Drinking Tea

Firstly, everyone understands the severe harm smoking does to the body—it's all bad and no good. Let’s look at the benefits of drinking tea: First, the polyphenols in tea can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system and invigorate the spirit. Polyphenols can lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, prevent clot formation, and maintain cardiovascular health. Second, moderate consumption can promote gastric acid secretion, increase appetite, and improve symptoms of indigestion. Third, tea has antioxidant properties that delay aging, help prevent tumor formation, and boost the immune system. It’s worth noting that people with chronic insomnia or digestive issues should avoid tea as it may exacerbate their conditions. So what happens to those who smoke long-term but persist in drinking tea? Doctors have an answer: For long-term smokers, there are some benefits from drinking tea, primarily due to its diuretic and detoxifying effects, which promote the excretion of toxins from smoking. This reduces the time toxic substances remain in the body, thus alleviating the damage caused by these toxins. Some compounds in tobacco can lead to thickening of the arterial intima and reduced gastric acid secretion, while catechins in tea can prevent cholesterol deposition on vessel walls, lessening the harms of smoking.…

Drinking tea has been a tradition in China since ancient times, yet not everyone knows the correct way to do so. Even fewer can present the entire tea ceremony with finesse. The tea ritual is a spiritual legacy left by our ancestors, and it would be a beautiful thing if we could carry it forward. Here are the thirteen steps of the tea ceremony: First Step: Clean Hands and Appreciate Utensils This involves washing hands, which is very important for hygiene. First, introduce the tea into a lotus leaf and invite guests to admire the tea. Then, appreciate the utensils: Jingdezhen porcelain or Yixing purple clay teapots are preferred for their suitability in enhancing the tea's flavor. This step helps set a relaxed mood before drinking the tea. Second Step: Warm Cups and Teapot Rinse all the tea utensils with boiling water. This ensures cleanliness and also preheats the utensils, which enhances the aroma of the tea. Pour boiling water into the purple clay teapot, fairness cup, aroma cup, and tasting cup. Some people refer to this as warming the utensils. Third Step: Dragon into the Palace Place the tea leaves into the teapot. This step, though simple, can be…

Pu'er tea is made from large-leaf varieties in Yunnan and is known for becoming more fragrant with age. It is rich in theaflavins and thearubigins, which can help enhance immunity, boost metabolism, and improve gut motility when consumed regularly. Additionally, Pu'er tea contains higher levels of polyphenols and caffeine, which can help refresh the mind and alleviate fatigue. However, it's not advisable to drink strong or overnight infusions. What Are the Benefits of Drinking Pu'er Tea Regularly? 1. Quenching Thirst The most genuine benefit of drinking tea is quenching thirst, as it is pleasant to drink and enhances one’s comfort, allowing timely hydration and a boost in energy. 2. Warming and Heat Dispelling Among China's six major tea categories, Pu'er (specifically ripe Pu'er) is similar to black tea in its warming properties. It can warm the stomach and dispel cold, making it particularly suitable for those with a constitution that tends to be cold. Many people in the north often brew Pu'er tea, which is especially comforting during cold winters. 3. Boosting Immunity Regular consumption of Pu'er tea has anti-aging and immune-boosting effects. Ripe Pu'er tea contains higher levels of catechins, which effectively mitigate the side effects of caffeine in…

The taboos of drinking black tea include pregnant women avoiding black tea, people with nerve weakness and insomnia forgetting to avoid black tea, and anemic people avoiding black tea. Drinking black tea can increase the burden on a pregnant woman's heart. Drinking black tea can exacerbate symptoms of anemia, and those with nerve weakness and insomnia may have their conditions worsened by drinking black tea. What are the taboos of drinking black tea? 1. Avoid drinking black tea during special periods. Drinking black tea during menstruation, especially strong tea, can induce or aggravate premenstrual syndrome. Medical researchers found that people with a habit of drinking tea are 2.4 times more likely to suffer from premenstrual tension syndrome than those without the habit, and those who drink more than four cups of tea per day are three times more likely. 2. Do not drink black tea on an empty stomach. Drinking black tea on an empty stomach can dilute gastric juices and reduce digestive function, leading to a high rate of water absorption, which allows harmful components in the tea to enter the bloodstream in large quantities, causing symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, and weakness in the limbs. 3. Fever is…

When mentioning Yiwu tea, many tea enthusiasts immediately associate it with the term “aromatic and smooth,” primarily highlighting the extremely fine texture of the tea soup and its high-aroma. In addition to this, Yiwu tea has these three major characteristics. Tea enthusiasts can use these three features to identify Yiwu tea when purchasing or tasting it. What are the characteristics of Yiwu tea? How can they be quickly distinguished? 1. Appearance Characteristics The main tea tree variety for Yiwu tea is the Yiwu green bud tea. The dry tea has thick, plump strands, prominent white down, and longer-than-average tea stalks. 2. Taste Characteristics The aroma of the tea is mainly floral, honey-like, and wild. The tea soup is smooth and delicate, with mild bitterness and a light astringency. The aftertaste and salivation are gentle and long-lasting, unlike the more intense experience from Menghai teas. The taste is soft yet powerful, often characterized as “gentle with strength.” New teas have a slightly mellow taste that becomes more restrained and substantial over time as the tea ages. 3. Aging and Transformation Properly stored Yiwu Pu'er tea becomes delicately smooth, with a rich and varied taste and aroma. After about 2-3 years, the…

  1. Each type of tea has its own unique characteristics and benefits. Different types of teas require different amounts, water temperatures, steeping times, and can be steeped a varying number of times. Therefore, practically speaking, mixing different teas can be complicated. Moreover, mixing teas with different flavors and effects can result in negative interactions. Thus, it is generally not advisable to mix different types of tea. 2. Due to differences in variety and processing methods, teas have distinct flavors. Each type of tea has its unique aroma and taste. Mixing different teas can affect the appreciation of their individual qualities and diminish the enjoyment of tea tasting. Mixing different teas can also make the tea infusion cloudy and cause sedimentation; this can lead to impure flavors and may cause digestive issues or discomfort in the stomach and intestines. 3. Drinking several types of tea at once can lead to physical discomfort, which is likely due to excessive tea consumption causing low blood sugar and dizziness. If such physiological reactions occur, it could be a case of "tea intoxication." When mixing different teas, there is a higher risk of overconsumption, making it easier to become "intoxicated" by the tea. If…

Talking about a cup of Puer tea that has "traveled the world" The Yunnan Xiaguan Tea Factory Foreign Trade Co., Ltd. is located on the 25th floor of the South Asia Style First City in Kunming. From here, one can faintly see the Cao Hai Lake and the surrounding mountains through the floor-to-ceiling windows. On the other side of the window is Tang Yiping's office, a room filled with tea and sunshine. As a veteran who held leadership positions at China Native Produce and Animal By-Products Yunnan Tea Import and Export Corporation and Yunnan Tea Garden Group for many years, Tang Yiping has seen many old and mid-aged teas and can still vaguely recall their original appearances. "The classic old teas that are still around today were all made under strict standards at every step from raw material collection to production. At that time, there was no concept of 'aging brings better aroma.' The old teas we have now are miracles that occurred during long periods of storage and have stood the test of history and time," says Tang Yiping. During our interview with Tang Yiping, he brought out several old teas to share with everyone. Talking about the wonders…

Aside from being a familiar beverage, tea also has a unique background in Traditional Chinese Medicine. What differences emerge when we view tea through the lens of TCM? 1. Tea as Chinese Medicine In ancient times, tea was used as medicine and recorded in medical texts. The Shennong Ben Cao Jing records that “Shennong tasted a hundred herbs and encountered seventy-two poisons in a single day, finding relief in tea.” This suggests that the origin of tea was medicinal. During the Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties when the custom of drinking tea began to form, the techniques for processing tea were not rudimentary or primitive, reflecting the development of tea processing before it became a beverage of choice. This development occurred within the realm of medicine. From the time tea became a beverage of choice, while preserving its biological characteristics, the goal of tea processing shifted towards making it more delicious and palatable. Although conceptually distinct from medicine, there was no fundamental change in the technical aspects of processing tea. From the perspective of Chinese pharmaceutical processing, the objectives of tea processing and medicine preparation are entirely consistent: both aim to extract active ingredients effectively, improve their efficacy,…

The weather is cold, and winter is a season where illnesses are more prevalent. Drinking tea can not only replenish fluids and reduce internal heat but also strengthen the body and promote health. Drinking more tea in winter can help eliminate fatigue, kill bacteria, relieve inflammation, and promote urination. White tea is also one of the most suitable types of tea to drink during this season. Why should you drink more white tea in winter? 1. White tea can prevent colds. The cold winter weather makes it easy to catch a cold if you're not careful, and white tea can help prevent colds. White tea has strong antibacterial properties, and using it to rinse your mouth can filter out viruses and prevent colds, as well as cavities and food poisoning. It can also lower blood sugar levels and high blood pressure. White tea is sweet and warm, containing abundant proteins and sugars that can enhance the body's resistance. Rinsing your mouth with white tea or drinking it directly can help prevent influenza. 2. White tea can warm the body and fight the cold. In the depths of winter, the body's yang energy weakens, and it requires more energy and nutrients.…

The 22nd World Cup Football Championship will be held in Qatar from November 21 to December 18, welcoming the quadrennial football feast for fans, who will stay up late watching matches, posing a challenge to both their physical and mental stamina. In many fans' eyes, this World Cup is truly "the twilight of the gods": Messi is 35 years old, Ronaldo is 37, Pepe is 39... even Neymar, the youngest among them, says that this might be his last World Cup. During every World Cup, many fans prepare beer and late-night snacks to stay up and watch the games. However, it's well known that staying up late is detrimental to liver detoxification and overall health. Consuming alcohol and meat while staying up late can exacerbate these effects! If you want to indulge fully during the World Cup, drinking tea may be the best companion. Passionate World Cup, Healthy with a Teacup While tea drinking cannot completely offset the toll of staying up late, its invigorating and detoxifying effects are certainly beneficial while watching the games. Here are our tea recommendations for different phases: 9:00 PM Match - Raw Tea to Energize and Get into the Zone The 9 PM match…

Taking medications is best done with warm plain water, and it is not advisable to use tea. This is because tea contains multiple amino acids, vitamins, inorganic salts, tannic acid, volatile oils, as well as alkaloids like caffeine and theophylline. These substances can interact with certain drugs. For example, caffeine can excite the central nervous system and when taken with sedatives, can reduce their efficacy. Theophylline can affect the absorption of anti-parkinsonian drugs in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby reducing their effectiveness. Why You Should Not Take Medications with Tea Theaflavins in tea can have an antagonistic and antidotal effect on anti-inflammatory drugs, potentially rendering them ineffective. This can lead to a significant reduction in the efficacy of antibiotics such as cephalosporins and penicillins. Many people find that after taking medication and drinking tea, the effectiveness of the medication is notably diminished. Tannic acid present in tea can react with the alkaloids in gastric juice, forming precipitates that are not easily absorbed by the body, greatly reducing the therapeutic effect of the drug. Theaflavins and caffeine in tea can damage the gastric mucosa, and acidic drugs can also irritate the gastric mucosa. Consuming both together can easily cause excessive secretion of…

Ascending Mount Jingmai, one is drawn for the sea of clouds and the ancient tea. Nuogang Village in Jingmai Village especially captured my imagination. To me, this is what a fairyland should look like. Lush forests embrace the thousand-year-old village; mists linger around this auspicious ancestral land. Nuogang Village is part of Jingmai Village Committee in Huimin Town, Lancang County, Pu'er City, Yunnan Province. All 121 households are Dai people. Suitable for growing crops such as tea and rice, the tea industry is an important source of income. Despite fluctuating tea prices over the years, the price of tea from Nuogang Village has never dropped. This is due to two reasons: First, the trees are old, with the oldest being over 800 years and the youngest more than a century, producing a rich and powerful flavor. Second, the tea is ecologically grown in deep mountains where villagers voluntarily refrain from using pesticides, preserving its natural taste. I have visited Mount Jingmai twice, staying both times in Nuogang Village. The first visit was years ago when there were no guesthouses in the village. I was hosted by a Dai family who made tea, refusing any payment for accommodation and meals. I…

Chaozhou Gongfu tea, the word "gongfu" being key, not only emphasizes the technique of brewing but also pays great attention to the craftsmanship of teaware. For the people of Chaozhou, drinking tea means using the four treasures of Gongfu tea: Zhuni teapot, Ruoshen cup, Hongni stove, and Shaqiao kettle, among which the Zhuni teapot is the jewel in the crown. Roundness is Not Uniform The Artistic Charm That Hits Just Right Chaozhou Zhuni teapots, commonly known as "chongguan," are made from Zhuni clay, which is soft and free of sand, making it highly malleable. The craft involves "hand-pulled forming," an ancient method using a potter's wheel. This process requires nearly 60 steps, including pulling, trimming, scraping, water application, glazing, and firing, all of which are intricate and meticulous. The shaping of Zhuni teapots relies on the ingenious rotation of the potter's wheel. In the course of inheriting teapot culture, potters infuse their creative ideas, unique designs, and exquisite skills into the teapots, endowing them with more cultural characteristics in terms of shape and decoration. They break free from the limitations of geometric roundness, displaying rich variations in curved forms that resemble fruits, bamboo sections, and wheels, creating a world of…

Pu'er tea is a type of tea enjoyed by many, known for its rich flavor and gentle effect on the stomach, making it perfect for consumption after meals to aid digestion. While drinking Pu'er tea has numerous health benefits, there are certain taboos to be aware of. 1. Avoid New Tea: Newly produced tea contains higher levels of unoxidized polyphenols, aldehydes, and alcohols, which can strongly stimulate the gastrointestinal mucosa and potentially cause gastric issues. Therefore, new tea should be consumed sparingly, and tea less than half a month old should be avoided altogether. 2. Drinking on an Empty Stomach: Drinking tea on an empty stomach can dilute gastric juices, impairing digestive function. The high water absorption rate at this time can lead to a significant influx of undesirable components from the tea into the bloodstream, causing symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, and weakness—a condition known as "tea drunkenness." 3. Drinking While Feverish: The presence of theophylline in tea can elevate body temperature, making it counterproductive for feverish individuals, akin to "adding fuel to the fire." 4. During Menstruation: Drinking tea during menstruation, especially strong tea, can trigger or exacerbate menstrual syndrome. Medical research suggests that women who drink tea…

Many tea enthusiasts have this dilemma: why does my tea not taste as good as others', even when using the same tea leaves, the same teaware, and the same water? Note Three Aspects Assuming there are no issues with the quality of the tea, brewing a great cup primarily depends on three factors: teaware, amount of tea used, and steeping time. These elements are interrelated. Teaware: The appearance of a gaiwan or teapot is secondary; what matters is its capacity, which directly affects the amount of tea used, the volume of water added, and steeping time. For example, a packet of rock tea contains 8 grams, and when brewed in a 100cc and a 130cc gaiwan, the volumes of water added will differ. With the same steeping time, the resulting flavors will vary, with the former being more concentrated. Amount of Tea Used: If you're brewing pre-packaged teas, it's convenient as rock tea is typically 8 grams per pack and black tea is 5 grams. For loose-leaf tea, if you're unsure how much to use, start by experimenting with an appropriate amount. If it's too weak or too strong, you'll know how to adjust for the next brewing session. Steeping…

Modern pharmacological studies have found that Pu'er tea can reduce fat and aid weight loss, lower blood pressure, combat arterial hardening, prevent cancer, improve skin health, nourish the stomach, strengthen teeth and gums, reduce inflammation and kill bacteria, and fight aging. Aside from drinking it directly, Pu'er tea can also be used in culinary therapy. Below are 12 secrets of Pu'er tea wellness. 1. A natural health beverage The cancer-preventing and health benefits of Pu'er tea, once confirmed by the medical community, have boosted the confidence of tea enthusiasts. The lipid-lowering and appetite-suppressing properties of Pu'er tea have attracted countless beauty-conscious individuals and those looking to lose weight; middle-aged people who are prone to weight gain cannot do without Pu'er tea. Drinking it hot soothes the stomach and intestines and is particularly effective for constipation and frequent urination. Pu'er tea helps to replenish energy and solidify essence, making it beneficial for men with erectile dysfunction and prostate issues. The older the Pu'er tea (the longer it has been stored), the better its effects on boosting energy and enhancing virility. 2. Prevents and treats coronary heart disease Coronary heart disease, also known as coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, can be effectively prevented…

The simple character for tea contains profound truths about the cycle of nature. The character for tea, when broken down, means "human among grass and wood," implying that human nature is hidden within plants and that humans transform through their interaction with them. Adapting to the natural flow of time is the foundation of health preservation. Today, Cup Xiaocha selects 14 solar terms from the 24 solar terms and introduces 14 corresponding teas along with their benefits. There are specific considerations for drinking tea during different seasons. Adjust your tea-drinking habits according to natural changes. Tees picked at different times of the year have distinct characteristics, which can either nourish or drain, stimulate or calm, depending on the state of the person and the season. These seasonal teas adjust the body's imbalances to achieve harmony between yin and yang. As winter turns into spring and summer gives way to autumn, each tea has its own unique properties. 14 Seasonal Teas, Corresponding to 14 Benefits 1. Pre-Ming Tea Leaves picked before the Qingming (Pure Brightness) solar term are known as Pre-Ming Tea. Pre-Ming Tea is the first harvest of spring. After a dormant winter, the buds break through the bark, much…

How to drink tea in the healthiest way?Firstly, choosing the right type of tea is crucial. Different types of tea have distinct characteristics and benefits, which can be selected based on personal constitution and needs, for example, those with weaker digestive systems might opt for milder fermented teas. It’s important to control the amount of tea you drink, avoiding excessive consumption. Generally, drinking a few cups a day is sufficient, as too much may place a burden on your body. The timing of drinking tea also matters. Try to avoid drinking strong tea before bedtime, as it may affect the quality of your sleep. It’s not advisable to drink tea immediately after meals; instead, wait for some time to ensure proper digestion. The water temperature used for brewing should be appropriate. Different types of tea require specific temperatures, and the correct water temperature helps bring out the flavor and nutrients of the tea more effectively. Proper storage of tea is essential, keeping it dry, well-ventilated, and free from odors to prevent spoilage that could impact health. Avoid drinking tea on an empty stomach to prevent irritation of the digestive system. When drinking tea, try to avoid very strong brews, as…

Many tea enthusiasts may have a question: should we make a sound when drinking tea? We've all heard the argument that: Making a "tsk-tsk" sound while sipping tea is a sign of approval for the host's tea, with louder sounds indicating greater appreciation. However, many tea lovers find the "whoosh" sound made while drinking tea to be odd and impolite. In fact, this behavior, though seemingly unrefined, is actually the most professional and authentic way to taste tea. In fact, making a sound when drinking tea has historical records. The more official record is based on tea evaluation, a method known as the "suction method": Curl the sides of your tongue Rapidly suck in the tea This will create a "tsk-tsk" sound If necessary, "tsk-tsk" several times To quickly expose the entire mouth to the tea Taste the flavor Then let the tea's aroma directly reach the palate Transmitting it to the olfactory senses Hold the tea in the mouth Stir the tea using various techniques To fully engage with the taste buds on the tongue Once a judgment can be made about the tea It is spat out In tea evaluation, you do not swallow the tea. 01 Is…

Often when watching others brew tea, you'll see them first scald the pot with hot water before adding the tea leaves. There's a term for this action in the trade known as “warming the pot.” Scalding the tea utensils with boiling water not only ensures hygiene but also serves a practical purpose. Warming the cups and pots is a habitual action that most people perform before brewing tea – even after cleaning the utensils, they are rinsed again with boiling water. Many believe that this ceremonial gesture disinfects the tea ware, making it more hygienic to drink from, and raises the temperature of the utensils, which improves the taste of the tea. However, few delve deeper into the underlying reasons. What other significant effects does warming the cups and pots have? I. Public Cleaning, Demonstrating EtiquetteIf we say that warming the cups and pots is for cleaning the tea ware, it doesn’t hold up to scrutiny. Tea is clean by nature, and thus requires a clean and hygienic environment and utensils. Before the tea ware is placed on the table, it should naturally be cleaned beforehand; why would one need to clean it again? The action of warming the cups…

Sitting idle over tea on the weekend, feeling a simple satisfaction. Perhaps this is what our predecessors referred to as the clear richness in life. Feelings of happiness, pure joy, and tranquility—savoring a cup of tea purely for its taste. Smell the aroma, take a sip, and feel the tea flowing down your throat into your body. Relax your eyes, your mouth, your ears, your nose, and let your whole being unwind, so you can truly appreciate the flavor of the water and the fragrance of the tea leaves. You might even sense the sunlight, air, and soil that nurtured them. A single cup of tea can bring such contentment. Approach each moment with this contented heart, slow down, clear your mind, relax while drinking tea, and live mindfully. In this moment, the tea reflects your own heart, and what you imbibe is your own experience and perception of life. This is simple, yet real. Tea is an invitation to the surprises of life, and life is a series of beautiful tea gatherings. Through the omnipresent presence of tea in life, find peace within. Slow your breathing and let today's happiness begin with a cup of tea!

Is drinking tea "refined" or "common"? "Refined" means elegant and sophisticated, while "common" refers to everyday, popular customs. Tea was originally common, starting from medicinal use, then culinary use, and eventually evolving into the most beloved drink of the Chinese people. In its transmission, tea became refined through the praise of people. People discovered that even among chaotic rocks, tea can take root and sprout, embodying resilience; that tea needs to be steeped in hot water to release its sweetness, with the leaves rising and sinking like life itself; and that drinking tea nourishes one, keeping the habit can make one’s thoughts sharp and mind tranquil... All these are qualities we aspire to have or enjoy experiencing, many of our better thoughts find solace in tea. Thus, monks, scholars, officials, and imperial families of ancient times all sang praises of tea, promoted it, made good tea, and brewed it well. The ritualistic aspect of tea-drinking gradually increased, making it a refined affair, giving rise to "tea culture". In the past, when social hierarchy was strictly defined, only those of high status could drink tea in a refined manner, while others would do so in a simple, mundane way. Today, in…

Tea is not merely a beverage, but also a way of life and a sanctuary for the soul. When we lift a cup of fragrant tea to our lips and savor it gently, we are not only tasting the flavor of the tea, but also feeling the warmth of life and understanding the wisdom of existence. Drinking tea is an appreciation of its beauty and an artistic expression of life. It is a medium of etiquette that elevates life through tea and a lifestyle that cultivates the self through tea. To each person, tea holds different meanings. From the daily necessities of firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea, representing the ordinary and practical aspects of life, to the poetic symbols of music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, wine, and tea, there is a depth of meaning. In times of thirst and heat, tea is a timely balm, refreshing body and soul. And when we slow down, taking time to enjoy tea in a leisurely manner, feeling the tranquility around us, that is the essence of life. It's important to know that the life you yearn for can be found in tea. A simple life is made pure by…

Raw pu'er is more effective for fat reduction than ripe pu'er. Raw pu'er, which has not undergone the wet-piling fermentation process and is naturally aged, retains more of the natural substances found in fresh tea leaves. Moderate consumption can aid in fat elimination and alleviate greasy feelings. Is Raw Pu'er or Ripe Pu'er Better for Fat Reduction? Raw pu'er is better for fat reduction, and its effects are more noticeable and effective compared to ripe pu'er. This is mainly due to the presence of components such as caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline in pu'er tea. These components can stimulate gastric acid secretion and enhance gastric motility, thereby promoting intestinal peristalsis and aiding in the digestion and absorption of food. When using pu'er tea for weight loss, it is generally necessary to consider the individual's body constitution. Since people have different constitutions, the weight loss effects of pu'er tea can vary. However, drinking pu'er tea can help regulate the digestive system, which in turn facilitates the digestion and absorption of fats and helps to consume body fat, leading to an improvement in obesity. Drinking pu'er tea typically does not yield noticeable slimming results in the short term; long-term consistent consumption is required…