The popularity of tea cannot be contested; the drink comes second only to water as the world’s most widely consumed beverage. Whilst there are many different kinds of tea, all non-herbal varieties are derived from the plant Camellia sinensis.
It is difficult to pin down precisely when and where tea was discovered but legend dictates that the first cup was brewed in 2737BC when Emperor Shen Nung of China set up camp beneath a tree. A few leaves fell into a pot of boiling water and thus, tea was born! Widespread use became evident approximately 1500 years later during the Chinese Han Dynasty of 206–220 AD.
The word of tea spread slowly into Japan and Korea before expanding globally via trading routes and parties, particularly the Dutch East India Company.
Dutch and British traders were especially fond of the dark amber-hued liquor but perhaps remained unaware of one of its main benefits; functioning as beauty tea that contributes to healthy and glowing skin.
Loaded with various hair and skin-friendly nutrients, including powerful antioxidants and naturally occurring tannins and polyphenols, black tea can certainly assist you in looking your best. Keep reading to discover just a few of the numerous beauty benefits that drinking black tea can provide.
Helps to heal skin infections
If you are suffering from a skin infection, your first port of call should be a dermatologist who will be able to provide you with a diagnosis and medical assistance. Applying a black tea bag can also assist, as it contains catechins and flavonoids which are said to reduce all types of inflammations including cold sores, canker sores and psoriasis as well as helping reduce those under eye bags!
Slows down ageing
Our skin is exposed to pollution, sunlight and other dangers on a daily basis which can all contribute to premature ageing. Thankfully, the polyphenols and antioxidants present in tea can assist in helping fight the signs of ageing and help prevent wrinkle formation and reducing other visible signs of ageing.
Regenerates skin
Our bodies are amazing in their ability to regenerate skin quickly to heal all types of wounds. Concentrated extracts of black tea can speed up this process, with powerful antioxidants helping the maintenance of collagen which supports skin health.
Prevents hair loss
Loaded with antioxidants (which counteracts oxidative stress), black tea can help strengthen hair follicles, helping to support premature hair loss and promoting root regeneration.
Heals puffy eyes
Puffy eyes reflect stress and lack of sleep, but did you know a simple tea bag can be the solution? Strong anti-inflammatory properties assist in reducing puffy eyes by tightening the skin and contracting surrounding blood vessels. Applying a chilled tea bag on swollen eyes for around 25 minutes can help to prevent premature wrinkle formation and black patches, and reduce those puffy under eye bags.
Offers sun protection
Whatever the season, our skin is exposed to prolonged periods of UV ray exposure from the sun. Whilst you should always apply sunscreen, black tea is another handy ingredient that helps protect the skin against pigmentation and other skin related problems.
Drinking tea can help, however you could also consider applying it topically to reduce the irritation and effects of sunburn.
These are just some of the ways in which black tea can maintain and improve the health and quality of your hair, skin and nails. In fact, you might argue that black tea should instead be renamed beauty tea for all that it has to offer!
