CREDIT: MELISA NOVACASKA
There are a variety of different kinds of teas available in the world today. Though not all are healthy, it's best to find one that works for you, including organic teas.

Tea is an ancient drink that many have drunk for centuries for its soothing taste and medicinal properties. In the wake of the modern era, however, tea has been polluted by the production of technology. The use of pesticides and chemically produced tea bags have created some drinks harmful for human consumption.

According to Divinitea, the use of pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers have been acknowledged to pose health risks to the human body such as hormone disruption, irritation to the eyes and skin, nervous system damage and even various types of cancer.

In March 2014, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) tested 10 top brand name teas to see if they had any traces of pesticides. The results were shocking as all but one tea brand (Red Rose) had pesticides present in their product, some even exceeding the limit of acceptable dosage of certain pesticides. Visit cbc.ca/marketplace/ blog/full-tea-test-results and cbc.ca/news/canada/pesticide-traces-in-some-tea-exceed-allowable-limits-1.2564624 for more information on the results. There is no recent updates on the current standings of the brands mentioned in regards to their pesticide usage.

Visit the following websites to find out more information about teas and pesticides:

- http://www.divinitea.com/why-organic-tea

- http://dailyhealthpost.com/pesticides-tea/

- http://beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/ToxicTea.pdf

- http://www.beachousebakingcompany.com/?p=1154

In comparison though, organic tea is environmentally friendly as well as healthier — even medicinal - for people to drink.

What you should look for when shopping for organic tea:

1. A United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic certificate label and a non-Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) must be present on the box to show that it is completely pesticide free.

2. Try to buy loose-leaf tea compared to ones with pre-made bags because they have more organic properties.

Safe organic tea brands:

Yogi Tea — canada.yogiproducts.com

Rishi Tea — rishi-tea.com

Traditional Medicinals — ca.traditionalmedicinals.com

Choice Organic Teas — choiceorganicteas.com

Red Rose — redrosetea.ca

Two Leaves — twoleavestea.com

Stash Tea — stashtea.com

Five tea recipes to make yourself:

If you want to make sure the tea you drink is completely organic and to your taste, try to build your own tea garden or buy some fresh organic herbs, flowers, fruits or vegetables. The environment will benefit from your organic process of making tea.

What you will need:

1.) Kettle for heating water

2.)Tea pot with an infuser/floating tea infuser/tea ball

3.)Strainer (if needed)

Here are a few herbal teas with great health benefits that you can make right at home: Thyme Tea with Lemon (studiobotanica.com/power-packed-teas-for-winter)

A good soother for sore throat and can help ease cough or cold symptoms.

Put a few fresh or dried sprigs of thyme in a mason jar. Cover the sprigs with boiling water and let it steep for eight to 10 minutes. Add one to two teaspoons of lemon juice. Strain the blend into a cup or mug.

Optional: can add infused honey to make sweeter.

Sage Tea (theherbgardener.blogspot.ca/2011/05/how-to-make-sage-tea.html)

This bitter drink requires an acquired taste but it does wonders on curing sore throats, calming frazzled nerves, relieving aching gums and even helps reprieve the effects of hot flashes.

Pour one cup of boiling water over 10 fresh sprigs of sage or one teaspoon of dried sage. Let it steep for five minutes then strain it into a mug.

Spearmint Licorice Tea (adelightfulhome.com/tea)

An after-dinner tea that enhances digestion while also boasting the sweet taste of anti-inflammatory properties.

Mix together one part spearmint with 1/8 part of dried licorice root. If using two tablespoons of spearmint, use 0.728 teaspoon of licorice root. Store it in a glass jar and use only one tablespoon in a cup when you drink it. Optional: add in a few cloves and a sprinkle of fennel for more digestive benefits and added flavors.

Peppermint Tea (naturalgreenmom.com/peppermint-tea-recipe)

A healthy Christmas reminder that will rid the body and mind of bad thoughts.

Add one teaspoon of dried peppermint and sugar or honey to a measuring cup.

Pour one cup of boiling water into the measuring cup.

Allow it to steep for three minutes. Strain it then pour it into a cup of ice to cool.

Lavender Tea (freshbitesdaily.com/lavender-tea)

Sit down with the calming smell of lavender. Bring three cups of water to boil. Place one handful of lemon balm or mint together with two tablespoons of fresh or dried lavender flowers in a teapot or infuser. Add the boiling water and let it steep for about five minutes. Optional: can add honey to sweeten it.

Check out this website for more DIY recipes: adelightfulhome.com/diy-tea-recipes.