So here I am drinking some tea and staying warm during yet another snow storm. There is nothing like a hot cup of tea to warm you up. Some prefer coffee for a pick me up or a nice warm drink. I prefer a nice hot cup of tea. It soothes the stomach, warms the insides, and can either pep you up or calm you down.

Tea is also a very beneficial health drink. Because of the high concertration of antioxidants, it can help you on the cellular level to fight off free radicals which can damage our cells. Some have different properties to effect health issues but most have a great internal benefit also.

First, let me define tea as I have come to understand it. There as specific leaves know as tea leaves and there are also many roots and herbs and other leaves that when boiled in water create a “tea.” They are all called tea but technically anything that doesnt come from tea leaves is actually considered an herbal tea or drink. Slight difference but there is one.

There is also a difference in teas. While white, green, and black tea all come from the same leaves, there is a difference in the process. White tea is the most natural and the least processed. It isnt “cooked” like the others. Green tea is cooked slighty. Black tea is cooked thoroughly. Some believe the white tea is better because it is the least processed but each tea is beneficial. I like the taste of each for different reasons. White tea is a lighter tea that is very good when combined with fruits. I found some really good white tea with pomegranite and blueberry. Yummy! Green tea has a different flavor but i like it alone or when combined with a lemongrass and citrus…very refreshing in the summertime. Black tea is the most common but is also very good hot or cold. Also, great blends such a chai and earl gray come from black tea.

One of my favorite “teas” is red tea. Red tea comes from the roobis bush that is indigenous to South Africa. Alone, it is has a unique flavor that almost has an almond touch. I really like a blend that is called sweet and spicy. It has a very strong cinnamon flavor. Some drink it without sugar but I prefer a little. This tea is totally caffeine free but because of the cinnamon, it is very good at picking you up or even calming you. Plus, in the summertime it makes a very refreshing iced tea. Either way, it is very good and many people that I have given some to just love it.

One other thing about tea, dont put milk in it. I will put some cream in my chai, but never use it in other teas. I was reading some research a couple years ago that said not to put milk in your tea. As helpful as tea is, according to this study milk can reverse the effects. Maybe thats true and maybe it isnt but I am happy without it. Let me know your favorite tea and how you like it. It’s good tasting and it’s good for you!

So if you’ve read the Balm of Gilead, you know that I usually include a scripture with each post…not all but most. I believe that there are spiritual principles many things and that includes tea leaves. Well, not tea leaves but leaves. Revelations chapter 22 gives us a glimpse into heaven. According to scripture, there is a street in heaven with a tree, the Tree of Life, which spans the street. This tree bears a different kind of fruit every month, all year long…12 different fruit in all. And the leaves of this tree are for the healing of the nations. I dont know how this works or what the process is, but God obviously knows that leaves are beneficial. There is healing in these leaves. Maybe there is healing in other leaves too. Something to think about…..

Live long and prosper!