Can Seven Blossoms Tea Really Help You Sleep Better?
Tea is one of the most beloved beverages worldwide, with countless varieties to choose from. One such tea is Seven Blossoms Tea, a fragrant and flavorful brew that has gained popularity in recent years.
However, there is a common question that many people ask: Does Seven Blossoms Tea make you sleepy?
In this article, we will explore the effects of Seven Blossoms Tea on sleep and how it can affect your body. We will also delve into the history and origin of this tea, its ingredients, and how it is prepared.
History and Origin of Seven Blossoms Tea
Seven Blossoms Tea, also known as Qi Lan, is a type of oolong tea that originated in China. It is named after the seven types of flowers that bloom in the tea fields during the harvesting season, including osmanthus, jasmine, honeysuckle, rose, chrysanthemum, marigold, and globeflower.
Qi Lan tea has a long and rich history dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The tea was originally produced in the Wuyi Mountains of Fujian Province, and its popularity quickly spread throughout China and beyond.
Today, Qi Lan tea is grown in various regions in China, including Anxi, Wuyi, and Guangdong.
Effects of Seven Blossoms Tea on Sleep
Now, let’s get back to the question: Does Seven Blossoms Tea make you sleepy? The answer is both yes and no.
Seven Blossoms Tea contains flowers such as jasmine and osmanthus, and are known for their relaxing and calming effects. These flowers contain compounds that can help reduce stress, anxiety, and promote relaxation.
In traditional Chinese medicine, Seven Blossoms Tea is often used to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. However, the effects may vary from person to person depending on their tolerance to caffeine and sensitivity to the compounds in the flowers.
If you are sensitive to caffeine, it’s best to avoid drinking Seven Blossoms Tea before bedtime, as it may interfere with your sleep. Instead, try drinking it earlier in the day or in the afternoon.
The Science Behind Seven Blossoms Tea’s Effect on Sleep
Seven Blossoms Tea is a type of herbal tea that is popularly consumed for its alleged sleep-inducing properties. While many people believe that tea can help them sleep better, the scientific evidence behind these claims is not yet conclusive. However, there are several interesting scientific studies that have explored the potential of Seven Blossoms Tea to promote restful sleep.
One of the reasons why Seven Blossoms Tea is believed to help with sleep is its active ingredients. The tea is typically made from a blend of seven different flowers and herbs, including chrysanthemum, jasmine, and hawthorn. Each of these ingredients has been studied individually for its potential health benefits, including its ability to promote relaxation and sleep.
For example, chrysanthemum flowers have been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that chrysanthemum extract had sedative effects in mice, suggesting that it may be helpful for promoting sleep in humans as well. Similarly, jasmine flowers have been shown to have anxiolytic effects, which means they may help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Another way that Seven Blossoms Tea may help with sleep is by reducing inflammation in the body. Inflammation is known to play a role in a variety of health issues, including sleep disorders. Some of the ingredients in Seven Blossoms Tea, such as hawthorn, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects.
In addition to these individual benefits of the ingredients in Seven Blossoms Tea, there is also evidence that the tea as a whole may be helpful for sleep. A study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology found that a blend of chrysanthemum, honeysuckle, and jasmine flowers had sedative effects in rats. The researchers concluded that the blend may have potential as a natural sleep aid for humans.
Ingredients of Seven Blossoms Tea
Seven Blossoms Tea is made from a blend of oolong tea leaves and various flowers. The flowers used in this tea are known for their delicate fragrance and health benefits. Each type of flower adds a unique flavor and aroma to the tea.
Here are the seven types of flowers commonly used in Seven Blossoms Tea:
- Osmanthus – adds a sweet, fruity aroma to the tea and is believed to have calming effects on the body.
- Jasmine – adds a floral and slightly sweet taste to the tea and is known for its relaxation properties.
- Honeysuckle – adds a sweet and delicate flavor to the tea and is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat colds and fever.
- Rose – adds a floral and slightly sweet taste to the tea and is believed to have a calming effect on the mind.
- Chrysanthemum – adds a slightly bitter and floral taste to the tea and is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat headaches and fever.
- Marigold – adds a slightly spicy and earthy flavor to the tea and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Globeflower – adds a slightly bitter and nutty flavor to the tea and is believed to have a calming effect on the body.
Preparation of Seven Blossoms Tea
To prepare Seven Blossoms Tea, you will need a teapot, tea cups, and the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of Seven Blossoms Tea
- 8 ounces of water
- Honey or sugar (optional)
Here are the steps to prepare Seven Blossoms Tea:
- Heat the water to 190-200°F (88-93°C).
- Rinse the teapot with hot water to warm it up.
- Add 1 tablespoon of Seven Blossoms Tea to the teapot.
- Pour the hot water over the tea leaves.
- Steep the tea for 3-5 minutes.
- Pour the tea into tea cups.
- Add honey or sugar to taste (optional).
- Enjoy!
Health Benefits of Seven Blossoms Tea
In addition to its potential effects on sleep, Seven Blossoms Tea has several health benefits, including:
- Rich in antioxidants: The tea leaves and flowers in Seven Blossoms Tea are high in antioxidants, which can help protect your body against cell damage and inflammation.
- May aid digestion: Oolong tea is known to promote digestion and reduce bloating, which can help improve gut health.
- May improve heart health: Studies have shown that oolong tea may help lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- May boost immunity: Some of the flowers used in Seven Blossoms Tea, such as chrysanthemum and honeysuckle, have immune-boosting properties that can help strengthen your immune system.
Possible Side Effects of Drinking Seven Blossoms Tea
While Seven Blossoms Tea is often touted for its potential health benefits, it’s important to note that there may also be some side effects associated with drinking the tea.
Although these side effects are generally mild and rare, it’s important to be aware of them before adding the tea to your regular diet.
One of the most common side effects of Seven Blossoms Tea is an upset stomach. Some people may experience nausea, bloating, or diarrhea after drinking the tea. This is typically caused by the active ingredients in the tea, such as chrysanthemum or hawthorn, which can have a laxative effect on the body. If you experience these symptoms after drinking Seven Blossoms Tea, it’s a good idea to reduce your intake or stop drinking the tea altogether.
Another potential side effect of Seven Blossoms Tea is an allergic reaction. This is more common in people who are allergic to flowers, as many of the ingredients in the tea are flowers or flower extracts. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include itching, hives, or difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms after drinking Seven Blossoms Tea, stop drinking the tea and seek medical attention if the symptoms persist or worsen.
Finally, some people may experience dizziness or lightheadedness after drinking Seven Blossoms Tea. This is typically caused by the tea’s relaxing and sedative effects on the body. While this is not a common side effect, it’s important to be aware of it and avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you feel dizzy after drinking the tea.
Conclusion
Seven Blossoms Tea is a fragrant and flavorful blend of oolong tea and flowers that has gained popularity in recent years. While seven blossoms tea contains caffeine, its low levels make it a suitable alternative to coffee or black tea. The flowers in Seven Blossoms Tea may have calming and relaxing effects that can help promote better sleep quality, but this may vary from person to person.
Whether you enjoy it for its taste or potential health benefits, Seven Blossoms Tea is a delightful and healthy beverage that you should definitely try. Just remember to prepare it properly and enjoy it in moderation to reap its benefits without any adverse effects.
