Put the kettle on, I’m parched

We all know it. We’ve always known it. Everyone knows it. But now scientists have proved it: Tea is good for stress. It’s long been the custom in Britain to offer a cuppa to someone who has experienced trauma or stress, rather than an alcoholic drink. A coffee just doesn’t do it. Old British films like the Ealing comedies are filled with people saying: “A nice cuppa, that’ll sort you out,” or “I’ll put the kettle on” as the first response to a crisis. Usually when someone has had “a funny turn”.