Often mistaken for a mushroom, Kombucha is in fact a colony of yeast and bacteria. The tea is concocted by adding the colony to green or black tea with some sugar, and then allowing the mixture to ferment. The resulting beverage will then contain B vitamins, vinegar, and other chemical compounds. In the realm of Traditional Chinese Medicine, this type of tea is labeled as the “elixir of life” and “Tea of Immortality.”

Yixing teapots are ornamental clay pots steeped in Chinese culture. These prized Chinese pots are made from Yixing clay, a special type of clay from the region near the city of Yixing in Jiangsu province, China. The clay absorbs a tiny amount of tea during brewing. After prolonged use, the pot will develop a coating that retains the flavor and color of the tea.

Dr. Oz has recently recommended several tea varieties - this article will explore some of these and offer recommendations to new tea drinkers.

As few as three cups of black tea a day will cut cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar and reduce chances of a heart attack.

Tea bricks were highly valued in many parts of Asia, and even took the form of currency from the  9^th to 20^th century in China, Mongolia, Siberia, Tibet, Turkmenistan and Russia.. This edible currency could be used as money, or be broken into pieces, pulverized, and whisked into a beverage. The tea was also mixed with flour and butter for eating.