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 stress and relieve physical fatigue. People who smoke, drink alcohol, or consume greasy and spicy foods regularly can drink white tea to prevent Liver heat. Those with poor digestion can also benefit from drinking white tea to aid in digestion. Regular consumption of white tea can also treat pain and measles.
Therefore, when experiencing heatiness, drinking white tea can help cool the body. New white teas tend to be cooler in nature and are most suitable for people who are easily overheated or have a hot constitution.
The Benefits and Effects of Drinking White Tea
White tea contains polyphenols, Caffeine, amino acids, tea pigments, and other components. Drinking white tea in moderation can have beneficial health effects on the human body, but consuming high concentrations of tea for extended periods can also have adverse effects. The primary effects of white tea's components generally include supplementing trace elements, stimulating gastric acid secretion, and stimulating the central nervous system. These effects can potentially be beneficial or detrimental to health.
1. Supplementing Trace Elements: White tea is a type of tea that contains a high amount of minerals such as iron, potassium, calcium, manganese, and aluminum. Drinking white tea in moderation can help supplement these Mineral elements, which may be beneficial in preventing deficiencies. However, for individuals with kidney disease, excessive consumption of white tea may increase the burden on the kidneys.
2. Promoting Gastric Acid Secretion: White tea can stimulate the secretion of gastric acid. Drinking white tea in moderation can enhance digestive capacity and promote gastrointestinal motility, which can be beneficial for those with poor digestion or those looking to lose weight. However, individuals with poor gastrointestinal function may experience an increased burden on their stomachs or even diarrhea from drinking large amounts of white tea.
3. Stimulating the Central Nervous System: White tea contains a high level of caffeine, which can increase the excitability of the central nervous system and have a certain invigorating effect. However, drinking concentrated white tea before bed can increase nervous system excitability, disrupt sleep, and potentially have adverse effects on the cardiovascular system.
Additionally, according to traditional Chinese medicine, white tea has a slightly cool nature. Drinking white tea in moderation during summer can help reduce heatiness and is suitable for people experiencing heatiness. However, individuals with a naturally cold constitution may experience increased coldness and discomfort from drinking white tea regularly.