Green Tea Benefits: Brilliant Brews For Skin & Wellbeing

A good cup of tea is well-known for its hydrating and enjoyment elements, but there is so many more health benefits linked to the nation’s favourite drink. The mood-boosting benefits of green tea are widely known, but other types of tea can work their magic for everything from helping your immune system to clearing up acne. 

Beauty Daily HQ asked tea expert Eileen Donaghey — who runs the afternoon tea website afternoonteaexpert.co.uk and nutritional therapist Natalie Louise, a functional medical health coach, to share their tips on the benefits of drinking tea and ones that they recommend. 

The many benefits of tea

As someone who is very rarely seen without a cup of tea in her hand, tea expert Eileen Donaghey is a firm believer in the medicinal effects of the drink. 

“I normally pair what tea I am drinking with how I am feeling or if there are any ailments I want to treat in my body,” she says. “In the morning without fail, I have a special blend of fresh lemon, ginger and honey tisane which I think helps flush my system out from the night before and boosts my immune system. I do think it helps with my clear complexion too. You can buy this but I prefer to make it fresh with a thumb of ginger peeled along with two slices of lemon and half a teaspoon of organic honey. Let it brew for four minutes and then remove the pieces and enjoy. Ginger is a superfood and has anti-inflammatory properties which can help with puffy skin.” 

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Best tea for weight loss

Although drinking a cup of tea won’t necessarily prevent weight gain, when teamed with a healthy diet and regular exercise, a cup or two could help you boost weight loss and prevent harmful belly fat. 

According to Natalie Louise, when it comes to detoxifying the body, she recommends dandelion root tea. “It’s a less talked about tea, but it’s one of my favourites because of how it benefits the liver which has a huge role to play when it comes to health — specifically for detoxification.  

“Our skin is our largest organ and is also used to detoxify the body, therefore a healthy liver can reveal itself in the skin,” she continues. “During hormone fluctuations, extra oil can be secreted resulting in acne. The detoxifying effects of the dandelion root help regulate hormones, as they are processed and cleared through the liver, reducing acne breakouts.  

“The dandelion root is rich in inulin too, a type of fibre that supports a healthy gut microbiome and the gut and skin are closely connected. It can be enjoyed as a tea or caffeine-free coffee alternative; which is how I often recommend it. However, you may wish to proceed with caution if you have large gallstones or a sensitive stomach as it can be beneficial for some but overstimulating for others.” 

Energising teas

Matcha tea is known for its energising compounds. It is made with finely ground green tea leaves that are mixed with hot water. The result is a vibrant, deep green drink that offers a satisfying caffeine boost without the negative effects of coffee.  

When it comes to green tea, Natalie Louise explains: “Green tea contains a beneficial compound called epigallocatechin gallate, also known as ECGC — a potent antioxidant with many benefits. It has been shown to help reduce the stress hormone cortisol, helping induce feelings of calm as well as improving memory and attention span. L-theanine is an amino acid also found in green tea and has similar effects. Both can have a positive knock-on effect on sleep due to their calming properties, whether it’s a green tea bag or matcha powder. However, green tea does contain caffeine so it’s best to keep it away from bedtime.” 

 

Teas to promote better sleep

“As we know, stress is one of the most powerful age accelerators, so to help combat that, I make sure I incorporate a cup of chamomile tea into my bedtime routine to help me relax and ensure I get a restful night’s sleep,” adds Eileen Donaghey. 

“Passionflower tea (Passiflora incarnata) is also used to support mood as it helps to increase levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter in the brain that induces calm and relaxing effects. Chamomile has a similar effect on the body and mind, and both can be used to support good sleep which can improve mood further. I like to use and recommend the dried flowers in a tea strainer.” 

 

Teas and skincare

As for the benefits of tea on skincare, Eileen adds: “Rose tea is wonderful for your skin. Not only is it delicious and luxurious to make, it has anti-inflammatory properties which is why it is often used in skincare.”  

Now with that in mind, you have no excuse not to put on a brew! Your body, mind and skin will thank you for it. 

 

Editor’s choice

The best green and well-being teas to buy now  

1. Kusmi BB Detox Loose Tea Tin, £15.99

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Kusmi BB Detox Loose Tea Tin, £15.99 Organic green tea, blended with rosehip, organic mate, rooibos, fennel, mint, and guarana seeds, boosts your digestion and energy levels. 

2. Dr Jacksons Expedition Tea, £22

Dr Jacksons Expedition Tea, £22 This jar contains vitamin C, minerals and electrolytes to help with dehydration, and immune-boosting is an easy way to support skin and body to stay in tip-top condition.

3. Neals Yard After Dinner Tea, £4.50

Neals Yard After Dinner Tea, £4.50 A refreshing mix of peppermint, nutty dandelion root and aromatic fennel to naturally help digestion post-dinner.

 

4. Nazani Tea, Wellness | Hydration Collection, £10.95

Nazani Tea, Wellness | Hydration Collection, £10.95 This is the brand you sip at luxurious hotels and spas like the Four Seasons, AIRE Ancient Baths and the Conrad St James. Expertly sourced and blended and Taste award winners mean it’s a serious cup of tea.  

 

5. Anatome Rest, Relax & Sleep Tea, £14.40

Anatome Rest, Relax & Sleep Tea, £14.40 A delicious mix of calming Egyptian chamomile and lemon balm to help alleviate psychological stress and soothing lemon verbena supports the digestive and nervous systems.  

6. Tombo Classic Grade Matcha, £17

Tombo Classic Grade Matcha, £17 If you’re not a fan of drinking hot tea, this finely ground green tea leaf powder from Japan can be mixed into smoothies and soups, so you pack the maximum benefits of antioxidants to suit you.

 

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