During spring, a person's Liver qi tends to become excessively active, which can have adverse effects on the spleen and stomach. Spring is also the season when yang energy rises, making it a time when various pathogens and microorganisms thrive and reproduce. As such, diseases tend to be more prevalent during this period, making spring health preservation particularly important.
Tea is described in “Compendium of Materia Medica” as: “Ming, bitter tea. Ming, bitter in taste, slightly cold, non-toxic. It is primarily used for acne, promotes urination, clears phlegm, and quenches thirst. It also helps with sleeplessness and is best harvested in autumn. Bitter tea is used to regulate qi, eliminate food residue from the previous day, and when made into a drink, it can include ingredients like mountain hawthorn, green onions, and Ginger.” Here, tea is characterized by its nature and taste as “slightly cold” and “bitter.” According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, sweetness is considered nourishing, while bitterness has a purgative effect, so tea possesses both nourishing and purgative properties.
Thus, there is the saying that “tea is a remedy for all illnesses.” Many historical records in China mention the benefits of Pu'er tea, suggesting that “Pu'er tea paste can cure all diseases.” Due to its digestive, gut-cleansing, and detoxifying effects, drinking Pu'er tea in moderation during spring can help cleanse the intestines, warm the stomach, and nourish the liver.
Pu'er ripe tea can also help reduce fat and lower blood pressure. Pu'er ripe tea is mild and gentle, warming the stomach without causing harm, and it can help lower cholesterol levels. It also has the effects of clearing heat, relieving summer heat, detoxifying, aiding digestion, reducing greasiness, promoting diuresis, relieving constipation, expelling phlegm, dispelling wind, alleviating symptoms of the common cold, quenching thirst, invigorating qi, prolonging life, and other benefits.
When it comes to drinking tea for health preservation in spring, there are some considerations to keep in mind. Drinking tea in moderation can aid in eliminating toxins and nourishing the liver and stomach. During this season, fragrant teas are preferable, such as Pu'er tea, which helps dissipate the coldness accumulated in the body during winter and promotes the generation of yang energy. Pu'er tea has the dual benefits of warming the stomach and nourishing the liver, and it is rich, fragrant, and refreshing, which can help awaken the senses and eliminate drowsiness. Some tea enthusiasts may not yet be familiar with Pu'er tea, but Flower tea is likely more familiar, especially to female friends who enjoy sipping flower tea.
Here are some flower teas suitable for drinking in spring.
Rose Pu'er Tea
The most notable benefits of rose flowers are their ability to regulate qi and relieve depression, promote blood circulation, and disperse stasis. Additionally, rose flowers have a very mild nature, capable of warming the heart and liver meridians, soothing internal qi stagnation, and producing calming, soothing, and antidepressant effects.
The creation of Rose Pu'er Tea is based on traditional TCM health preservation theories. Not only does Rose Pu'er Tea retain the health benefits of traditional Pu'er tea, but its fragrant aroma is also pleasant and delicious. Women may find that drinking Rose Pu'er Tea can help regulate mood swings before or during menstruation. With an increase in liver fire and irritability during spring, Rose Pu'er Tea is a suitable choice.
Brewing Method:
1. Place 5 grams of Pu'er tea and 2 rose flowers in a 200 ml teapot;
2. After mixing the Pu'er tea and rose flowers, pour boiling water over them and let steep for 10 minutes before drinking.
Chrysanthemum Pu'er Tea
Many tea enthusiasts know this as Chrysanthemum Pu'er Tea, which involves brewing Pu'er tea together with chrysanthemums. It is best to use Hangzhou white chrysanthemums, tribute chrysanthemums, or small daisy chrysanthemums. According to TCM, chrysanthemums have the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying, while Pu'er ripe tea is mild. Combining these two ingredients for brewing ensures that you won't have to worry about issues related to heat or excessive internal heat.
Brewing Method:
1. Combine 6 grams of Pu'er tea and 2 grams of chrysanthemums in a 200 ml teapot;
2. Pour a small amount of boiling water into the teapot to preheat it and rinse the tea leaves, then use the rinsed water to sanitize the cups, repeating this process one or two times;
3. Add an appropriate amount of rock sugar to the teapot, pour boiling water over it, and let it steep for five minutes before drinking.
When drinking tea in spring, consider the following points:
Select tea according to your constitution. Everyone has different constitutions, including those with yang and yin tendencies. Choose tea based on your constitution; Pu'er ripe tea is warmer, while raw Pu'er tea is cooler. If you have a cooler constitution, ripe Pu'er tea is suitable, whereas those with a hotter constitution should opt for raw Pu'er tea.
Consider the timing of tea consumption. The effects of drinking tea at different times vary. For example, in the evening, it is best to prioritize good Sleep, so it's advisable to drink lightly brewed ripe Pu'er tea. Pay attention to your diet when drinking tea. Many people like to drink large amounts of Pu'er tea immediately after consuming fatty foods, which can affect digestion. Drinking tea 30 minutes after eating will not interfere with nutrient absorption and better aids digestion.
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