At our Magic Hour events, such as our full moon tea ceremonies, we notice that as the night wears on–and after many pots of tea–there’s a noticeable transformation in everyone present.
With the tinkling of tea cups ... we hear increased tinkling of laughter!
With the sparkles of the light on the delicate liquid as we sip … we see eyes sparkle brighter!
Smiles grow wider.
Shoulders drop.
Breath deepens.
As the tea opens our hearts wider, we share our hopes and dreams with reckless abandon.
Why, then, does tea make us so giddy, joyful and uninhibited?
The reason is an amino acid occurring in all species of the camellia sinensis plant: our friend, L-Theanine!
L-Theanine has neuroprotective effects and it passes through the blood-brain barrier and affects the brain directly. The more tea you drink, the more GABA and dopamine your brain produces. This amino acid reduces the sympathetic nervous system activation in stressful situations … and for some people, social functions can be stress-inducing, making them reach for that glass of wine.
In one scientific study, people who received theanine had lower baseline anxiety throughout the trial. Although L-Theanine comes in a supplement, it is equally effective and naturally occuring in tea.
Magical L-Theanine in teas ranging from green, to white, to black, is what gives us that giddy drunk feeling, without getting drunk. And, what we’ve been hearing from many of our customers is that they appreciate coming to alcohol-free events where delicious, healthy beverages are being served. Plus, our teas make them feel that euphoric high that you get with alcoholic libations, sans “the toxic, and often devastating, side effects”:
[Being sober curious] means, literally, to choose to question, or get curious about, every impulse, invitation, and expectation to drink, versus mindlessly going along with the dominant drinking culture. (Ruby Warrington, author of Sober Curious: The Blissful Sleep, Greater Focus, Limitless Presence, and Deep Connection Awaiting Us All on the Other Side of Alcohol).
“Sober curious culture encourages a sober lifestyle, but welcomes individuals who aren’t willing, ready, or planning to give up alcohol completely.” (Very Well Mind)
Aside from the many health hazards associated with drinking alcoholic beverages, there is a movement of “hip sobriety” that has become more popular over the past five years and guess what? Tea is considered the must-have drink with many stocking their cabinets with variety and volume. When building a sobriety toolbox, tea is mentioned as an important part.
We couldn’t agree more.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
