The November 2008 issue of Herb Companion has a great article on tea. Tea drinking originated in China, where according to legend, the Chinese emperor, Shen Nung, asked a servant for a cup of boiled water. A few leaves fell into the cup, producing the first cup of tea. There are many health claims for specific types of teas--that they reduce risk of cancer, heart disease, and stroke--but evidence for these claims varies. Antioxidants aside, there is something particularly soothing about a hot cup of tea on a cold day. To make the perfect cup experts recommend using non-chlorinated water. Don't boil the water, or if the water does boil, allow it to cool a bit before poring it over the tea leaves or tea bag. Optimal steeping temperature for oolong and black teas is 175 degrees; for white and green teas, around 140 degrees. Tea strength depends upon the amount of leaves used and steeping time. Typically a rounded teaspoon, or 3 grams of leaves per cup is used. Green tea should steep 2 to 3 minutes, longer for oolong and black teas. Too much time steeping can release tannins and may make your tea taste bitter--so longer isn't always better! So stop and have a cup today--to your good health!