Brrr! Winter is Here and So Are High Energy Bills
Last winter, some of us found ourselves curled up under multiple blankets, tea in hand, dreading the heating bill. Some of us were living it up at Santa SLAY, our annual festive event with warm welcomes, warm spaces, hot food and warming drinks (but that’s another story). As the kettle whistled, and we listened to Martin Lewis on LBC, a thought struck us: maybe the key to staying warm isn’t cranking up the heat but sipping on a hot drink. Could something as simple as tea really be the answer? This idea got us exploring how we could “heat the human” instead of always relying on heating our homes, which led to some fascinating discoveries about how tea can keep us toasty from the inside out.
With energy prices soaring and environmental concerns rising, finding ways to stay warm without constantly increasing the thermostat is more important than ever. So, let’s dig into why tea might be your best friend this winter.
Heating the Human
The concept of "heating the human" is refreshingly simple: instead of trying to heat an entire space, why not heat yourself directly? Drinking a hot beverage increases your internal temperature and promotes vasodilation—basically, your blood vessels widen, helping circulate warm blood to your extremities. This is why that first sip of hot tea feels so instantly comforting.
Money-saving expert Martin Lewis coined the term "heat the human," and we couldn’t agree more with his approach. It’s not only an effective way to stay warm but also helps cut down on energy consumption—a win for both your wallet and the environment.
Learning from Other Cultures
Scandinavians have mastered the art of staying warm naturally, in the snow – no, seriously. The concept of hygge revolves around creating cosy moments, often with hot drinks as the centrepiece. In countries like Denmark, where winters are long and cold, tea is a go-to solution for staying warm. Similarly, in China, tea has been used for centuries not just for pleasure but as a means to maintain body warmth during colder months. There’s something deeply cultural—and practical—about sipping a hot drink to keep the chill at bay.
The Science Behind the Sip
So, does tea really work? The science says yes! Drinking tea can help your body maintain its temperature by triggering thermogenesis, the process by which the body generates heat. Ginger tea, in particular, is known to be effective, thanks to its ability to boost circulation. Research has shown that sipping hot liquids can provide immediate warmth and, over time, help your body regulate its internal temperature more efficiently.
Energy-Saving Tea Brewing
It’s not just about what you drink but how you brew it. At Tea Treasures, we’ll explore energy-efficient tea brewing techniques, like using a teapot instead of a stovetop kettle to conserve heat, preheating your teapot or mug with hot water, and using double-walled mugs to retain warmth longer. These small tweaks can make a big difference in your energy use and ensure your tea stays hot longer, giving you more bang for your (tea) buck!
Tea Time Hacks for Maximum Warmth
To make the most of your tea-drinking experience, consider these tips:
Pre-heat your mug or teapot: This keeps your tea warmer for longer, ensuring each sip is as comforting as the first.
Use double-walled mugs: They help insulate your drink, trapping the heat inside.
Brew energy-efficiently: Consider using a teapot to make a few cups at a time, or at least a flask that will keep water hot for 6 hours, rather than boiling multiple rounds of water.
Tea isn’t just a drink; it’s a warm hug in a cup. As we face colder days and rising energy costs, turning to simple, sustainable solutions like tea can make all the difference. By focusing on heating ourselves, rather than our homes, we can stay cosy, save money, and reduce our environmental footprint.
Want to learn more about how to make drinking tea work for you? Book your spot at Tea Treasures,
where we’ll dive into everything from the science of tea to
energy-saving brewing techniques https://forms.gle/sKbC9HfugoQrS3xJ7
Enjoyed this brain tickle of blog?
Stay tuned for the next blog post, where we’ll explore even more energy-efficient ways to enjoy a steaming cup of tea this winter. Happy sipping!
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