How does tea influence my quality of sleep?

Caffeinated teas can unexpectedly support sleep for some individuals, thanks to their blend of polyphenols (antioxidants) and L-theanine. However, to avoid insomnia, it's wise to stay away from caffeine/theine before bedtime. Instead, explore the delightful realm of herbal teas, also known as herbal infusions or tisanes! Chamomile, lavender, rooibos, and lemon balm are excellent examples, offering soothing and calming effects ideal for a restful night's sleep. These caffeine-free options are rich in compounds that effectively reduce stress and anxiety.

Lemon Verbena is a great caffeine-free choice for the afternoon and evening. Pure Tea Claire is organic and fair, and comes both as loose leaf or in biodegradable tea pouches. The high quality brand Pure Tea is only available through me in Sweden!

So, in short, what is the compound of tea, i.e., Camellia sinensis? Let's take a quick look:

The most important compounds in fresh tea leaves are polyphenols, amino acids, enzymes, pigments, carbohydrates, alkaloids, minerals, and several volatile flavors and aromatic compounds. During tea processing, these compounds change and make it possible to produce all the wonderful teas with their different aroma and flavor profiles.

Freshly plucked leaves of Camellia Sinensis var. sinensis, ie the small leaf variety.

Polyphenols are largely responsible for astringency. The term polyphenol refers to a compound of many phenolic groups, hence the name polyphenol. These compounds, also known as antioxidants, are produced by the plant as a defense against insects and other animals and are the most abundant compounds in tea. As much as 30-40% are polyphenols in both the fresh leaves and in the tea liquor. The polyphenols are derived from amino acids via sunlight. That's the reason why tea grown in the shade has a smaller concentration of polyphenols but a higher concentration of amino acids, which also influence their flavor profile. 

Amino Acids give tea its brothiness, or umami taste. Tea leaves contain many amino acids, the most abundant of which is theanine. Camellia sinensis and a mushroom called Boletus badius are the only two natural sources of theanine found thus far in nature. In the tea field, sunlight converts amino acids to polyphenols, and as mentioned above, shade-grown teas contain more amino acids than tea grown in direct sunlight. 

Enzymes Polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase are the most important enzymes in tea leaves since they are responsible for the enzymatic browning of tea leaves, also known as oxidation. 

Pigments Plant pigments are responsible for absorbing light for photosynthesis, and they also give leaves their color. There are two major groups of pigments in fresh tea leaves: chlorophylls and carotenoids. 

Carbohydrates All plants store energy formed during photosynthesis in starches and sugars, otherwise known as carbohydrates. 

Alkaloids Alkaloids in tea include the stimulant caffeine and two similar compounds: theobromine and theophylline. The tea plant creates these chemicals as a natural combatant against insects and other animals. In humans, these alkaloids have an energizing, uplifting effect. 

Minerals 28 mineral elements have been found in tea, and the minerals vary greatly with each harvest, the terroir where the tea plant grows, and change during processing.

Volatiles The volatile substances in tea leaves are largely responsible for a tea's flavor and aroma.

The source of the above text was written by Tony Gebely.

Tea from Camellia Sinensis is best enjoyed in the morning and throughout the day. Avoid teas with caffeine in the later afternoon and evening!

To summarize: all teas (from the tea plant Camellia sinensis and its subvarieties) are stimulating and energizing!

-Different tea types (white, yellow, green, oolong, black, and post-fermented) all contain different levels of caffeine and L-theanine that will keep you awake.

-How much the different tea types will energize you depends on a large number of factors like the freshness of the tea, how early in the season and with how much care it was harvested and produced, how and how long the tea is steeped, etc. In general, a cup of tea contains half the level of caffeine (ca 40 mg / 2 dl cup) compared to coffee (ca 80 mg / 2 dl cup).

-If you want a stronger caffeine kick from your tea, drink matcha green tea. One serving, made from 1 g of matcha, can contain 90 mg of caffeine..

So, to have a good night's sleep, drink herbal tea in the afternoon and evening!

- Examples of good-tasting, soothing herbs are single herbs like lemon verbena, chamomile, or rooibos (Aspalathus linearis).

- Or you can choose a mix of several herbs that all complement each other and also suit your taste and other preferences.

- Avoid energizing herbs and roots in the evening, like ginger, ginseng, and similar plants. Those are best in the morning or during the day.

Traudl Alm from Pure Tea contains several nice herbs and flowers with a soothing and calming effect.

Do you want to purchase tea and herbs? Welcome to contact me! Beside Pure Tea I also distribute Limited Leaves and the organic certified flavours from Althaus. Welcome to contact and follow me here @tea.master.s

Read more about Teamasters on my webpage.