One cup a day helps relieve swollen joints.
Like 1 in 2 French people, do your joints hurt? When the weather is humid or there are temperature changes, they can become painful, stiff or even swollen. Osteoarthritis may be to blame. If the most suitable treatment must be discussed in conjunction with a doctor, know that natural remedies exist, like this still little-known natural drink which has proven anti-inflammatory properties.
Very famous in Japan and increasingly in France, this drink has a particular manufacturing process which guarantees a very high level of antioxidants and polyphenols, in particular catechins, excellent for reducing the inflammation of swollen joints, preventing joint damage and relieve pain related to osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis. Concretely, antioxidants act by neutralizing free radicals which attack cartilage cells in cases of osteoarthritis and which lead to premature aging. A study published in April 2024 in the journal Scientific Reports confirmed the positive effects on local pain: this drink “is rich in pyrazine, a component that imparts a distinctive aroma and improves blood circulation“, directly linked to better joint health and a reduction in joint stiffness. Also, it contributes to good hydration, essential for maintaining the elasticity and flexibility of the joints.
This drink is called “hojicha”, which means “toasted tea” in Japanese. Designed in 1920 in Kyoto to “recycle” the remains of green tea lost during their preparation, it is a roasted and then ground pink-green tea, as tasty as it is good for your health. Its taste is not herbaceous unlike that of matcha: its infusion releases notes of hazelnut, coffee, cocoa and toasted bread. Roasting removes tannins and reduces theine and caffeine content, making it an everyday drink that can be consumed in the evening without preventing sleep.
This tea is available in traditional tea stores as well as in organic stores. To prepare it, pour 70 ml of hot water (70-75°C) over 1g of hojicha (this is equivalent to a level teaspoon) and mix with a bamboo whisk, an electric frother or simply a spoon because this powder mixes well. Drink hot or lukewarm at a rate of one cup per day.