Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “A woman is like a tea bag – you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water.” Let’s take a look at some other ways tea relates to our different personality types.
Hippocrates, the Greek philosopher and doctor discovered that many of his patients had similar characteristic and behavior patterns. He classified them into four different groups. Those who had high energy and were optimistic he called Sanguines. Those that seemed to have a natural instinct to be in control and were quite often leaders, he called Cholerics. Melancholies was the name he gave those that seemed to have depth of intelligence and a tendency toward moods swings. Those that were peaceful and easy going he called Phlegmatics.
So, with those terms in mind, let’s look at the personality of different types of teas.
The Sanguine traits are seen in Honey Lemon Ginseng Green tea – a lively blend of green tea and healthful herbs. It gives an energizing boost with its vital core of fine green tea, fortified with highly prized eleuthero root and Asian ginseng. The natural flavors of honey and enlivening lemon give this blend it’s smooth yet complex character. It is a real energy booster.
Sanguines are known to be full of life, always talking and laughing. They love to blend bright colors and wear eye catching clothes and jewelry. Like this tea, they don’t make a quiet entrance, but explode into your presence, full of energy and flavor.
The Melancholy personality is the most common. They are deep and thoughtful people, and are often perfectionists.
Earl Grey Tea comes to mind when I think of the Melancholy. Earl Grey is a classic, popular tea. Like the Melancholy, it is a dependable stand by. This personality likes things to be in order, in nice straight columns and rows. Blended only with bergamot oil, Earl Grey has not been cluttered up with other fruit flavors or herbs.
Another tea that has Melancholy traits is the green tea, Sencha. It is a favorite in Japan. Like the moody Melancholy personality, it has a bright flavor with a gentle bitterness and hint of sweetness.
English Breakfast tea reminds me of the Choleric personality. Both are strong and full of power. Cholerics have great leadership skills. What better way to wake up those skills in the morning than with a nice, strong cup of English Breakfast tea? The full bodied, robust tea has enough caffeine in it to get you going.
Green teas are also full of power. They are known to be a strong anti-oxidant and are very good for you. It is reported that they can boost your immune system, help prevent cancer and heart disease, reduce body fat, lower blood pressure and slow the aging process. Green tea also fights harmful bacteria and viruses and even helps the body regulate cholesterol levels.
Last but not least is the easy-going, laid back, peace loving Phlegmatic. I can just see my Phlegmatic friends relaxing with a soothing cup of Mint tea. Peppermint tea soothes the stomach just as the Phlegmatic personality brings peace to stressful situations. Phlegmatics are known to be peace makers, and they will avoid conflict if at all possible. Like any of the mint teas, they are pleasant and mellow.
Another tea with peaceful traits is Chamomile tea. It is very soothing at bedtime, famous for its calming effect.
The few teas I’ve mentioned, are only a few of the many possible matches of personalities and tea. Whatever your personality, there’s a tea that’s right for you.
Maxine Holmgren