Tea Selection

Tea Selections

Ginger Turmeric Tea Ginger tea, also known as “salabat”, is a traditional Filipino tea known to soothe one’s throat and provide relief from common illnesses such as cough, colds, flu, and stomach aches. Salabat can be made by brewing few ginger slices and adding some honey or sugar often in warm water. Adding a bit of fresh lemon juice also increases its health benefits. Some Filipinos also believe that drinking salabat can improve one’s voice quality. Another famous herb is turmeric, which contains curcumin. When turned into tea, turmeric can aid in several conditions such as cardiovascular complications, diabetes, immune deficiencies, and even cancer with its anti-tumor properties.

Blue Ternate Tea Blue ternate tea, also known as clitoria ternatea or blue butterfly pea, is a flower that has gained popularity due to its many uses. This plant is also grown in countries like Singapore and Malaysia and is often used as a food coloring. It is also used in India as an anti-sedative medicine. Aside from its herbal properties, the blue ternatea can also be turned into a tea concoction which is known to promote good eyesight, blood circulation, and an antioxidant due to the presence of the powerful agent proanthocyanidin. The tea can be made using both warm and cold water and is best served with honey.

Pandan Tea Pandan, a tropical plant found in most Southeast Asian countries, is known to give off appetizing aroma and enhance the taste of certain dishes. Households also benefit from this plant when used as an insect repellant, air freshener, or when its leaves are turned into food wraps. Other than that, Filipinos have found a way to turn pandan leaves to a beverage. Pandan leaves have properties that help aid in asthma attacks, high blood pressure, and promoting healthy heart and kidneys. Chilled pandan tea is also a known welcoming refreshment in Filipino homes. Pandan tea can help reduce the body’s uric acid levels which helps prevent gout and can also improve one’s appetite when eating.

Lemongrass Tea Known as “tanglad” to locals, lemongrass is a tropical plant characterized by long, thin leaves. Like pandan, it is also commonly used to enhance the taste and scent of certain dishes.Like most herbs, it has antioxidant properties called flavonoids and phytochemicals which is especially useful for one’s kidney and liver. It also aids in digestion because it is a natural diuretic which can help get rid of the body’s toxic wastes. To create your own lemongrass tea, all you need is one stalk that you can fold and tie using the leaves. Boil it for a few minutes until you get a lemony aroma. Serve it with a sweetener if you want to.

Malunggay Tea One of the easiest plants to grow even in one’s backyard is malunggay, also known as moringa in some places. This leafy vegetable is a famous addition to many Filipino dishes, but its leaves has several other uses including as a tea. Malunggay has high levels of antioxidants flavonoids which help detoxify one’s body. Making your own malunggay tea is also easy — simply harvest, air dry, crush, and brew the leaves in boiling water. Serve with honey or sugar for a sweeter taste.

Calamansi Tea Calamansi or Philippine lime is a famous refreshing and healthy ingredient for a drink. It is commonly used to soothe a person from sore throat, flu, cough, and colds. Its versatility is also perfect for mixing the calamansi with other nutritious ingredients, such as honey, ginger, or turmeric. This type of tea can be served hot or cold — and the best thing about it? It’s pretty much found anywhere in the Philippines.