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There are three types of tea:  green, oolong and black.  During the fermentation process, thus the leaf remains green. Oolong tea is partially fermented.  Oxidation is cut short so the leaves are black only on the edges.  Balck tea is fully fermented producing black leaves. 

Most of the tea we drink is black tea.  In fact, 94% of all teas consume is black.  Although tea has approximately half the amount of caffeine as coffee, it should not e drunk excessively as it can discolor your teeth and cause insomnia.  Drunk with meals, tea inhibits iron absorption in your body.

Green tea tends to get all the attention because of an antioxidant called EGCG that is preserved in green tea, but lost in oolong tea and black tea when fermented.  Antioxidants are thought to prevent harmful free radicals.  The highest amount of any known antioxidant is found in green tea.  EG has been found to be a hundred times more effective than vitamin C, and 25 times more effective than vitamin E, at neutralizing free radicals.

Herbal Teas are made from flowering plants without woody stems.  Herbal infusions can include flowers, herbs, fruit and spices.  Unlike all other types of tea, these infusions are caffeine-free.  Examples are fennel, chamomile, nettle, peppermint and roobios.  These teas are alkaline forming whereas fruit teas like apple, blackberry, or raspberry may e mildly acid forming. 

Roobios tea acts as an antioxidant that slows the aging process; prevents cancer and lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease; is packed with flavonoids, antioxidants and more powerful vitamin C, green  or black tea; supports the digestive system and is anti-spasmodic, relieving stomach and cramps; helps manage allergies; soothes skin irritations when applied directly to the affected area; replenishes iron levels; is calorie free; boosts the immune system; aids health problems like insomnia, irritability, headaches, nervous tension, and hypertension; has  a low tanin content; contains no artificial colors; additives or preservatives; contains no caffeine; contains no oxalic acid which prevents iron absorption, contains zinc for healthy skin, contains calcium, flouride, and maganese for strong bones and teeth; and contains magnesium for the nervous system.

Ginger Tea is warming and extremely good for settling the digestive system.  It is best made from fresh ginger.  Ue about 1 inch per person.  Simply peel the ginger, slice it up, and pour on boiling water.  The longer you leave before drinking, the more beneficial it will be.  Adding lemon will make it even more alkaline.