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Herbal Teas for Intermittent Fasting
Whether you're new to intermittent fasting or a seasoned pro, staying hydrated and energized during your fasting window is key. And while water is always a go-to, herbal tea can be a game-changer. Not only does it support hydration, but certain blends can also help curb cravings, boost metabolism, and promote calm focus—all without breaking your fast. In this blog, we’re sharing our favorite herbal teas to sip during intermittent fasting, plus Leaves of Leisure blends that you can enjoy during your fasting period. Ginger: Ginger tea is known for its ability to soothe an upset stomach and support emotional balance with its warm, comforting flavor. Our Road Trip and Autumn Breeze blends, both featuring ginger, are grounding options to support your fasting journey—perfect for moments when you need calm and clarity. Rosehip: Rosehip tea is rich in antioxidants and may support heart health, which makes it an excellent choice for those fasting with wellness goals in mind. Incorporating rosehip during your fasting window is a smart, and delicious, move. Our Road Trip and Sun Soaked blends are full of rosehip, making them go-to options during those periods. Peppermint: Peppermint is known to reduce hunger cravings, soothe digestion, and enhance mental clarity, making it an ideal companion when you're feeling snacky or sluggish. Refreshing and functional, it helps you stay strong and focused between meals. Our Snow Angel tea is peppermint-forward, making it a perfect pick during your fasting window. Whether you're fasting for focus, energy, or overall wellness, the right herbal tea can make your journey more enjoyable, and more effective. From the soothing warmth of ginger to the refreshing clarity of peppermint, each blend brings its own supportive benefits to your fasting window. Explore our Leaves of Leisure teas and find your perfect sip to keep you grounded, energized, and satisfied, no snacks required. https://www.artoftea.com/blogs/health-lifestyle/how-to-fast-with-tea?srsltid=AfmBOopfjtWGmXTwHcTQ2BGoG63m_tk-C-F1i907zGnclaYwkUT8uY8h
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Iced Tea vs Cold Brew Tea: What’s the Difference and How to Brew Both
When summer hits its peak, nothing sounds better than a crisp, cold drink to cool you down. If you're looking to cut back on caffeine but still want that same refreshing kick you’d get from an iced latte, try swapping it for an iced or cold-brewed tea. Both options are flavorful, caffeine-free, and perfect for powering through the sweltering heat. But what exactly is the difference between iced tea and cold brew tea? And how do you brew each one? In this post, we’ll break it all down, and share our favorite Leaves of Leisure blends that shine when served cold. Though they may look similar in your glass, iced tea and cold brew tea are made using different methods—and each brings its own unique flavor and vibe. Iced Tea is typically brewed hot, then chilled. The process involves steeping your tea in hot water (just like you would for a regular cup), letting it cool slightly, then pouring it over ice. This method is quick and delivers bold, robust flavor, especially great if you're in a hurry. Cold Brew Tea, on the other hand, is steeped cold from the start. You simply add tea bags to cold water and let it infuse slowly in the fridge, usually for 6 to 12 hours. This slow steeping process brings out a smoother, more delicate flavor with less bitterness and zero need for sweeteners. It's refreshing, light, and perfect for laid-back sipping. Our favorite Leaves of Leisure blends to enjoy cold—whether iced or cold brewed—are Picnic in the Park, Bath Time, and Road Trip. Picnic in the Park bursts with fruity summer flavors like apple and hibiscus. Bath Time, with its green tea base, makes for a refreshing midday pick-me-up. And Road Trip blends carrot, beet, and pineapple—a vibrant trio made for sunshine sipping. Whether you prefer the bold refreshment of iced tea or the smooth, subtle taste of cold brew, there's a perfect blend waiting for you. So go ahead, chill out and sip the summer with Leaves of Leisure.
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You’re Not Living Until You’ve Thrown a Cottagecore Tea Party Like This
There’s something magical about gathering under the sun, surrounded by flowers, fresh fruit, linens and lace, and the people you love most. Cottagecore isn’t just an aesthetic; it’s a lifestyle rooted in slowing down, savoring the simple, and celebrating beauty in everyday moments. And what better way to romanticize your weekend than with a tea party straight out of a storybook? In this post, we’ll walk you through how to throw the dreamiest cottagecore tea party; from setting the scene to sipping something herbal and refreshing. So grab your picnic basket, cue the soft playlist, and let’s plan your most enchanting tea party yet. Set the Scene: Whether you’re hosting indoors or in the garden, curating a soft, romantic atmosphere is key. Think pastel linens, fresh flowers in jars, and twinkling fairy lights. Add candles or a few vintage touches like teacups or lace doilies for charm. A cozy playlist—think acoustic, classical, or soft folk—sets the tone. Your goal? Make it feel like your guests just stepped into a storybook. Curate the Menu: Think delicate finger foods, seasonal fruit, and dreamy desserts like shortbread, lemon bars, or berry tarts. Include low- to no-caffeine tea blends to keep things light, herbal, and soothing. Serve a Refreshing Iced Mocktail: Looking for the perfect, wellness-centric, refreshment? Our Beets and Berries Wellness Cooler, made with our Road Trip blend, is guaranteed to please every guest. It’s not only delicious, it’s also caffeine-free and alcohol-free, making it the ideal sip for keeping the vibes peaceful, grounded, and chill. Add Whimsy with Decor: Thrifted teacups, lace doilies, old books, and fresh blooms make the dream come alive. Handwritten name cards, tea labels, or floral-stamped napkins add that extra charm. Create a Cozy Playlist: Set the mood with soft acoustic, instrumental folk, or classical garden tunes. It should feel gentle, ambient, and romantic. Plan a Little Activity: Keep things low-key and lovely: a journaling moment, flower pressing, tarot reading, poetry swap, or just cloud-watching on a blanket. Cottagecore is all about slow joy and connection. Dress the Part: Encourage guests to wear flowy dresses, straw hats, soft cardigans, or anything that feels romantic and relaxed. Bonus points for linen, ruffles, and baskets filled with books or blooms. Send Guests Home with a Token: Wrap a tea sachet in a bit of ribbon, give out mini flower bouquets, or write a little handwritten note. A tiny keepsake adds to the magic and makes it unforgettable. A Cottagecore tea party is all about slowing down, savoring simple pleasures, and celebrating everyday beauty with the people you love (and a really good cup of tea). This summer, carve out a little time to create the dreamy, joy-filled gathering you’ve been imagining. Tried the recipe or threw your own cozy tea party? We’d love to see it! Tag us @leisureteas on Instagram—we’re always swooning over your softest, most romantic moments.
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Destress Yourself: 5 Chilled Ways To Feel A Little Calmer
If you're looking for a way to live a more chilled life, check out my relaxed suggestions below. Get out into nature One of the most effective things you can do to feel more relaxed is to get out into nature. Indeed, spending time in nature has been associated with better mental health and can make a huge difference to those feeling stressed. It's suggested that there are a number of things that cause this effect from the presence of fractal patterns, which can help fight stress, to the increased sunlight and vitamin D. Some people even suggest that it's the Phytoncides that plants produce that have a positive impact on mood regulation. Ditch the caffeine If you are living on coffee and even some high caffeine teas, you might be doing your anxiety more harm than good. This is because caffeine can act as a stimulant, which means it ups your heart rate, giving you feelings that are quite like those of anxiety. Happily, there are plenty of caffeine-free herbal teas and other options that are also refreshing and delicious. Indeed, cutting your coffee and replacing it with caffeine-free tea can make a huge difference to how you feel. Embrace a calming supplement Another way to feel a little calmer and distressed is to use a natural supplement to support your body. There are many that are well known for their calming effects, including magnesium, which regulates serotonin and stops the brain from becoming overstimulated. Then there is St john's wort also known as Hypericum perforatum, which contains hypericin and hyperforin, which act on mood. Lastly, many people are also turning to CBD & THC products for stress management. This is because products made with the indica strain tend to have a calming and relaxing effect. Do some yoga Yoga is an intricate combination of stretches, twists, and mindful focus, which can be very useful for combating anxiety. Part of the reason for this is that most types of yoga encourage the practitioner to be curious about the sensations in their body, and allow them. This acceptance can help reduce the suppression and fighting of feelings, and after an initial spike, can help a person feel calmer. Listen to a guided meditation There are 1000s of guided meditations that you can try online, and some of them can be truly effective when it comes to creating calm. In particular, look for yoga nidra or progressive muscle relaxation. Yoga nidra is a time of yogic meditation, also known as the sleep of the Gods. It is designed to provide your body and mind with rest by guiding your focus to the different areas of your form. Progressive muscle relaxation is a more modern approach. Although it is similar in that you move your focus around the body as you do it. However, this time you will also tense and then release your major muscle groups one by one. This can be particularly effective when it comes to distress before sleep and can help you nod off quickly and with ease.
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The Harsh Reality of Tea on Energy Levels…
Can tea really boost energy levels? Is caffeine the only solution? Many of us wake up tired and groggy, eager to get any sort of caffeine into our body as fast as possible. But, caffeine can lead to excessive anxiety, a rapid heartbeat, nausea, dizziness, shakiness, and trouble sleeping. Teas with no to low caffeine content are a great alternative to those looking to either cut back on or eliminate caffeine, or as an alternative to a cup of coffee. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best types of herbal tea to start your day with a boost, without the crash of caffeine, whilst providing sources of information and highlighting some of the top teas from Leaves of Leisure that are particularly effective. Types of Herbal Tea for Energy: Several types of herbal teas are known for their energy boosting properties. Here are some of the most effective ones: Green Tea: Green Tea includes compounds of L-Theanine and low amounts of caffeine, which can benefit brain function, cognition, mood, and give you the perfect boost to start your day. (1) Rosehip Tea: Rosehip Tea is rich in antioxidants, as well as high levels of polyphenols, carotenoids, and vitamins C and E. Consuming foods, and teas rich in antioxidants can not only protect against heart disease and cancer, but improve energy levels and reduce fatigue by supporting metabolism, reducing inflammation, and protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals. (2) Ginger Tea: Ginger can help improve cognitive function. A cup of ginger tea can help to increase concentration and focus and increase energy. (3) Peppermint Tea: Peppermint Tea has been shown to enhance memory and cognitive function. Peppermint also increases alertness, energy, and focus, it can be a simple, easy way to boost your mental fitness and help you retain information. If you’re feeling sluggish, a cup of peppermint tea can help to increase alertness and boost energy. (4) Incorporating low-caffeine and herbal teas into your daily routine can be an effective, and delicious, way to boost your energy levels without the use of caffeine. Green, rosehip, ginger, and peppermint tea are some of the best options available. Leaves of Leisure offers high-quality blends that harness the power of these herbs to help you feel your best, like our Sun Soaked and Bath Time blends. Always remember to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new health regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or are on medication. By understanding the benefits of these teas and choosing the right blends, you can take a natural step towards reducing inflammation and improving your overall well-being. Sources: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-green-tea#6.-Could-help-with-oral-health https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/rosehip-tea#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2 https://artfultea.com/blogs/wellness/ginger-tea-benefits https://artfultea.com/blogs/wellness/peppermint-tea-benefits?srsltid=AfmBOoqt-LsXErBziswfXq7F_NuEVoaSZkV2mQJsGy42tYRwg5ys9fKl
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Is Tea Before Bed Really a Good Idea?
Have you ever laid down at night, exhausted and ready to sleep, but unable to quiet your mind and, a few hours later, you’re still wide awake? Well, a hot cup of herbal tea might aid in improving your sleep health. According to Healthline (1), a good night’s sleep is vital for every human being; no matter age, gender, weight, lifestyle, etc. A consistent schedule of 7 to 9 hours a night is recommended for all in order to improve concentration and productivity, maximize athletic and physical fitness performance, strengthen heart health, boost mood and aid in energy levels. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best types of herbal tea for a restful sleep, whilst providing sources of information and highlighting some of the top teas from Leaves of Leisure that are particularly effective. Types of Herbal Tea for a Restful Sleep: Several types of herbal teas are known for their restful and calming properties. Here are some of the most effective ones: Tulsi (Holy Basil): Tulsi is known to calm the nervous system, be helpful for anxiety, insomnia and alleviating stress. It is also known to relax frayed nerves, tonify the central nervous system and calm the mind. (2) Our Autumn Breeze blend incorporates Tulsi for a warm and comforting tea, perfect for bedtime. Lavender Tea: Lavender tea calms brain function by triggering chemical reactions in the nervous system. Drinking lavender tea can increase the production of dopamine which lowers the stress hormone known as cortisol, making for a more at peace mind before bed.(3) Lemon Balm Tea: Lemon Balm tea is known to help those who suffer from insomnia or have a difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep due to its calming properties and ability to increase GABA levels in the brain, which can prevent anxiety and restlessness. (4) Chamomile Tea: Chamomile tea has a mild sedative effect that is helpful in inducing sleep. After you fall asleep, chamomile can help to improve sleep quality so that you wake up rested and refreshed. Chamomile has also been shown to help sleep quality problems associated with depression and other mental health issues. (5) Peppermint Tea: Peppermint Tea is particularly helpful for sleep health due to its natural caffeine free content and muscle relaxant properties. (6). Check out our Snow Angel blend for a tea, with peppermint, that will relax your mind and calm your senses. Incorporating herbal teas into your nighttime routine can be a useful tool to those that struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, or are just searching for a warming and delicious drink before bed. Tulsi, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Chamomile, and Peppermint tea are some of the best options out there. Leaves of Leisure offers high-quality blends that harness the power of these herbs to help you feel your best. Our Snow Angel and Autumn Breeze blends are the best to aid relaxation and a good night’s sleep. Always remember to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new health regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or are on medication. By understanding the benefits of these teas and choosing the right blends, you can take a natural step towards reducing inflammation and improving your overall well-being. Sources: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-reasons-why-good-sleep-is-important https://www.organicindia.nz/blogs/news/tulsi-sleep-tea-ai-how-does-it-help-you-sleep?srsltid=AfmBOor3jImOoY-vyofHns2NRjDhSmn-TwAu5BRLYSIaBrKHRNKOR9L4 https://senchateabar.com/blogs/blog/lavender-tea https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/lemon-balm-tea#uses-and-benefits https://artfultea.com/blogs/wellness/chamomile-tea-benefits?srsltid=AfmBOorxbaW-w0NT03z0CTaDZIaD6L4KsKceekN_eBEKnvu22TV7t5o5 https://www.healthlinehe.com/nutrition/peppermint-tea#TOC_TITLE_HDR_13
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Drink Your Skincare and Taste the Results
When it comes to skincare, what you sip can be just as important as what you slather on. Glowing, healthy skin isn’t just about serums and creams, it starts from within. Certain herbal teas are packed with skin-loving vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties that naturally support a clear, radiant complexion. Below, we’re spilling the tea on four powerhouse brews, hibiscus, ginger, peppermint, and rooibos, that do more than taste good; they help you glow. Plus, we’re highlighting the best Leaves of Leisure blends to support your skin from the inside out. Hibiscus: Hibiscus tea is high in antioxidants and vitamin C, a key nutrient for collagen production. Collagen helps keep skin firm, smooth, and youthful, and hibiscus supports this process from the inside out. The benefits of vitamin C can be found by using hibiscus both topically and internally. (1) Our Picnic in the Park blend is hibiscus-forward, making it the perfect addition to your wellness routine if you’re looking to boost your skin health and sip on something delicious. Ginger: Ginger tea is a skincare staple thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The natural oils in ginger—specifically gingerols—help soothe irritated skin and protect against environmental stressors. Our Road Trip and Autumn Breeze blends, both featuring ginger, are warming, grounding options to support your glow. Peppermint: Peppermint tea is a glow-up in a cup. It’s rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and vitamin D—all of which promote skin cell turnover and slow signs of aging, resulting in a more youthful, clear complexion. Our Snow Angel blend, full of peppermint, is a crisp and refreshing choice for skin health. Rooibos: Rooibos tea is also a great addition to add to your tea rotation for glowing and healthy skin. Rooibos is rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, which reduce inflammation, and rich in alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that slowly exfoliate, refine texture, and induce cell turnover (3). Sipping rooibos regularly can help reveal smoother, more radiant skin over time. Whether you’re looking to calm inflammation, boost collagen, or simply glow from within, hibiscus, ginger, peppermint, and rooibos tea offer an easy and delicious way to support your skin from the inside out. Sip with intention, and let your daily cup become part of your skincare ritual. Want more tea tips and glowing girl wellness? Follow us on Instagram @leisureteas for more wellness and tea tips!Sources: https://spongelle.com/blogs/blog/hibiscus-benefits?srsltid=AfmBOoov8SIGHZIRZCYIPljwJNffw2_2UQjbG0-J-MITTz3tdCBnUZ9h https://genomind.com/patients/6-health-and-beauty-benefits-of-ginger/ https://www.clinikally.com/blogs/news/rooibos-in-skincare-the-ultimate-guide-to-radiant-skin?srsltid=AfmBOor7G8az2EuwGOErhUdGKtp8HrEhHlfVDoP2PXz_QEBvmLY39tEy
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The Best Herbal Teas for Inflammation
Inflammation is a common issue that many people face, whether it's due to chronic conditions, injuries, or simply the wear and tear of daily life. One natural way to combat inflammation is through the consumption of herbal teas. In this blog post, we'll explore the best types of herbal teas for reducing inflammation, provide references and sources for the information, and highlight some of the top teas from Leaves of Leisure that are particularly effective. Types of Herbal Teas for Inflammation Several types of herbal teas are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Here are some of the most effective ones: Turmeric Tea: Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound. Drinking turmeric tea can help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Ginger Tea: Ginger is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can help reduce inflammation in the body, making it a great choice for those suffering from chronic pain or digestive issues. Green Tea: Rich in antioxidants, green tea has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve overall health. It contains catechins, which are natural antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and reduce inflammation. Chamomile Tea: Chamomile has been used for centuries to treat inflammation, particularly in the digestive system. It also helps to relax the body and reduce stress, which can further help to alleviate inflammation. Peppermint Tea: Peppermint has anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxant properties, making it an excellent choice for those dealing with digestive issues and muscle pain. Incorporating herbal teas into your daily routine can be a simple yet effective way to manage inflammation. Turmeric, ginger, green tea, chamomile, and peppermint are some of the best options available. Leaves of Leisure offers high-quality blends that harness the power of these herbs to help you feel your best. Always remember to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new health regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or are on medication. By understanding the benefits of these teas and choosing the right blends, you can take a natural step towards reducing inflammation and improving your overall well-being. References and Sources For more detailed information on the anti-inflammatory properties of these teas, you can refer to the following sources: "The Anti-Inflammatory Diet & Action Plans" by Dorothy Calimeris and Sondi Bruner "Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects" published by CRC Press Articles from the Journal of Medicinal Food and the Journal of Ethnopharmacology
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The Role of Tea in a Balanced, Alcohol-Free Lifestyle
For many of us, life can be full of social events and celebrations where alcohol is the center of attention. But more and more people are choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle to prioritize their health, well-being, and mindfulness. This shift doesn’t have to mean sacrificing enjoyment or connection—instead, it can open doors to other enriching rituals, like drinking tea. Tea as a Mindful Ritual Tea offers more than just a drink; it’s an experience, a pause, a moment of mindfulness. When alcohol is removed from the equation, tea can fill that space with something deeply nourishing. Sipping on a warm cup of herbal tea in the evening can help you unwind and relax without relying on alcohol. The Power of Herbal Teas Herbal teas offer a wide variety of flavors and benefits. From calming chamomile to refreshing peppermint, herbal teas can soothe the mind and body in a way that makes the absence of alcohol feel like no loss at all. At Leaves of Leisure, our caffeine-free blends offer a relaxing way to end your day on a peaceful note. A Social Alternative Tea can also be a great social drink. Hosting a tea party or offering a variety of teas to guests can be a unique and thoughtful way to connect with others, minus the hangover. Switching to a tea-centered lifestyle can help bring balance and relaxation into your daily routine. Whether you're newly alcohol-free or just looking to cut back, tea offers a delicious, mindful, and satisfying alternative. Explore our signature blends at Leaves of Leisure and find the perfect brew to complement your new lifestyle.
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