated at a level of 3,500 feet or higher; the Kandy variety, which is a district tea grown at a level of 2,500 feet or more; the Morawak Korale tea, a district tea grown at 2,500 feet; Nuwara Eliya, which is grown at an extremely high altitude of 6,000 feet or more; and Uva, a district tea which is cultivated at 2,800 feet or more.
Things to Know About Black Tea
What you may not realize is that black tea is derived from an evergreen perennial shrub known as Camellia sinensis. In fact, black tea is actually derived from the same plant as green tea and oolong tea are. It apparently originated in China about 5,000 years ago.
Because of its presence of caffeine, black tea can stimulate the central nervous system and the heart, while increasing the output of urine from the kidneys because of its diuretic nature.
A typical cup of black tea possesses 50 milligrams of caffeine. Other components of black tea include polyphenols, tannin, trace elements, and vitamins.
The tea plant can grow as high as 40 feet, but it is typically maintained at two to three feet. The various varieties of black tea are determined by the region or district in which they’re grown, the form, and the processing method. It was introduced to the West in the 6th century. The fad caught on and by the 18th century, tea was a beverage of choice in England. In fact, each day at 5 p.m., chances are you’ll find legions of Britons sipping a spot of tea.



Summing it All Up
Whether from India or Ceylon, black tea can be a powerful antidote to what ails you. Medical research suggests that the beverage contains significant medicinal properties. Therefore, not only is black tea quite tasty, it can also be considered a beverage which can enhance your health.

All Rise for the English Tea Party

When thinking about tea parties, do you find yourself encumbered with thoughts of British gentry, Victorian décor, snippets of Alice in Wonderland and pinky fingers saluting fellow guests?
If so, you’re right and wrong. You’re right because as the tradition of afternoon tea has developed over hundreds of years, it has become an elegant affair. You’re also wrong because ‘High’ tea was often sipped by the British working class with their evening supper. A cup of tea is quintessentially engraved in our society and now the English tea party is making a come back.
There is no accurate record of the first tea party in the UK, but is reputed that Anna Russell, the seventh duchess of Bedford, introduced ‘afternoon tea’ to the western world in the early 19th century. At the time, the English only ate two main meals a day – a hearty breakfast and an enormous dinner. The duchess was lost between meals and this void in her day inspired her to prepare small snacks in between these meals, accompanied with a cup of tea!

During the late 1800’s, the concept travelled in to fine hotels; offering a tea service, or a tea party, in Tea Rooms and Tea Courts. Eminent Victorian ladies and their gentlemen would meet late afternoon for tea and socialising. Many of these gatherings became so reputable that certain members of the royal family and the famous would bless the parties with their presence in order to maintain social recognition.
By the early 1900’s, the majority of prestigious hotels in England, particularly London, began to host tea parties and dances, as dancing in the UK was fast becoming the new fad. The marriage of tea and socialising was now a happy and successful one – if you enjoyed your tea, savouring it in front of yours peers and acquaintances was now a necessity.
Fast forward a hundred years and the tradition and heritage of the tea party have been preserved. Today, it still brings people together; creating conversations and friendships and tea can be appreciated in a similar fashion. The resurgence of the tea party has added something different, more civilised and cultured, to the way we can socialise. It’s not all about binge drinking and conversations that lose out to ostentatious music.
It could be for these very reasons then, why the tea party is a popular alternative with celebrities and normal folk when entertaining. The most recent, high-profile tea party of the year was hosted by super model (and normally super-party animal) Kate Moss to celebrate her 34th birthday in January. The 1920’s themed ladies’ tea party provided afternoon tea to a glut of her celebrity friends in the Dorchester Hotel.
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes also held a conspicuous tea party for their 18-month-old daughter, Suri, inside the Carlyle Hotel in New York, early this year. The interior was decorated with artwork from the Madeline series of children’s books as guests danced, nibbled on cakes and drank tea. A sight any photographer would have relished.
It isn’t just celebrities, however, who are enjoying their tea. This year has seen a number of UK-based charities encourage tea parties as the perfect way to raise money and awareness. Christian Aid embraced the art of tea parties by launching Tea Time 2008. More then 2,000 tea parties took place across the UK, as tea cups were raised in aid of tackling poverty around the globe.
Even the nation’s domestic animals are getting involved. In May this year, The Blue Cross launched the UK’s biggest tea party for pets! The event was supported by actor Martin Freeman and was joined by an assortment of tea-loving canines and cats at the prestigious Claridge’s in London. Backed by the UK Tea Council, the fundraising event was the first of its kind to combine the country’s passion for tea, animal welfare and tea sets – providing a large range of classic and contemporary tea pots and china.
With the revival of the tea party well under way and the country now clambering through their lofts and attics to discover the family’s treasured, but neglected tea set, there’s never a better time to put the kettle on.
One company that’s appreciating the recent furore and specialises in modern and classic tea sets is Cube Homewares – an online contemporary kitchen and homeware shop. Their range includes an Alice in Wonderland teapot, to authentic china tea sets.
“Things come and go in fashion but the one thing that remains quintessentially British and always in fashion is the good old fashioned cuppa,” says Cube Homewares. “How many times have you been abroad and said can’t wait to get home for a decent cup of tea! At Cube Homewares we have everything from mugs, teapots to tea sets – perfect for any tea party.”
So if you like a brew and you’re fond of a party, then the best thing to do is host a tea party. Telephone you’re friends and announce its Tea Time!

Drink in the Benefits of Green Tea

A lot of people these days are trying to maintain their good health. Medical experts always tell us that we should take better care of ourselves if we want to live a longer life. The problem is that there’s so much conflicting information about what is and isn’t good for us. However, there seem to be some consensus about the benefits of green tea.
Green tea has gained popularity in recent years because of many people’s desire to try natural herbs and supplements in the hope of maintaining their good health. It’s a fact that many people have chosen to substitute it for their morning cup of coffee. They realize that the benefits of green tea far outweigh those of a cup of java.



However, the caffeine that is found in coffee is also present in green tea. This means that you will feel nervous or jittery if you will not limit the number of cups you drink each day. Your sleep patterns may be disrupted if you consume too much caffeine so it would be wise to limit your green tea consumption.
Many people also focus on losing weight in order to maintain good health. That is why we are bombarded with new and supposedly effective weight loss plans on a daily basis. It’s also a fact that weight loss is one of the benefits of green tea. Do you know you can enjoy the benefits of green tea by taking it in the form of a pill? You need to be careful about how much take if you go in this route.
Green tea also contains antioxidants that can prevent some forms of cancer. You may reduce your risk of breast, lung and other forms of cancer if you increase the amount of antioxidants in your diet. It’s certainly worthwhile to add a cup or two to your daily beverage menu if this is indeed one of the benefits of green tea.
Green tea also comes in different varieties as with other types of herbal teas. It’s easy to see why green tea should replace regular tea as a staple in your diet if you know all the benefits of green tea. Drinking a nice warm cup of tasty green tea everyday is well worth doing, especially if it means improving your health and lengthening your life.

Green Tea for Beautiful Skin and Healthy Living

Green tea offers so many benefits to the skin and to the body. It contains antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and anti-bacterial properties. It is not a mystery green tea is so popular in the cosmetic industry. Loaded with Vitamin E and C, the antioxidant agents slow the signs of aging externally and provide beneficial vitamins for overall health when taken internally.
Furthermore, recent research has concluded that green tea can prevent cancer. The death rate in Japan from cancer is significantly lower than that in the States. In Japan, green tea is part of their daily staple and consumed as much as 5 to 6 cups a day. This suggests that the main ingredients in green tea (*tannin, **catechin-see definition below) in sufficient amounts can lower the mortality rates of cancer patients.
Additionally, green tea can lower high blood pressure and lower blood sugar levels for those suffering with diabetes or the onset thereof. Caffeinated tea refreshes the body when taken internally; it stimulates the body’s organs and clears the mind. Green tea can lower cholesterol by restricting the excessive buildup of (LDL) cholesterol. Research has also suggested that green tea can inhibit skin cancer due to its protective properties. Overall, green tea drinkers seem to enjoy better health. The vital ingredient Catechin is 100 times more potent than Vitamin C and 25 times more potent than Vitamin E.

Green Tea Facial Toner 5 green tea bags or several heaping teaspoons of green tea leaves 1/3 to ½ cup fresh herb, chopped (see list below for your specific skin type) 2 cups mineral water or vitamin water Combine all ingredients in a small pot. Bring to boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Strain if necessary. Apply with cotton ball. The toner will keep for at least one week in the refrigerator.
Dry skin: Elderflower, linden flowers, and marigold. Normal skin: chamomile - especially good for antiseptic values, fennel, lemon balm, parsley, and rosemary. Oily Skin: Chamomile-especially good for antiseptic values, fennel, lemon balm, parsley, rosemary, and peppermint and sage-especially good for antiseptic values.
*Definition of catechin: The antioxidant activity about 25-100 times more potent than vitamins C and E. One cup of green tea may provide 10-40mg of polyphenols and can have an antioxidant activity greater than a serving of broccoli, spinach, carrots, or strawberries. A catechin is effective because it sticks to proteins easily and blocks bacteria from adhering to cell walls. This disrupts their ability to destroy them. The catechin in green tea also prevents viruses from adhering to cell walls and causing harm.