Ask the Expert - The Psychological Advantages of Drinking White Tea

Our guest blog has been written by Dr Katina Thomas, a Senior Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist, and Behavioural Couples therapist. Katina runs the CBT Health Clinic, providing treatment collaboratively with her colleagues in gynaecology, obstetrics, paediatrics, and health psychology.

A warm cup of tea has always been associated with a time to relax, be social, and nourish ourselves.

I especially enjoy a cup of Head Start in the morning while I am doing my ritual of checking work emails; it helps to get me focused and provides a calm start to the day. It's important to consider the small but meaningful things we can do to enhance our well-being; as women, there are constant demands on us and being able to navigate them is important.

Take a look at the benefits of white tea and think about how you can incorporate it into your day as a well-being ritual. Don’t forget to use your favourite mug!

Head Start is a blend of white tea, and rose. White tea originates from China, and possesses remarkable psychological benefits that are helpful in supporting our well-being. 

Promotes Relaxation and Reduces Stress - we can all benefit from a relaxing ritual that provides respite from our busy lives and reduces our cortisol levels, the hormone that makes you ‘feel anxious’ when you're stressed. White tea is packed with natural antioxidants, like catechins and polyphenols, which research shows help to reduce cortisol levels and gently bring you back to a state of equilibrium again

Enhances Mental Clarity and Focus - gives a gentle boost to the system, which energises slowly. White tea elevates your senses gently, allowing you to experience greater concentration – it’s a great natural stimulant to help pick you up; I like to drink this mid-morning to give me a mental boost and get me through to lunchtime.

Elevates Mood and Combats Depression - the rich variety of antioxidants present in white tea has been shown to positively impact mood by reducing feelings of depression and anxiety. These antioxidants help modulate neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which are crucial in regulating mood. So, indulge in a cup of white tea while you journal or watch TV for some important me time.

Boosts Cognitive Function - White tea is known for its powerful antioxidants that have been linked to long-term cognitive benefits. Regular consumption of white tea can potentially enhance memory recall and prevent age-related cognitive decline. The combination of antioxidants and caffeine promotes improved blood flow to the brain, which helps to maintain cognitive sharpness and preserve cognitive function over time.

Enables Better Sleep - Inadequate sleep can significantly affect our mental well-being. White tea, with its unique composition containing L-theanine, promotes relaxation and helps regulate sleep cycles. By decreasing stress and anxiety, white tea can assist in more restful nights, allowing you to wake up refreshed and rejuvenated.

The benefits of drinking white tea are numerous. It can reduce stress, promote relaxation, enhance cognitive function, and uplift mood.

Take a moment to savour its psychological advantages, and embrace its potential to improve mental health.

Katina Thomas has worked in the NHS in the mental health field for over 25 years in various roles. Katina's current role is with the South London and Maudsley Foundation NHS Trust (SLaM). 

Katina runs a successful private clinic, in person and online, drawing on her experience, using a holistic approach, and other evidence-based theories to tailor the treatment, to her patients individual needs.