Serendipi-tea: Types of tea to help you survive the semester

Ancient lore states that there are two types of people in the world: Those who drink coffee and those who drink tea. Drinking tea, namely herbal tea, is known to have positive health effects and provides numerous natural remedies. Herbal teas do not usually contain caffeine and each provides  different benefits, such as better sleep, reduced inflammation, pain alleviation and immunity. If you are a tea drinker, here is a list of herbal teas to remedy the stresses of fall semester:

After checking grades on Blackboard

Try peppermint tea, which is good for easing nausea and vomiting.

After late nights in Leavey Library

Take a few sips of green tea — it’s known for counteracting stress on the brain.  On another note, studies have shown green tea could possibly reduce the risk of neurological disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. It can also reduce the risk of a stroke and improve cholesterol levels. Drinking green tea with lemon and honey may also help with sore throats.

After eating Panda Express two days in a row

Make yourself a nice cup of fennel tea, which cleans out the kidneys and helps with clear skin. It’s also good for constipation.

After eating Panda Express three days in a row

Drinking hawthorn tea helps reduce high blood pressure and prevents clogged arteries.

The annual norovirus outbreak

Ginger tea is spectacular during the early stages of an infection. It is also good for pain relief.  With lemon and honey, ginger tea can also reduce stress, fight colds and reduce cramps.

After turning in a research paper   

Try lavender tea, made from the dried pink, purple and white flowers of the popular shrub.

Going to a school with over 40,000 people

Try thyme tea, which is one of the best treatments for colds. It contains volatile oils, which are extracted from  the plant and help protect against viruses and infections. It can also help with chest decongestion.

After  pulling  three all-nighters

The best sleep aid is chamomile tea, which contains tryptophan, an amino acid with tranquilizing effects. As a relaxant, it helps calm the mind, body and soul. It is also anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial.

After having a third cup of coffee

For those who drink both coffee and tea, cardamom tea can detoxify caffeine from the body.

Before an interview

Osmanthus tea helps prevent bad breath and  eliminates toxins in the body.

For existing in general

Passion flower tea helps with anxiety. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, passion flower is just as effective as the drug Serax for treating anxiety. In addition, the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics states passionflower is as effective as clonidine for treating withdrawal symptoms in people, such as for anxiety and stress.