Health-Boosting Teas

Steam Powered

by Salihah James

With its Ayurvedic blend of orange peel, eucalyptus, spearmint and ginger, this herbal tea lives up to its whimsical name. It's cool and tangy with a woody punch—an excellent cure-all during these batty changes in weather. (Eucalyptus is great for congestion, coughing and fighting the flu.) Bonus: Steap owner Peggy Stephens puts prep instructions on the bag, so there's no screwing up your new favorite cup.

Ideal for the most stressed pencil pushers, this herbal decaf's fresh floral flavor calms the nerves after a long day at the office. It's made from a blend of chamomile, peppermint, licorice root and cinnamon, and acts as a natural sedative.

This black tea was once used as currency in China. Nowadays, Puh-Erh leaves are like fine wine: They get better (and more expensive) with age.

Outside the states, Puh-Erh is used for a wide array of medicinal purposes, including dentistry. The dark, pungent tea has a strong bouquet bent—like liquefied flowers—making it the next best thing to coffee.

For sippers who like to keep things simple, oolong is a solid bet. Grown in Taiwan, its robust flavor is best kicked up with a little milk and sugar. Healthwise, oolong is an antioxidant.

The luminous flavors of black tea, orange pekoe and rose petals come together to create the exotic China Rose Petal. The earthen and citrus tones are there, as are the health benefits: Its high vitamin C content aids in easing off ailments and boosting the immune system.