It has been a long week. Even though I had Monday off, I still ended up working 40 hours and that doesn't even factor in my commute. Oh well, work hard and play hard, I like to remind myself. Though, when I'm not working hard or playing hard, I like to properly relax with a cup of tea. Tea is astounding. There are so many different types and endless combinations. I grew up in England, so I always had a natural affinity for tea, but as I've grown older I've expanded my horizons from the traditional English Breakfast brew and discovered many other delightful concoctions. Hot or cold, loose or bagged - I've tried it all. Well, nearly all. I did turn down some Pumpkin Spice Tea offered to me the other day. I couldn't help it, Pumpkin Spice is gross. The best way to try tea is to taste the free samples from Teavana. Do it discreetly though! Pour and run, unless you want to be targeted by a hungry tea salesman. I figure if I like it enough, I'll return of my own volition to make a purchase. Anyway, tea doesn't just taste good, there are also different health benefits associated with certain teas.

1. Chamomile

I like to have Chamomile before bed, because it's caffeine free. It's also supposed to relieve migraines and menstrual cramps, while promoting healthy skin due to it's anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties.

2. Black Tea

Some of my favorite black teas include English Breakfast and Chai! Teas with a black tea base have the most caffeine. It has been linked to lower cholesterol and decreases risk of stroke.

3. Peppermint

I had Mint tea at work the other day, I thought it was gross. However, it's thought to reduce fevers, decrease appetite, promote digestive health, help with nausea/vomiting, and improve bad breath. My mouth definitely tasted minty for hours after!

4. Green Tea

Green tea is made from steamed tea leaves, compared to black tea leaves, which are fermented. It is a super tea! The health benefits are endless: weight loss, brain protection, bacteria killer, etc. You can't go wrong with this one.

5. White Tea

White tea is considered the most pure tea - it boasts more anticancer properties than other teas that have been processed. White teas are great, because they can be blended with anything. I've had Peach White Tea and Youthberry Tea - all divine and they taste great hot or iced.

6. Rooibos

A South African Tea, Rooibos has similar properties to Green Tea. It aids in digestive health, strengthens bones and teeth, and lowers blood pressure for those with hypertension.

7. Oolong

Oolong is marketed as a weight loss supplement, but so far there hasn't been enough evidence to verify that claim. It is linked to lower cholesterol, though!

8. Echincea

This tea is reserved for colds, data has shown that those who drink Echincea shorten their colds. Although there are claims that it prevents you from catching a cold, that hasn't been proven.

9. Hibiscus

This tea tastes good and lowers blood pressure! Panera does an iced Plum Ginger Hibiscus Tea that I get all the time.

I hope this list inspires you to take a break from coffee and enter the wonderful and wide world of tea!