On June 23rd and 24th the STEM education program at the Plants for Human Health Institute hosted the School Garden Summer Institute, a fantastic conference centered on school gardens and education. My small part of the conference was a session on tea, from tea culture around the world and the health benefits of tea to tea possibilities in the school garden.

I have loved all things tea for many years. I love sampling tea when I travel, I love learning about a new tea flavor, and I love a fascinator as evidenced from the selfie I snapped right before my talk. (In case you’re unfamiliar, a fascinator is a small decorative headpiece designed to add a touch of style to an occasion, like a tea party!) But, what I think is so incredible about tea is its effect on health and its power to bring people together.

Tea has become a cultural and wellness phenomenon. What started by accident, as legend tells it, has become a daily healthy living tool for the mind and body. As the story goes, Chinese emperor Shen Nong discovered tea around 2737 BCE. Shen Nong was a skilled herbalist who believed in boiling water for hygiene. One day, while he was resting under a wild Camellia sinensis tree (known today as the tea plant), some leaves drifted into his pot of boiling water. Intrigued by the pleasant aroma and the golden color, he tasted the brew and was immediately refreshed and revitalized. He began to study the tea plant, discovering its stimulating effects and potential health benefits. Thus, tea was born.

Across centuries and continents, tea has done more than fill cups; it has filled lives with warmth, ritual and wellbeing. From the serene tea ceremonies of Japan to the bustling teahouses of Morocco, tea culture has long been a reflection of community, mindfulness and health. Today, in a fast-paced world full of distractions, tea offers us a gentle and restorative way to reconnect, with ourselves, with others, and with the cultures that nurture us.

Tea, whether green, black, oolong, white or herbal, is rich in antioxidants and amino acids that support the body in subtle but significant ways. I recently spoke with Shengmin Sang, Distinguished Professor of Functional Foods at North Carolina A&T State University at the NC Research Campus. His research has shown that tea has great antiinflammatory and some anticancer properties (Yang et al, 2007). Also, green tea contains catechins that can improve heart health and boost metabolism (Marina & Filip, 2024), while herbal infusions like chamomile can calm the nervous system (Saadatmand et al, 2024).

In general, teas are regarded as safe. However, beware of supplementing with tea extracts that can have higher concentrations of the chemicals found in teas and can sometimes cause harm. Healthcare providers or dieticians should be able to advise their patients on any precautions.

Beyond its nutritional value, tea tells stories. In China, sharing tea is a gesture of respect and hospitality. In India, chai (a blend of black tea, herbs and spices) is woven into daily life, sold at roadside stalls and shared with family and friends. In England, afternoon tea is a tradition of social connection and pause. In many Indigenous cultures, herbal teas are considered sacred and recognized for healing properties, passed down through generations.

Wellness isn’t just about what we eat or how much we exercise—it’s about creating spaces and rituals that sustain balance, belonging and intentional living. Tea can be a powerful part of that. A shared pot of tea becomes an invitation: to slow down, to talk, to reflect, to breathe.

Whether it’s starting the day with a mindful cup, hosting a tea circle with friends, or offering herbal tea during workplace meetings, tea can help anchor moments of presence and care. For wellness leaders, educators and community builders, incorporating tea into gatherings is a way to cultivate comfort and connection without demanding formality or expense.

You don’t need a special teapot or ceremony to enjoy tea’s benefits (though it can be a fun way to personalize the experience). Simply choose a tea that speaks to your needs, whether calming, energizing or healing, and let it become a part of your rhythm. Create a “tea corner” at home or work. Invite a friend for a quiet catch-up over a new blend. Attend a local tea-tasting or cultural tea event. Small steps create meaningful habits.

In the end, tea reminds us that wellbeing isn’t about doing more, it’s about making space for what nourishes us.

Afternoon tea and high tea are both common in the United Kingdom, but do you know the difference? Afternoon tea has its roots in the British nobility, who wanted a relaxing afternoon snack with tea and cakes in between heavier meals. Afternoon tea is taken around midday with petite sandwiches, scones and cakes. High tea, on the other hand, was a tradition born of the working class, and is taken after the end of the work day with a heartier meal. This was eaten at high chairs at a bar, which is how it got the name “high tea”.

This article first appeared in the July 2025 e-news FRESH Rx. Subscribe for similar content delivered to your inbox monthly.