A model for moods was defined by the Swiss Centre for Affective Sciences. They specified six moods: Happiness and well-being, Awe and sensuality, Disgust and irritation, Soothing and peacefulness, Energising and cooling, and Sensory pleasure. Taking cues from this model, along with how aromatherapists use certain aromas linked to pleasant experiences to trigger positive feelings, the Dilmah Tea Mood Chart attempts to link various teas and flavours found in tea with various moods.
Here’s your guide to tea for every mood:
ENERGY
Pure Peppermint
Peppermint has a long history as a medicinal plant – evidence of its use goes back over thousands of years. Amongst one of the world’s first medicines, the pleasant aroma of peppermint stimulates our senses and invigorates the body. It energises us. Additionally, peppermint is used to treat headaches.
Secondary benefit: Pain relieving
SLEEP
Pure Chamomile
This tisane (floral infusion), with soothing flower and apple aromas, relaxes the body and is the ideal nightcap. Chamomile is a traditional herbal remedy that has been used since ancient times. Chamomile as a sleep aid for humans is being researched. Animal studies have already demonstrated Chamomile’s potency as a sleep aid.
Secondary benefit: Calming
REFRESHMENT
Blood Orange & Eucalyptus
Orange is known for alleviating anxiety, boosting immunity as well as for its ability to bring about a happy mood. Anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory eucalyptus is effective as a healing agent. Blood orange and eucalyptus promotes vitality.
Secondary benefit: Mental alertness and boosts immunity
FOCUS & CONCENTRATION
Lime and Orange
Citrus aromas are well known for its ability to stimulate and inspire. Combined, lime and orange not only foster a cheerful disposition, they also enhance the focus of all thoughts. Science has shown citrus aromas such as clementine, lime and orange to positively improve one’s mood.
Secondary benefit: Positive thoughts and immune stimulant
STRESS RELIEF
Rose with French Vanilla
Scientists researching chemical senses have found the vanilla bean to bring about positive moods and a sense of calmness. Rose aromas, however, improve memory. Together, Rose and French Vanilla tea starves off stress and leaves you happy with a relaxed state of mind and body.
Secondary benefit: Memory reinforcement
CALMNESS
Ginger, Honey and Mint
Ginger is among the healthiest (and most delicious) spices on the planet. Its benefits include reducing muscle soreness, reducing discomfort and indigestion, and treating nausea. Together with Mint, (for upset stomachs and sore throats) and Honey (treating allergies, anti-bacterial, and anti-oxidant), Ginger, Honey and Mint tea starves off stress and calms jitters.
Secondary benefit: Relaxation of muscles
REJUVENATION
Green Tea with Jasmine Flowers
Jasmine is commonly used in Aromatherapy to calm nerves, and to produce a feeling of optimism, revitalized energy and confidence. The Journal of Biological Chemistry recently reported that the smell of jasmine is as calming as valium. Jasmine, deep, relaxing and sensual, combined with green tea (refreshing flavours of hay and grass), is simply revitalizing.
Secondary benefit: Calming
CONTEMPLATION
Brilliant Breakfast
Unsure about how you are feeling about something? There’s a tea that’s different and special, and suitable when you find yourself in the mood to sit and think. This intense, pungent tea with a diverse flavour profile urges you to challenge yourself – and you will emerge with a solution on hand.
Secondary benefit: Stimulates
PEACEFULNESS & CAREFREENESS
Sencha
Relaxing is about no effort. The perfect tea to relax is one that delivers without fuss, crisp, grassy flavours and an uplifting taste. This is Sencha, made from steamed leaves. Its smooth, herbal finish with a touch of sweetness, is like lifting the weight off your shoulders.
Secondary benefit: Clarity of thought
EXCITEMENT
Ceylon Silver Tips
You are excited. Sip a tea that is not going to distract you from your anticipation. Silver Tips is pure, delicate yet refreshing, and perfect for you to ponder what’s on the horizon. You can indulge in deep thoughts!
Secondary benefit: Clarity of thought
CREATIVITY
Darjeeling
Feeling creative? Put the thinking cap on- choose a drink that boosts those creative juices. Drink some Darjeeling tea with floral and muscatel notes. At once, you know it’s going to help get the creative juices flowing.
Secondary benefit: Refreshing effect
ADVENTURE
Earl Grey
There is no tea as singular as Earl Grey. It’s at once, fresh, rich, malty, complex, full bodied, aromatic, astringent and well balanced. This highly individualistic tea is for when you want to get audacious, intrepid and adventuresome!
Secondary benefit: Boosts confidence