Traditional Chinese medicine

You may be aware that drinking floral tea has certain benefits for health preservation, beauty, and complexion, but you may not know that the consumption of floral tea should align with your constitution. There are five major taboos to drinking floral teas: 1. Avoid Random Combinations Floral teas are often combined to achieve better health benefits, but if you do not consider their effects and properties, and instead mix them according to personal preference, it can have adverse effects on your body. Generally, it is best not to combine more than three types of floral teas, and ensure that their properties do not conflict. 2. Avoid Drinking Floral Teas Without Consideration When drinking floral teas, do not do so casually. There are many varieties of floral teas, each with different effects and functions. Before drinking, understand the effects of the specific floral tea and choose one that suits your needs. 3. Avoid Excessive Consumption of Floral Teas The petals, leaves, and other parts of the plants used in floral teas have their own flavors and medicinal effects. Drinking them in accordance with your constitution can help maintain health. However, this does not mean they can be consumed excessively over a…

White tea actually cools the body. It is a minimally processed type of tea. White tea's nature is inherently cool, and during its production, it is merely sun-dried or gently dried over low heat without undergoing any other processes like steaming or rolling. Therefore, its inherent properties remain intact, making it particularly effective for reducing fever and cooling the body. If you experience symptoms such as swollen gums or canker sores due to heatiness, drinking some white tea may help alleviate these issues. Does White Tea Cool the Body or Cause Heatiness? In the "Compendium of Materia Medica," Li Shizhen recorded that "white tea is cool in nature, similar to rhino horn." Traditional Chinese medicine has proven that white tea has a slightly warm, yet cool nature, and is effective for reducing fever, cooling the body, and eliminating dampness and toxins. For a long time, in white tea-producing areas like Fuding, a concoction of white tea and rock sugar has been used to cool the body, relieve dryness, treat toothaches, constipation, and discomfort from being out of one's element. Aged white tea is even used to treat illnesses like measles and fevers in children. Moreover, drinking white tea can alleviate…

While Westerners love coffee, Chinese people often drink tea. Both beverages share one thing in common: no matter how rich and fragrant the coffee or how clear and refreshing the tea, they both carry a hint of bitterness. People savor this taste, relishing it endlessly. However, the difference lies in that Westerners tend to add sugar to their coffee, whereas Chinese people rarely mask the bitterness of tea. The original nature of tea is bitter, which is why it was once called “bitter tea.” To say that people have always liked this bitter beverage would be a lie. If you give a small amount of tea water to an innocent child, they will likely refuse it. Teenagers prefer cola over tea for the same reason. Before tea became a customary drink, people were naturally averse to it. For example, when ethnic minorities on the borderlands drink tea, they add milk and sugar; in West Asia and North Africa, people add mint, spices, and sugar to their tea. Essentially, these practices stem from an inability to accept its inherent bitterness. So why did Chinese people eventually tolerate and even come to like the bitterness of tea? This development involved a gradual…

Basic Introduction to Yongan Golden Thread OrchidYongan Golden Thread Orchid, a specialty of Yongan City, Fujian Province, is the central production area for wild golden thread orchids in China. The city is known as the "Golden Thread Orchid Capital of China." The Yongan Golden Thread Orchid plants are small, with oval leaves that come to a point, and veins that are golden-yellow with a purplish-red hue. They have high levels of polysaccharides, flavonoids, and amino acids, and possess strong food, medicinal, and ornamental value. The products are sold in provinces such as Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Shanghai, as well as in countries and regions like Japan and Hong Kong, with 90% of the products being exported, giving them a high market share. It is a protected product under China's Geographical Indication. Nutritional ValueThe taste is sweet and its nature is neutral. It has functions such as clearing heat and cooling the blood, dispelling wind and dampness, balancing yin and yang, nourishing the body and enhancing beauty, harmonizing qi and blood, and enters the kidney, heart, and lung meridians. It can comprehensively boost the human immune system and enhance the body's resistance to diseases. It is widely used in folk medicine and…

The Dog Days start on the third Geng day after the Summer Solstice, known as the Initial Dog Days (10 days); the fourth Geng day after the Summer Solstice is called the Middle Dog Days (10 days, but sometimes 20 days), while the first Geng day after the Start of Autumn marks the End Dog Days (10 days). Following this period, seasonal changes usher in autumn. 2024 Dog Days Schedule: Initial Dog Days: July 15, 2024 – July 24, 2024, a total of 10 days Middle Dog Days: July 25, 2024 – August 13, 2024, a total of 20 days End Dog Days: August 14, 2024 – August 21, 2024, a total of 8 days As early as the Tang Dynasty, “Medicine King” Sun Simiao advocated eating light and sweet foods during summer. It seems that tea is an excellent choice. During the Dog Days, are you drinking the right tea? Green Tea Green tea is the most common type of tea, and many famous teas in China are green teas. Drinking green tea in summer can help cool down and relieve heat. Green tea has a slightly bitter taste and is cold in nature, with the ability to detoxify,…

In autumn, dryness prevails and can easily deplete body fluids, leading to symptoms such as dry cough without phlegm or difficulty coughing up thick phlegm, dry eyes, mouth, and nose, tight and wrinkled skin, and irritability with difficulty sleeping. Dr. Tan Tao, Director of the Cervical and Lumbar Injuries Department at the First Affiliated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, recommends several health teas suitable for consumption during autumn. Chrysanthemum Tea Place four to five chrysanthemum flowers in boiling water and steep for two to three minutes. This tea has effects of dispersing wind-heat, suppressing liver yang, and clearing the liver and brightening the eyes. Chrysanthemum tea can also enhance the elasticity of micro-vessels, slow heart rate, lower blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. This tea is suitable for those with dry eyes, high blood pressure, and those prone to getting heat-induced oral ulcers. There are many types of chrysanthemums, each with slightly different effects. However, no type of chrysanthemum should be consumed continuously over a long period. Those who usually feel cold, have a cold constitution in the spleen and stomach, or experience diarrhea easily, those with wind-cold common cold, and women during menstruation should avoid drinking this tea. Tangerine Red…

The start of Fu marks the entry into the period of the year with concentrated rainfall and the hottest days. The ancients believed this time to be characterized by high temperatures, high humidity, and long daylight hours, as well as a period when Yin energy begins to rise. As the saying goes, "The coldest time is in the three Nines, and the hottest is in the three Fux." "Fu" means to hide Yin energy within intense heat, serving as a warning. According to the ancient text "The Book of Flowers," "The heat has not yet reached its peak during this period." The "Book of Han: Notes on Suburban Sacrifices" explains, "Fu refers to the rising of Yin energy, which is suppressed by the remaining Yang energy and cannot ascend. Therefore, it hides, hence the name Fu period." In addition to sun protection and heat prevention, tea enthusiasts should also seize the opportunity to properly care for their bodies. There's a popular saying that "three Fux are for health preservation, and winter illnesses can be treated in summer." So how should one preserve health during the initial stage of Fu? During the three Fux, even light work or exercise can cause…

Basic Introduction to Aunt Wang Er's TeaAunt Wang Er's Tea is a health tea developed by the Taoist physician Ouyang Jiangnan, relying on the unique geographical advantages of Huangcangyu in Xiao County, Anhui Province. It has recently won three prestigious awards: "China Good Brand Award," "UN 2015 Designated Ingredient Award," and "Chinese National Gift." Nutritional ValueStudies have shown that Aunt Wang Er's Tea contains a diterpenoid active ingredient and abundant selenium elements. It has strong anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects, as well as the ability to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and neutralize the toxins from smoking and alcohol. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects are ten times stronger than penicillin. Externally, it can fight inflammation, kill bacteria, reduce swelling and pain, dry dampness, remove necrotic tissue, and combat infections. Historical FolkloreAccording to folklore in Xiao County: When Liu Bang led his group of comrades to revolt against the white snake at Mangshan Mountain, they were pursued relentlessly by Qin troops. They ran for their lives and ended up in a deep mountain (then known as Mangshan) southeast of Xiao County, precisely south of Xuzhou. There happened to be a cave on the mountain that could just fit all fifteen of them.…

Pu'er tea is made from the unique large-leaf species native to Yunnan Province. Although many textbooks classify it as part of the six major types of tea known as dark tea, there is some controversy within the industry. This is because Pu'er tea is divided into raw and ripe varieties, each having significantly different production processes. The classification of ripe Pu'er tea as a type of dark tea is generally uncontroversial. However, where does raw Pu'er tea fit? Is it dark tea or green tea? Or should it be classified as its own category? The reason for this controversy mainly lies in the significant differences between raw and ripe teas. So, what are these specific differences? Let's discuss this topic today. I. Definitions of Raw and Ripe Pu'er Tea The general process of making Pu'er tea is as follows: freshly picked tea leaves undergo fixation, rolling, and drying to become raw tea (Dian Qing). At this stage, the tea has a strong and dominant flavor, which is not palatable for most people. Depending on how the raw tea is processed further, Pu'er tea is divided into two main categories: raw and ripe (there are also semi-raw and semi-ripe blends). Ripe…

Dark Tea Dark tea is a type of tea that regulates gastric motility in both directions. Regular consumption can effectively adjust the gastrointestinal tract and is particularly helpful for symptoms like poor appetite and abdominal distension caused by qi deficiency. Dark tea has a warm nature, making it very suitable for those with a qi-deficient constitution. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, individuals with qi deficiency should consume foods that replenish qi, which are also rich in nutrients and easy to digest. Dark tea is an excellent choice in this regard. Huangqi (Astragalus) Tea This tea is great for relieving fatigue, boosting energy, and stopping perspiration. It is effective for common symptoms of qi deficiency, such as fatigue, night sweats, and weariness. The main ingredient is Huangqi, a Chinese herb known for its ability to tonify qi, boost yang, nourish blood, and stop perspiration. It is particularly suitable for those with poor complexion or shortness of breath. To prepare the tea, first, get fresh Huangqi and red dates, then boil them together in water for about thirty minutes before serving. Note that the herbs should not be discarded after one use; instead, they should be boiled multiple times to extract all…

Drinking tea benefits health, especially when consumed consistently over time. However, it should be based on the principle of "drinking tea reasonably." To truly enjoy good tea, there are certain rules to follow, which vary depending on the person, the time, and the occasion. 1. Choose Your Tea Based on Personal Constitution The value of tea lies in its suitability for you. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, human constitutions can be categorized as hot or cold. Therefore, choosing the right tea according to one's constitution is essential. Generally, individuals with a normal constitution can drink most types of tea without concern, but for specific groups, selecting the right type of tea can make a difference. Those who smoke or drink alcohol regularly, tend to get overheated easily, have a fiery disposition, or are overweight usually have a heaty constitution and should opt for green tea, new white tea, or lightly fermented oolong tea; Seniors, those with a cold and weak digestive system, or people with a generally weak constitution typically have a cold constitution and are particularly suited to drinking black tea and ripe Pu'er. 2. Adjust Your Tea Based on the Time of Year Generally, the types of tea consumed…

Spring is a season of vitality and growth. As the weather gradually warms, people who have grown accustomed to the cold may start to feel fatigued and drowsy. No matter how much sleep one gets, it never seems enough, leaving them listless throughout the day. This is what we commonly refer to as "spring drowsiness." "Spring drowsiness" is not a disease, but it could be an early sign of suboptimal health. Persistent "spring drowsiness" might lead to conditions such as lung yin deficiency, lung dryness and heat, phlegm dampness, hyperactivity of liver yang, or liver and kidney yin deficiency. While "spring drowsiness" is not a serious ailment, it should not be underestimated. How can one alleviate "spring drowsiness"? A cup of tea to revitalize the mind. Spring is the perfect time for drinking tea. Tea enthusiasts generally know that this season calls for more tea consumption to invigorate and refresh the mind. In traditional Chinese medicine, drinking green tea in spring is believed to dispel the cold and dampness accumulated in the body during winter. The subtle aroma of tea not only clears the mind but also promotes the generation of yang qi in the body, which can help eliminate…

In China's culinary culture, the phrase "eat seasonally" holds great significance. These four words succinctly capture the close relationship between food and seasons. For tea culture, there are also many considerations when drinking in accordance with the time of year. According to traditional Chinese medicine: "In the midst of winter, when all life is dormant, the physiological activities of the human body are in a state of inhibition, the key to health preservation lies in keeping warm." Therefore, winter tea drinking emphasizes the concept of "warmth." Not only should the tea focus on warmth and nourishment, but the tea-drinking ritual itself should also strive to create a warm atmosphere. Snow Melting and Tea Boiling: The Poetic Warm Winter of the Ancients "The tea kettle startles at its boiling in the midnight hours, just as the snow on the bamboo outside the frosty window shines brightly." This line captures the elegant scene of the Tang Dynasty poet Sikong Tu boiling tea during winter. However, tea boiling did not begin in the Tang Dynasty; it started during the Western Han Dynasty. During the Han, Wei, and Six Dynasties periods, tea was "cooked together," resulting in a thick soup that was then consumed.…

The topic of how to properly prepare a new purple clay teapot for use has been discussed extensively. However, many newcomers to the world of purple clay teapots still fall into common traps. Here are some incorrect methods that you should avoid: Mistake One: Tofu Preparation Method "Boiling tofu can remove the 'fiery' quality of a new purple clay teapot, absorb earthy odors and kiln dust, and break down any residual substances in the teapot." ▲ Preparing a teapot with tofu Firstly, there is no such thing as a teapot having a 'fiery' quality. This term is used in traditional Chinese medicine to describe human conditions. Secondly, the claim about absorbing odors is baseless. If this were true, we would place tofu instead of tea leaves or charcoal sachets in new homes and cars. Furthermore, after being fired at over 1,000 degrees Celsius, it's unclear what residual substances could be broken down by boiling tofu. Mistake Two: Sugarcane Preparation Method "Sugarcane, with its natural sweetness and fragrance, can imbue the teapot with an unprecedented level of nourishment, laying a solid foundation for future brewing." ▲ Preparing a teapot with sugarcane The idea behind using sugarcane (or apples) for preparation is…

Tea is a healthy beverage, with many types offering diuretic, antioxidant, invigorating, digestive, and lipid-lowering and blood pressure-reducing effects. However, most people may not know that due to differences in the varieties harvested and processing methods, there are some subtle differences in the internal components of the six types of tea. This makes them each have their own focus in terms of health benefits. So, from a health perspective, the best approach is to choose the tea that suits your body's needs. How do you make the right choice? Which of the six types of tea is best suited for you? Green Tea: Excellent for Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects Green tea, made from fine tender leaves, is completely unfermented, preserving the freshness and natural substances of the leaves to the greatest extent possible. Nutrients such as catechins, vitamins, amino acids, and polyphenols are also retained in greater quantities. Therefore, green tea has significantly better effects in terms of antioxidant, anti-aging, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties compared to other teas. Black Tea: Warming and Digestive-Promoting Black tea is a fully fermented tea, during which chemical reactions occur, producing components such as theaflavins and thearubigins, which largely determine the color, flavor, and aroma…

As the saying goes, preparation is key, and the beginning of autumn signals that we should prepare for the fall season. After summer, one may feel weak even without illness. Cultivating yang in spring and summer, and yin in autumn and winter, the appropriate nourishment in autumn is the best time to restore and regulate the functions of various organs in the body. Reasonable "nourishing of autumn" involves replenishing the vital energy dissipated during the hot summer, preparing the body for the storage period. Drinking tea is the best daily method to cleanse the intestines; it can eliminate fat and grease, supplement vitamins and fiber, help the intestines detoxify and peristalsis, and expel toxins accumulated in the colon. 【Tea Can Prevent and Alleviate "Autumn Dryness"】 The first sign of autumn dryness is a sore throat upon waking up in the morning, accompanied by severe nasal sensitivity, skin dryness, dry hair, colds, coughs, and nosebleeds. Plain boiled water is clearly less effective than tea in hydrating and relieving dryness, and the beneficial components in tea water can effectively alleviate and "treat" the discomfort associated with autumn dryness. Ladies who hydrate their skin in autumn cannot rely solely on applying toner; they…

Longan and goji berries are both precious ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine, holding significant roles in the culture of health preservation. When combined to make tea, not only is it sweet and flavorful, but it also offers numerous health benefits. Let's explore the various effects and advantages of longan and goji berry tea, as well as how to prepare this delicious and healthy beverage. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Nutritional Value of Longan and Goji Berry Tea Longan, also known as dragon eye, is rich in various vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium, iron, and magnesium. It helps enhance immunity, improve blood circulation, and sleep quality. Goji berries are another nutrient-rich ingredient containing abundant vitamin A, C, iron, calcium, and antioxidants. They help protect eye health, boost immunity, and fight aging. Health Benefits of Longan and Goji Berry Tea The blend of longan and goji berries combines their nutritional strengths, offering many health benefits. Here are some of the primary effects: Boosting Immunity Both longan and goji berries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help strengthen the immune system and assist the body in fighting off various infections and diseases. (Image source: network,…

Goji berries are hailed as a superfood with thousands of years of use in traditional Chinese medicine. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, believed to offer numerous health benefits. Is it safe for hypertensive patients to drink goji berry tea? This article will explore this question in detail. (Image source: Internet. Please delete if copyright infringement occurs.) Health Benefits of Goji Berries Goji berries are rich in various nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin A, zinc, iron, and multiple amino acids. These nutrients provide several health benefits: Antioxidant Effects The antioxidants in goji berries can help the body resist damage from free radicals, reducing inflammation, preventing cellular mutation, and protecting cardiovascular health. (Image source: Internet. Please delete if copyright infringement occurs.) Support for the Immune System Goji berries are rich in vitamin C and vitamin A, which helps enhance the immune system, promotes the production of white blood cells, and improves overall immunity. Blood Sugar Regulation Studies show that goji berry tea can help regulate glucose and insulin release in the body, which is particularly beneficial for diabetic patients. (Image source: Internet. Please delete if copyright infringement occurs.) Weight Management Due to its high fiber content, goji berry…

The Silver Needle White Tea is made from the plump buds of the large-leaf white tea plant. The buds are covered in white down, have a color like silver, and a shape resembling a needle; they have a fresh aroma with a distinct downy scent and a taste that is harmonious, refreshing, and sweet. The infusion is bright and pale apricot in color. When steeped in a cup, the tea buds slowly sink to the bottom, unfurling upright as if they were slender silver needles or pointed bamboo shoots, creating a remarkable sight. It has a fresh downy aroma and a sweet and mellow flavor, making it a high-quality tea. Silver Needle White Tea is known for its ability to improve eyesight and reduce internal heat, and can treat severe cases of heat. Because it requires specific tea plant varieties and processing techniques, its annual production is very low. Therefore, it is a rare treasure among white teas. Throughout the year, nature undergoes cyclical changes: spring sprouting, summer growth, autumn harvest, and winter dormancy. As seasons change, natural environments, temperatures, and human physiological functions also alter. To better preserve health and ensure physical and mental well-being, choosing suitable teas and…

In recent years, more and more people have heard of Liubao tea, come to understand it, and started drinking or even collecting it. This is certainly related to the unique qualities of Liubao tea – its red, rich, aged, and mellow flavor, as well as its distinctive aroma and taste. It is also closely tied to Liubao tea's ability to improve over time. However, we cannot overlook the health benefits of Liubao tea. Many consumers feel refreshed after drinking Liubao tea. Some find themselves more energetic during the day, others find their digestion improved, and some even notice significant changes in their health check-up reports. The unique and remarkable health benefits of Liubao tea have made it a favorite among many people. As Liubao tea belongs to the category of dark teas, when discussing its health benefits, we often refer to the experiences with other dark teas or Pu'er ripe tea. Yet, what we fail to realize is that Liubao tea's unique processing techniques give it distinct health benefits not found in any other type of tea. Throughout history, there have been records of the health benefits of Liubao tea at different stages. Originating from Wuzhou, Guangxi, Liubao tea was…

In daily life, many people enjoy brewing various herbs into tea, enjoying not only the aroma of the tea but also benefiting their health. Sichuan Fritillary (commonly known as Sichuan Fritillary or simply Fritillary) is one such common herb. Can Sichuan Fritillary be used to make tea? The answer is yes. Not only can it be used to make tea, but there are many benefits and precautions to be aware of. Today, let's delve into this topic in detail. (Image source: Internet. Please contact us if you wish for it to be removed.) Efficacy and Benefits of Sichuan Fritillary Sichuan Fritillary is a common traditional Chinese medicine with properties that clear heat, moisten the lungs, and help resolve phlegm and stop coughs. It contains multiple alkaloids and other active components that can inhibit various pathogens and have anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, Sichuan Fritillary can boost the immune system, improve physical condition, and has good therapeutic effects on chronic coughs, bronchitis, and lung heat-induced coughs. Benefits of Brewing Sichuan Fritillary Tea 1. Moistens Lungs and Stops Cough: Sichuan Fritillary tea effectively relieves coughing, particularly suitable for dry coughs without phlegm or blood in the sputum. 2. Clears Heat and Detoxifies: Sichuan Fritillary…

Hello everyone, today we're discussing a topic of concern to many hypertensive patients: Can hypertensive patients drink hawthorn and astragalus tea? The answer is yes, but let's delve into the reasons and precautions in detail. (Image source: internet, delete upon request) Efficacy and Benefits of Hawthorn and Astragalus Hawthorn and astragalus are two commonly used herbs in traditional Chinese medicine that have been proven to provide various health benefits. Efficacy of Hawthorn Hawthorn is rich in vitamin C and various organic acids, which significantly benefit the cardiovascular system. Hawthorn can dilate blood vessels, lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and reduce the burden on the heart. Additionally, hawthorn helps with digestion and can improve the digestive system. (Image source: internet, delete upon request) Efficacy of Astragalus Astragalus is known as the "sacred herb for boosting energy," primarily functioning to enhance immunity and improve the body's resistance. Astragalus can dilate coronary arteries, improve myocardial blood supply, and has anti-fatigue and antioxidant effects. For hypertensive patients, astragalus can help stabilize blood pressure and prevent cardiovascular diseases. How to Make Hawthorn and Astragalus Tea Hawthorn and astragalus tea is not only simple to prepare but also pleasantly sour and sweet, making it suitable for…

Jin Jun Mei is a very rare and excellent type of tea, being one of the varieties of black tea. The brew made from Jin Jun Mei has a golden hue and a sweet taste upon entry, making it an exceptional choice for tea lovers. So who is Jin Jun Mei suitable for? And who should avoid drinking Jin Jun Mei? Suitable Groups for Jin Jun Mei:1. People with edema: The caffeine and theophylline in Jin Jun Mei tea have diuretic effects, useful for treating edema and hydrops. Using black tea with sugar can help detoxify and promote diuresis, treating acute icteric hepatitis. 2. People with bronchial asthma: The small amount of caffeine in Jin Jun Mei has cardiotonic, spasmolytic, and muscle-relaxing properties, capable of relieving bronchospasm, promoting blood circulation, and serving as a good auxiliary treatment for bronchial asthma, cough suppression, and myocardial infarction. 3. People with oral inflammation: The tea polyphenols and tannins in Jin Jun Mei tea act on bacteria, coagulating their proteins and killing them. It can be used to treat intestinal diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and enteritis. For skin sores, ulcers, or wounds, washing the affected area with concentrated tea can have anti-inflammatory…

White tea is the simplest type of tea. It doesn’t require any fixation or stir-frying, it only needs to be naturally air-dried. Even for storage, white tea has low requirements; it just needs to be kept at a constant temperature in a dry and odorless environment. Without complex processes and minimal human intervention, white tea presents a taste that is closest to nature, a fresh and sweet flavor. Coupled with the full-bodied "sunny taste" produced by sun-drying, white tea embodies minimalism in Chinese teas. White tea, one of the six major types of tea, is renowned for its fresh and unprocessed character. If we compare tea-making to cooking, some green teas would be stir-fried dishes, black teas would be braised dishes, while this white tea would be like blanched vegetables, preserving the most basic flavors of the tea leaves. Just like relationships between people, it doesn’t need to be dramatic, as long as there is consistent warmth and sincerity. White tea is cool in nature and has effects similar to those of rhinoceros horn. The reputation of white tea dates back a long time, with early records found in "Compendium of Materia Medica" and "The Classic of Tea." "Compendium of…