First of all, Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. day! Unfortunately we seem to be alive in a time where it feels like all of his work was for naught. I have a lot more feelings in general but today is not for me and I don’t feel like its my place, today of all days to talk about //my// feelings. Anyway, I do hope you’ll take the time to reflect on the work and words of Martin Luther King, Jr on this day.

Today, I am going to be talking about TEA!!! If you know me, you know I LOVE my tea. I constantly joke about getting an IV drip for tea because I run on tea. On a regular day, I consume somewhere between 3-5 cups of tea. Not only do they pair well with books but they also pair really well with (my) moods.

So many serious coffee drinkers always wonder at my tea drinking habits and think I am just doing it for some vibe/aesthetic when really, I couldn’t live without tea. Especially my black tea. I’d cry. In fact, I probably could use a cup of tea right now.

*gets up to go make herself a cup of tea*

*sits back down*

So. Where were we? Yes. Tea. The thing that makes my world go round. I mean I am going somewhere with this and I thought I’d put together a little guide on teas based on my research and own experience.

Rashika’s Short Guide to Tea: What Tea To Drink When…

You need to wake up?

Black teas or matcha teas are the way to go. Matcha teas are made from crushed tea leaves which means that even though matcha teas are technically green teas, they have a much higher content than your run-of-the-mill stuff. Also the taste is different from a typical green tea.

Here is the thing though, not all black teas have the same amount of caffeine. Irish Breakfast Tea, in my experience has the most caffeine and English Breakfast is the best tasting.

You are sick?

I suggest having a nice citrus-y tea to clear out your sinuses. Maybe even a ginger or turmeric based tea because both those things also have healing properties.

You are anxious? Stressed? Sleep deprived?

Chamomile is the answer to all your problems. Not only does it help you feel better, but it can also help if you have an upset tummy.

You are bloated? Have cramps?

Mint is the way to go. It has natural anti-inflammatory properties that make it perfect for cramps and probably for other pain/swelling in your body!

You need some energy?

Drink a berry based tea or hibiscus tea. The tart flavors will give you the energy and motivation you need to get the job done.

I just made myself a mixed berry tea to help me write this post, for example!

That’s a quick guide to teas from your fav! Here is a nice infographic for those who like having something prettier to look at:

Do you drink tea? What’s your fav? Any tea I should definitely try?