By Hon Algernon Watts
My curiosity about the benefits of tea began during my research on high blood pressure, one of the many non-communicable diseases affecting communities in Antigua and Barbuda. Like so many of us, I have seen loved ones struggle with hypertension, diabetes, and obesity — conditions that are all too common across our islands. This personal connection inspired me to explore natural ways to promote wellness, leading me to the fascinating world of Chinese tea culture.
During a recent trip to China, I experienced Chinese tea in a deeply personal way. Watching a server prepare tea with precision and care, I was struck by how the process elevated it from a simple beverage to an art form. Learning about its cultural significance made the experience both eye-opening and unforgettable. It wasn’t just about drinking tea; it was about connection, mindfulness, and tradition.
This exploration brought back memories of my own childhood. My grandmother often sent me to pick bush tea leaves—lemongrass, cerasee, or soursop—from the garden or nearby bushes. She brewed them into fragrant teas, each steeped in wisdom and tradition, prescribed either for an ailment or simply to start the day. Drinking “bush,” as we call it, was an integral part of our lives.
Tea drinking is nothing new to us in Antigua, but what if we could build on this tradition and make it a centerpiece of both health and opportunity? Chinese tea culture, with its roots stretching back thousands of years, offers a harmonious blend of mindfulness, art, and wellness that could beautifully complement our own practices.
In China, tea is not merely a drink but a way of life, symbolising balance and well-being. Its varieties—green, oolong, pu’er, jasmine—each offer unique flavors and health benefits. Green tea, for instance, is celebrated for boosting metabolism and aiding weight loss, while pu’er tea has been linked to regulating blood sugar levels. The calming properties of jasmine tea or herbal infusions make them ideal for reducing stress and improving sleep. These teas are valued for their medicinal properties and can complement traditional medicine in managing chronic conditions.
As I explored these benefits, I realised how well they could align with our existing health practices. High blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity remain pressing issues in Antigua and Barbuda, and something as simple yet powerful as tea could provide a natural, accessible supplement to traditional medical treatments.
I also began to consider the economic possibilities. China is the world’s largest exporter of tea, with an industry valued at billions of dollars annually. Its teas reach markets across the globe, fueled by growing demand for organic and specialty blends. Antigua, with its fertile soil and tropical climate, could tap into this global market by cultivating herbs and teas locally. By blending Caribbean-grown herbs with imported Chinese teas, we could create unique flavors that appeal to both local and international consumers.
The opportunities go beyond farming. Specialty tea shops and cultural tourism centered around tea ceremonies could thrive in Antigua. Tea production and export could diversify our economy, create jobs, and promote sustainable practices. Partnering with Chinese experts could provide the knowledge and resources needed to bring this vision to life, while strengthening ties between our nations.
Reflecting on my journey into the world of tea, I see it as a way to connect the past with the future. From picking tea leaves for my grandmother to sharing tea in China, the thread that ties it all together is the power of tea to heal, comfort, and bring people together. At a time when non-communicable diseases threaten the health of so many, and our economy seeks innovative paths forward, tea presents itself as a solution that is both timeless and forward-thinking.
This is not just about adopting an ancient tradition from afar but about building on what we already know and love. By weaving Chinese tea culture into our lives, we can create a unique fusion that benefits our health, strengthens our economy, and honors the rich traditions of both cultures.
Let us raise our cups to a vision that blends wellness, opportunity, and culture—one sip at a time.
