Herbs

Basic Introduction to Taoyuan Wild Tea KingTaoyuan Wild Tea King is a specialty of Taoyuan County, Hunan Province, and a Chinese national geographical indication protected product. This tea is a critically endangered mountain wild large-leaf tea variety. It is characterized by "large leaves, soft leaf texture, deep green color, robust buds, abundant downy hair, emerald-colored infusion, fragrant aroma, and lingering aftertaste." Through local research and protection, the artificial propagation of this variety has been achieved, with production gradually increasing. Product FeaturesIn 1969, Mr. Lu Wanjun, a native and graduate of the Hunan Tea School, and tea taster Mr. Liao Yuzhao discovered two rare large-leaf tea trees in the wild tea population of Lujiazhong Village, Taipingpu Township. These trees had "large leaves, soft leaf texture, deep green color, robust buds, abundant downy hair, emerald-colored infusion, fragrant aroma, and lingering aftertaste." Upon evaluation by tea experts, it was determined that this tea is rich in selenium, zinc, and other trace elements beneficial to human health, as well as over 500 types of phenolic substances. The tea polyphenol content reaches up to 35%, and the amino acid content is as high as 8.56%, both higher than any other tea varieties. This tea also…

Cool tea is a beverage commonly prepared in the Chaoshan region by boiling compound or single local herbal ingredients. In the 18th century, Li Qingxiang, a resident of Xikeng Village in Puning, summarized and formulated multiple recipes for cool tea, each composed of twenty-four medicinal ingredients, along with their preparation methods. Through generations of inheritance and innovation, today's 24-ingredient cool tea is made from authentic Chinese medicinal herbs using modern scientific techniques to extract and separate its active components, ultimately producing granulated formulations. The 24-ingredient cool tea is composed of 24 herbs sourced from a list of ingredients that are both food and medicine. The main ingredients include: dandelion, lotus leaf, Houttuynia cordata, mulberry leaf, lophatherum, Prunella vulgaris, gardenia, chrysanthemum, honeysuckle, polygonatum, fat sea date, green plum, kudzu root, Chinese yam, fresh rhizome of reed, hawthorn, lophatherum, lily, jujube, cassia seed, black sesame, poria, tangerine peel, and mint. The 24-ingredient cool tea is guided by traditional Chinese medicine theory and based on herbal ingredients, with effects such as clearing heat and detoxifying, quenching thirst, removing fire and dampness, becoming a popular health care method, especially prevalent in the Chaoshan area. The craft of making the 24-ingredient herbal (cool) tea was…

"Yunnan Rock Tea" is a precious variety that has recently emerged in the world of Pu'er tea in the 21st century. "Yunnan Rock Tea" refers to tea produced from tea plantations and tea trees located in the core area of Bangdong Township and Matai Township in the Linxiang District, as well as Dazhaoxi Town in Yun County (formerly Dashixiang). These areas are at an altitude ranging from about 800 to 2,000 meters and radiate outwards to surrounding regions. It is well known that the renowned Wuyi Rock Tea is highly valued for its irreplicable growing environment. Wuyi Rock Tea is a small-leaf variety; can we find rock tea in the large-leaf tea region of Yunnan? After extensive searches by tea enthusiasts, large-leaf "Yunnan Rock Tea" was found in the middle and lower reaches of the Lancang River, in Bangdong Township and Matai Township of the Linxiang District, as well as Dazhaoxi Town in Yun County. In fact, for thousands of years, locals have coexisted with tea and rocks, with tea sprouting between the crevices of stones. Upon being "rediscovered," "Yunnan Rock Tea" immediately garnered widespread attention and became popular among tea lovers. What makes "Yunnan Rock Tea" especially precious is…

Liu Bao tea continued to be exported overseas through the ancient tea boat route, permeating the lives of consumers in Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asian countries, influencing their daily habits. At the same time, overseas consumer markets also propelled the development of the Liu Bao tea industry through the ancient tea boat route, increasing the production of tea in its place of origin and promoting changes in production processes. A single boat crossing vast oceans, the living and the dead uncertain. When countless Chinese workers embarked on ships bound for Southeast Asia with hope and uncertainty, they wouldn't have imagined that a route for exporting Liu Bao tea would be initiated because of them; nor could they have foreseen that the development, transformation, and impact of the Liu Bao tea industry would be so closely tied to this piece of history over the years. In the past one hundred plus years, Liu Bao tea was continuously exported overseas via the ancient tea boat route's overseas extension, seeping into the lives of consumers in Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asian countries, affecting their daily habits. Simultaneously, overseas consumer markets also pushed back through the ancient tea boat route, boosting the…

Pu'er tea stands out among teas, as its flavor improves with age. However, not all teas become more fragrant over time; this is only true when the quality of the tea and storage conditions are appropriate. Pu'er ripe tea is suitable for long-term storage, but this does not mean it can be stored indefinitely. Ultimately, the tea must return to its primary purpose: consumption. How Long Should Pu'er Ripe Tea Be Stored? Many people ask questions on this topic, which covers a broad range and cannot be explained in great detail due to the extensive knowledge involved. Generally speaking, ripe Pu'er can be consumed immediately after production, but it tastes better after three to five years. This improvement is mainly due to the process of wet-piling. Wet-piling involves moistening and heating the tea leaves to make them somewhat cooked. After being heated, the tea continues to develop when exposed to air. Unlike raw Pu'er, this development in ripe Pu'er is less noticeable, with an increase in smoothness and little change in aroma, as it has already been mostly defined by the wet-piling process. The duration of wet-piling is a critical step in producing ripe Pu'er. High-quality teas should not be…

"An ounce of tangerine peel is worth an ounce of gold." Many people recognize tangerine peel for its excellent properties in regulating qi and strengthening the spleen.However, did you know that tangerine peel can also moisten the lungs and dissolve phlegm? Tangerine Peel Has Many Benefits Tangerine peel is the dried mature peel of the fruit of Citrus reticulata and its cultivated varieties. It has a pungent, bitter, and warm nature and targets the spleen and lung meridians. It is effective in promoting the movement of qi to relieve fullness, drying dampness and transforming phlegm, as well as strengthening the spleen and harmonizing the middle. Tangerine peel is a prime example of a food and herb that can be used together. The Song Dynasty's "Medical Narratives" states: "Tangerine peel broadens the diaphragm and descends qi, eliminates phlegm and expels cold, with remarkable effects. Most herbs are more valuable when fresh, but this one is better when aged, and those from Dongting Lake are the best." For conditions such as poor appetite, nausea, abdominal distension, and constipation caused by stagnation of spleen qi, tangerine peel can be incorporated into meals. In treating coughs with cold or damp phlegm, tangerine peel also…

Due to the pandemic, our lives have undergone many changes, yet one thing that remains constant is the daily hustle and bustle. As concerns seem endless, health has increasingly become a topic of common concern. With the rise of health-conscious consumption and continuous consumption upgrades, tea is becoming more popular due to its natural and healthy attributes. Comprehensive health encompasses both physical and mental well-being, and traditional tea contributes to both aspects under the current pandemic situation. 1. Tea and Health Preservation - "Tea Is a Remedy for All Ills" An increasing number of people are falling in love with drinking tea, as it is both a health-preserving and enjoyable activity. The idea that tea can preserve health is supported by historical accounts of the medicinal benefits of tea. In fact, tea was commonly known as a medicinal herb in ancient times. It is said that Shen Nong tasted hundreds of herbs and encountered seventy-two poisons in a single day, but he was able to detoxify himself with tea. This speaks to the remarkable detoxifying properties of tea. The great Tang Dynasty physician Chen Cangqi wrote in his book Supplement to the Materia Medica: “All other medicines are remedies for…

Stepping into Zhenghe, one is greeted by towering mountains, peaks vying in beauty, and misty veils. It's clear at a glance that this is prime territory for producing fine tea. The forest coverage rate reaches 71.7%, with suitable temperature, light, and water sources, creating a lush and fertile core production area for Zhenghe teas. Gazing out, ancient tea trees stretch as far as the eye can see, in forests, on cliffs, and in ravines… The rich vegetation system and complete biological chain provide an excellent environment for tea trees, resulting in superior tea quality and the unique wild charm of the ancient tree white tea. The conditions for the growth of these ancient tea trees are exceptional, almost as if bestowed by nature. According to Lu Yu's Classic of Tea, regarding the origin of tea: Its habitat: the best grow on crumbling rocks, the middling on gravelly soil, and the worst on yellow earth. Wild-grown is the best, plantation-grown is second-rate… These ancient tea trees grow on crumbling rocks, cliff faces, and rock crevices… With ages all above 100 years, they are truly venerable old trees, a rarity among Fujian white teas. Located on steep mountain paths, harvesting is challenging,…

The Tea King resides high in the Qianjiazhai area, leaning against the peak of Mount Daxueguoshan, the highest point of Ailao Mountain, a dignified and tranquil abode. Two waterfalls like white ribbons cascade down from Qianjiazhai, nourishing Jiujia—the Tea King's secret garden. Here, various rare flowers and herbs, exotic animals, and birds grow alongside the Tea King's carefully cultivated offspring. Encountering an ancient small-leaf tea tree in Jiujia If Zhenyuan is the domain of the Tea King and Qianjiazhai his residence, then Jiujia is his secret garden. Here, not only do all kinds of rare flowers, herbs, and exotic wildlife flourish, but also the Tea King's carefully bred descendants. Located in the northeastern part of Zhenyuan County, on the southwestern slope of Ailao Mountain, Jiujia Town borders Sanzhangtian Township to the southeast, overlooks Huashan Township in Jingdong County across the Ganhe River to the southwest, connects with Ejia Town in Shuangbai County to the north, and joins Zhenlong Town in Xinping County at the peak of Mount Liangzi to the northeast. Due to the discovery of the Qianjiazhai Tea King Tree and 495,000 ancient wild tea trees, the once obscure Jiujia has gained significant renown in the Pu'er tea world.…

Basic Introduction to Xiashan Stack Green Tea Xiashan Stack Green is a high-altitude tea and organic tea from the high-cold region of the southwestern mountains of Gu County in the Qinba Mountains of Northwest Hubei. It grows on the selenium-rich belt between 800 and 1,000 meters above sea level in the Daxianshan area, which is located in Xiangyang City, Hubei Province. The Xiashan Stack Green has a tight, fine shape with prominent tips and a lustrous emerald green color; its infusion is bright green and clear, with a lasting chestnut aroma, a fresh, pure, and refreshing taste, and an even, bright green leaf base. Currently, the tea garden area in Gu County has reached 126,000 mu (approximately 84 square kilometers), with an annual production of 1,000 tons, ranking it among the top 100 tea-producing counties in China. The tea industry has become the leading sector of the four major agricultural industries in Gu County. Product Characteristics 1. Sensory Features: (1) Shape: Tight and fine with prominent tips and a lustrous emerald green color. (2) Infusion: Bright green and clear. Aroma: Lasting chestnut fragrance. (3) Taste: Fresh, pure, and refreshing. (4) Leaf base: Even, bright green. 2. Chemical-Physical Indicators: Water-soluble extracts…

Basic Introduction to Jingbian Buckwheat TeaBuckwheat tea is a beverage made by screening and roasting buckwheat seeds. The naturally grown "Yuzhao-4" and "Bitter Buckwheat" in the Baiyu Mountain area are well-known green foods, and Jingbian buckwheat has won many awards as an excellent minor grain variety. Nutritional ValueIn addition to rich protein, chlorophyll, fat, carbohydrates, crude fiber, minerals, and trace elements, buckwheat tea also contains 18 natural amino acids, with a total content of 11.82%, and nine fatty acids, which promote growth and development in children and can prevent coronary heart disease in adults. History and FolkloreLong ago, there was a great drought; for several months, not a drop of rain fell. Crops failed, and the people suffered greatly. As the harvest season approached and the people continued to pray for rain, the Dragon King could no longer bear to watch and went to speak to Jade Emperor on their behalf. Hearing of the plight of humanity, Jade Emperor felt he had neglected his duties and promptly arranged for a thorough rain. The Dragon King reported back that it would be too late, as the weather was cooling and there was nothing left to flower and produce seeds. Jade Emperor,…

You are natively born to the mountain and self-directed toward the distance.On September 17, 2023, the ancient tea forest cultural landscape of Jingmai Mountain in Pu'er successfully gained World Heritage status. With this achievement, the world now knows its splendor, marking a new chapter in time. From here, you journey from China to the world, becoming the world's Jingmai Mountain. "We are grateful to nature and thankful for everything our ancestors have left us. The ancestor Paaileng left us tea, which has sustained generations upon generations. We must protect every plant, every tree, and every brick and tile on Jingmai Mountain for generations to come." Upon hearing that the ancient tea forest cultural landscape of Pu'er's Jingmai Mountain had successfully been listed as a World Heritage site, Zhou Tianhua, a resident of Mangjing Village, expressed his thoughts with deep emotion. The ancient tea forest cultural landscape of Pu'er's Jingmai Mountain consists of five ancient tea forests, nine ancient villages, and three buffer protection forests. The harmonious relationship between humans and nature embedded within it allows forests to be utilized, tea forests protected, and villages to endure. This highlights the wisdom of our ancestors in following nature and preserving the ancient…

Salvia miltiorrhiza, a very popular traditional Chinese herb, is often used to brew tea. Not only does it have a unique taste, but it also helps with health preservation. So, what should you combine with Salvia miltiorrhiza for the best effects when drinking tea? Today, we'll discuss this topic and introduce several healthy and delicious combinations. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Salvia Miltiorrhiza and Rose Petals: Calming the Mind and Beautifying the Skin Rose petals are adored by many who value beauty, not only for their pleasant fragrance but also for their calming effect on emotions, regulation of endocrine functions, and skin beautification. Brewing Salvia miltiorrhiza with rose petals can improve blood circulation and qi, relieve stress, and is especially suitable for women. Salvia Miltiorrhiza and Goji Berries: Nourishing Kidneys, Improving Vision, and Prolonging Life Goji berries, known as "red gems," are renowned for their kidney-nourishing, liver-nourishing, vision-improving, and anti-aging properties. Combining Salvia miltiorrhiza and goji berries in tea can effectively boost the immune system, improve eyesight, enhance physical fitness, and is particularly beneficial for those who strain their eyes excessively. Salvia Miltiorrhiza and Chrysanthemum Flowers: Liver-Cleansing, Vision-Improving, Heat-Reducing, and Inflammation-Relieving Chrysanthemum tea is well-known for its liver-cleansing, vision-improving,…