Relaxation

Tea, like an elegant envoy stepping out of the depths of history, has traversed thousands of years and continues to exude its enchanting fragrance under the pens of literati and poets. It is more than just a simple beverage; it is a profound cultural symbol, an expression of deep affection for life and a unique attitude towards it. Before the delicate tea leaves even touch the lips, their lingering aroma already fills the surroundings, as if carrying the sediment of time and ancient wisdom, captivating the heart and soul. In tranquil nights, when all is quiet, only the gentle breeze softly caresses, bringing a hint of coolness. At such moments, humming a melodious ancient tune, one's thoughts can seemingly traverse through the tunnel of time, engaging in a spiritual dialogue with the ancients. Brewing a cup of fragrant tea elevates this tranquility and rustic ambiance to the utmost degree. Tea is not meant for guzzling. To simply raise the cup hastily and drain it is a desecration of its true essence, akin to the crude behavior of a boorish person. Tea should be sipped gently and savored slowly. Each mouthful of tea carries a unique and subtle flavor that lingers…

China is the birthplace of tea, and the habit of drinking tea among its people dates back thousands of years, with virtually every household keeping a selection of teas on hand. Tea, one of the most popular daily beverages, serves more than just to quench thirst. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that tea is rich in various medicinal components, such as tea polyphenols, tea polysaccharides, alkaloids, vitamins, and so forth, which offer excellent health benefits to the human body. This is especially true for those suffering from the three highs (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar) and cardiovascular diseases, who can experience surprising benefits from long-term tea consumption. Drinking More Tea Helps Control the Three Highs and Protects Blood Vessels 1. Catechins Can Help Lower Blood Pressure The American College of Cardiology compiled 21 valid studies involving 1,323 participants and found that compared to non-tea drinkers, tea drinkers had an average systolic blood pressure reduction of 1.8 mmHg and a diastolic blood pressure reduction of 1.4 mmHg. The blood pressure-lowering effects were even more pronounced after 12 weeks of tea consumption. The secret lies in the antioxidant catechins contained within tea, which open protein channels on the membranes…

Dark tea, as a treasure among traditional Chinese teas, possesses unique charm and a profound historical legacy. It is not merely a beverage but also a continuation and inheritance of culture. We all know that food has expiration dates, and tea is no exception. However, dark tea has the unique quality of becoming more fragrant with age. This seemingly contradictory statement actually reveals the intricacies of its production process and characteristics. The production process of dark tea is highly meticulous, involving four key steps: fixation, rolling, piling, and drying. Using relatively mature raw materials, it is carefully crafted during the initial processing stages, laying the foundation for its distinctive qualities. During the finishing process, even greater care is taken to ensure that every leaf of dark tea exhibits its best flavor. Why does dark tea improve with age? First, dark tea undergoes a series of slow and subtle chemical changes during long-term storage. These changes result in a richer, fuller aroma and a more complex, smoother taste. Similar to wine and spirits, time adds value to them. When determining the age of dark tea, we can consider several aspects. Observing the color of the leaves is one method; new tea…

Many people say that drinking tea at night is a no-go as it can cause insomnia. Does drinking tea in the evening always affect your sleep? Not necessarily. While it's true that tea has stimulating properties, it can also have a calming effect. By making informed choices about the type of tea and how you drink it, you won't just avoid disrupting your sleep but may even improve its quality. Reasons for Insomnia from Drinking Tea The common belief that tea causes insomnia stems from the caffeine content in tea leaves, which can energize and keep you awake. However, this isn't an absolute rule. The amount of caffeine in tea depends on various factors such as the type of tea, growing conditions, harvest season, picking standards, processing methods, and brewing techniques. People also vary in their tolerance to caffeine due to differences in constitution and lifestyle habits. Some individuals find that even a small cup of tea before bed keeps them tossing and turning all night, while others who regularly drink tea can still enjoy a peaceful sleep after their nightly cup. How to Drink Tea Without Insomnia 01 Drink tea 3-5 hours before bedtime If you plan to go…

Many people say that drinking tea at night will cause insomnia. Does drinking tea in the evening necessarily affect your sleep? Not necessarily. While it's true that tea can be invigorating, it can also have a calming effect. By adjusting the type of tea and how you drink it, you can avoid disrupting your sleep and may even improve its quality. Main reason for insomnia caused by tea: People often say that drinking tea causes insomnia because it contains caffeine, which can both energize and keep you awake. However, this is not always the case. The amount of caffeine in tea depends on many factors such as the variety of tea, growing conditions, harvest season, picking standards, processing methods, and brewing techniques. People also vary in their tolerance to caffeine based on their constitution and lifestyle. Some people find themselves tossing and turning after just a small cup of tea before bed, while others who regularly drink tea still enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep. Here’s how to drink tea without causing insomnia: 1. Drink tea 3-5 hours before bedtime If you plan to go to bed at 11 PM, drink tea (after a meal) before 8 PM. This generally won’t…

White tea, a unique and precious type of tea, is beloved for its delicate taste and rich nutritional value. Originating from China, it carries a long history and cultural heritage. Let's embark on a journey to appreciate white tea and savor its charm and flavors. The history of white tea can be traced back hundreds of years, with a long-standing tradition in regions such as Fujian and Yunnan in China. Initially, white tea was presented as a tribute to royalty due to its rarity and unique quality. Over time, it gradually became part of everyday life, becoming a popular beverage. The production process of white tea is relatively simple yet requires meticulous skill and patience. After picking, the leaves are sun-dried and withered, preserving the natural aroma and nutritional components of the tea. Compared to other teas, the processing of white tea is more natural, without undergoing the steps of fixation or rolling, which allows it to retain higher levels of polyphenols and amino acids. When tasting white tea, one can experience its distinctive flavor and aroma. The infusion has a light yellow color, clear and bright, giving a refreshing feeling. In terms of taste, white tea is characterized by…

When we savor Puer tea, we often hear the term “Aged Charm.” What is “Aged Charm”? It is a complex sensation that is more pronounced in aged Puer teas. The Aged Charm comprises the woody aroma sensed through the nostrils and the rich taste experienced by the palate, among other sensory perceptions. This charm requires a tranquil mind to appreciate fully, from its fragrance to its flavor. Over time, one can gain a deeper understanding of the Aged Charm. Puer teas that exhibit Aged Charm are typically the result of good raw materials, craftsmanship, and storage conditions working together. Well-made ripe teas generally undergo aging at a rate of about two to three years per cycle. In the first transformation phase, ripe teas may have a slight "watery" feel and "heap scent," but the tea flavor is clear, the heap scent is clean, and the tea soup appears slightly turbid, with a brownish-red or dark red color. There is noticeable aftertaste and a sense of charm. In the second transformation phase, the "heap scent" fades, and the tea and water become more integrated. The ripe aroma and gradually fuller aged aroma become apparent. The tea soup turns deep red, the…

In the depths of Brown Mountain, Menghai County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, lies a village brimming with historical charm and natural beauty—Ban Zhang Village. “Red wine is judged by its chateau, Pu'er by its mountain origin.” Photograph of ancient tea tree branches in Ban Zhang by Zhang Hongping Ban Zhang Village, a large family composed of five natural villages—Old Ban Zhang, New Ban Zhang, Laoman'e, Dakalong, and Dakanuan—each preserving unique cultural traditions of the Bulang, Hani, and Lahu ethnic groups. Here, ancient tea trees coexist with the forest, known for their great age and superior quality, earning Ban Zhang the title of "China's No.1 Pu'er Tea Village." Tea farmer Tu Mei has been involved with tea since childhood. Her life is closely tied to tea, and she holds deep feelings for it. She reflects, “The techniques for making tea have become increasingly sophisticated, allowing the tea to retain more of its essence and aroma, resulting in higher-quality tea production.” The unique geographical and climatic conditions here make the Pu'er tea a favorite among countless tea enthusiasts. Photograph of the ancient tea mountain trail in Brown Mountain by Zhang Hongping The unique natural scenery and rich cultural heritage of…

The selection of Puer tea raw materials, when observing the appearance of the leaves, a uniform consistency in color, size, and length is indicative of good quality. If the lengths vary and shapes differ, it may indicate careless processing or adulteration with inferior tea leaves. Especially if there are impurities in the tea, such as tea fruits (as small as green beans), twigs, sand, stone chips, etc., this suggests that the tea is not clean. A good Puer tea possesses a refreshing and pleasant aroma, which can be delicate or intense, and smelling it brings a sense of relaxation and tranquility. Tea enthusiasts believe that the fragrance of tea surpasses that of flowers and plants. A good tea’s aroma should have rich variations, an elegant and refined character, deep and substantive content, and harmonious layers. If these requirements are met, then regardless of the type of aroma, it has value for appreciation and savoring. To purchase Puer tea raw materials, one should look, smell, and taste. Look at the color of the tea leaves; good tea has a lustrous sheen. If the processing and storage are improper, the color will inevitably be dull. Smell to ensure the aroma is pure;…

Hypertension is a common chronic disease that requires long-term management and control. In daily life, many people are seeking natural methods to help control their blood pressure. Chrysanthemum and goji berry tea is a beverage recommended by traditional Chinese medicine, and some believe it can be helpful for hypertension. So, is chrysanthemum and goji berry tea really beneficial for hypertension? Let's explore this in detail. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Benefits and Effects of Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. It is believed to have the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, as well as calming the liver and improving vision. Chrysanthemum contains rich flavonoids and volatile oils, which are thought to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antihypertensive effects. Modern research also indicates that the flavonoid substances in chrysanthemum help dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Additionally, chrysanthemum tea can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Benefits and Effects of Goji Berries Goji berries are a common Chinese medicinal herb widely used for nourishing the body. They are rich in various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, especially polysaccharides, which enhance the immune…