When the average person thinks about drinking loose leaf tea what comes to mind? Old, rich people in immaculate houses sipping daintily from fine porcelain. Quite possibly. The last thing the average Joe would think about is a hardened warrior fresh from the battlefield slurping down a revivifying tea blend.
Luckily, you are not an average Joe.
You are probably already aware that tea drinking, and here we’re talking about the loose leaf steeped in boiling water kind, goes back centuries. And you’re possibly already knowledgeable of the fact that drinking tea has been held in high regard by warriors across many different cultures over time. What you probably don’t know is that drinking tea can help fuel a warrior mindset that will allow you to conquer whatever life throws your way.
In this article we’ll take a brief look at the intertwined history of tea drinking and soldiering. We’ll also discuss the science behind how drinking loose leaf tea empowers a killer mindset.
Loose leaf tea: fuelling warriors since forever
Vikings would drink a powerful blend that allowed them to feel no pain as they fearlessly ran naked into battle. Ancient Indian warriors would sip Moringa Tea to restore their health and energy on the battlefield. The history of warriors drinking tea goes way back in time. However, the art of loose leaf tea drinking probably finds its most ceremonial form in the ancient Samurai code of Bushido. This ancient warrior caste used the tea drinking ceremony to still the mind and restore the body in preparation for battle.
"If you're afraid - don't do it, - if you're doing it - don't be afraid!" ~ Genghis Khan
One of the most famous badass tea drinkers of ancient times is none other than the Universal Ruler himself, Genghis Khan. Indeed, according to legend the Khan ordered his warriors drink loose leaf tea so as to instil them with valor and effectiveness in battle. And it must have done them some good. The conquest of the armies of the Khan forged the largest contiguous empire in history. The Mongols’ empire stretched across most of Eurasia and extended as far west as Poland and southward to Egypt. At its height, the Mongol army was one million tea-drinking soldiers strong.
"Tea is one of the mainstays of civilization" ~ George Orwell
Another badass tea-drinking warrior, albeit from more recent history, was Eric Arthur Blair – better known by his nom de plume: George Orwell. A proponent of Indian tea, Orwell saw action during the Spanish Civil War (1936 – 39). Orwell volunteered for service with the leftist Republicans. He would later write about the experiences he had at war: the revolutionary fervor intermeshed with the squalor of trench combat. And, like any good Englishman, it was only a good cup of tea that could soothe his soul at the end of another long day of combat. No wonder why the English bought about the entire world stockpile of tea during World War Two as a means to boost the morale of their servicemen. True story.
How tea can boost your warrior mindset
Researchers have discovered that drinking tea lowers stress levels
Drinking amazing loose leaf tea is not simply the province of warriors in battle. Indeed, enjoying a great cup of tea does wonders for the mind and body, allowing us to be prepared for the onslaught of whatever life throws at us. Recent research reveals the ingredients in loose leaf tea can improve one’s mood and sharpen mental clarity. Which are both essential frames of mind to be in right before the next big battle in life, whether that is a job interview, relationship dramas or even getting through the festive season. Scientists are also cottoning onto the fact that tea drinking can even stave off depression.
As can be seen, tea drinking has been helping humans be the best version of themselves for eons. Why not harness the power of a great brew and get some Valhalla Tea Co tea in your cup today?
- The Valhalla Co Team