December 2005 | Feature
A Sip of Serenity
LA’s neighborhood teahouses provide a curative alternative to the java jitters
by Elizabeth Barker
In a selection of serene escapes across town, just a few dollars can bring you a botanical therapy to unwind your mind and rejuvenate your body. From the Chinese medicine masters at Dragon Herbs to the boba-happy epicures at Zen Zoo Tea, LA’s teahouses and emporiums offer a cheap and simple way to de-stress and restore while experimenting with curious concoctions. “Tea houses tend to have a higher quality of tea leaf, so the medicinal value can be better there,” says Margaret Schenck, ND, a Beverly Hills-based naturopathic physician. While teas aren’t a health cure-all, some may strengthen overall wellness and augment treatment of certain conditions. “If, for example, you feel a cold coming on, drinking a tea made from the herb astralagus can build up your immune system,” counsels Schenck
Research shows that the black and green varieties of tea may lower risk of heart disease and some forms of cancer. But herbal blends—technically called “infusions,” since instead of actual tea leaves they’re made with a base of dried fruits or herbs—can support specific systems and functions in the body. Ginger relieves nausea and stimulates circulation; ginseng balances the adrenal glands and boosts energy; feverfew alleviates migraines and arthritis pain; fennel aids the digestive system; and chamomile eases anxiety, stomach trouble and menstrual cramps.
We visited tea purveyors that provide everything from pungent, herbalist-formulated blends to delicate, lavender-laced potions. Whichever way you like your leaves, the tea-drinking ritual itself may bring a mind-body benefit. “Drinking tea brings a sense of taking care of yourself,” says Schenck. “That ritual element can help along the healing process.”
Freelance writer Elizabeth Barker consumed her weight in tea researching this story.
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