herbal tea

It has now been eight days since I’ve had any form of caffeine (I have had chocolate but clearly this doesn’t count as the amount of caffeine in chocolate is so minimal that it doesn’t matter.) I am surviving. That is the most important thing.

I admit that I do still miss ice cold Diet Coke/Pepsi in particular. I really struggled at the weekend on a hangover, not being able to have a lovely cup of tea or a pint of Diet Coke to get me through the difficult times. I think alongside the caffeine it’s actually the teaspoon of sugar in the tea I miss too.

I am still very tired. But who knows whether this is caffeine withdrawal or the perils of a modern-day lifestyle? I also feel slightly better knowing I’m not addicted to caffeine and having not had it for over a week now I almost don’t want to start having any again. I have definitely got to the point where I don’t NEED it any more which is marvelous, although I still crave the odd hit from time to time.

Brew Tea's special berry blend

Brew Tea's special berry blend

My experimentation into herbal teas has been pretty interesting. Tea Guru Phil at Brew was so kind as to pop me over some special blends of herbal leaves. They have absolutely no additives and are designed to allow you to reap the health benefits of drinking herbal teas through the leaf – something that drinking fruit flavor tea bags does not allow (see It’s all about the tea bagging post.) My favourite tea was the Berry Burst. Brimming with fruity flavours and left to brew for 5 minutes it was more like a fruitier version of hot, warm Ribena.

Brew Tea's mind blowing Mint and Chilli blend

Brew Tea's mind blowing Mint and Chilli blend

The Mint and Chilli tea was certainly interesting but I’ll admit I may have given up halfway down the cup. My palate is just not a-tune to spicy stuff. The girl that sit diagonally to me absolutely loved it and slurped up every last drop. She left it to brew for twenty minutes when the advised is 5. I’m surprised her head was not blown off. Crazy Lady. Even half a cup gave me a little mid-morning awakening. Apparently this tea is good for a natural high in the place of caffeine.

My experimentation into herbal teas will continue tomorrow, trying the Liquorice Detox tea and Rooibos (interesting fact – actually the most popular tea in the UK.) There is something so virtuous about just drinking water and freshly made herbal teas every day. I feel all clean, new and shiny.

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Caffeine Rehab

September 13, 2010

I have a huge headache. It’s 1.30pm on Day 1 of my caffeine free week and I would kill for a nice ice cold can of Pepsi Max. I have decided to give up caffeine for a week. The rules are that I am allowed to drink water, herbal teas and alcohol (must keep the [...]

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