Health Benefits of Tea in Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) literature states that finding a balance between the body’s needs and the different qualities of food and medicine is key to optimal health. Food and medicine are viewed as having deliberate and distinct effects on the body and organ systems - ranging from warming, cooling, moistening, or drying, to name a few. According to Chinese Medicine, food and beverage choices should be made to balance your body’s specific state and constitution. Tea can be seen as a Chinese medicine.

Choosing a Chinese Medicine Tea

Teas that cool your body

Low oxidation teas, or green teas, (such as a green tea or lightly oxidized oolongs) have a cooling character, therefore they are more fitting for warm body types (often signified by inflammation). They are also abundant in vitamins and minerals due to minimal processing but note that the higher level of unprocessed phytochemicals may cause digestive irritation in those with a sensitive stomach.

Neutral teas

Highly oxidized oolongs and roasted teas have the highest concentration of digestible polyphenols and support fat metabolism in the body. They are not particularly warming or cooling, therefore they are a neutral choice that may suit most people. 

Teas that warm your body

Black tea warms the body by stimulating blood flow, therefore it is a fitting choice for cooler body types. This genre of tea is also less irritating for the stomach and maybe a good choice for those with sensitive digestive tracts.

Does a Chinese Medicine Weight Loss Tea Exist?

There it could be. Without specific data its hard to give a straight answer. With that said, Oolong tea aids digestion which could be interpreted as weight loss.

Drinking tea by season

Spring

Greener style oolongs (Baozhong: Expert’s Pick, high elevation such as Mount Pyrus or Mount Ali, #2028) that yield a golden or pale green infusion are the most fitting for Spring. This family of teas brightens the spirit as activities increase with the rise in temperature.

Summer

Green tea is a cooling tea that offers relief from the heat on hot summer days. Higher levels of protein and caffeine content in the tea leaves of green tea (from high bud content) also provide vibrancy and energy for summer activities.

Fall

Higher oxidized oolongs (Oriental Beauty, Ruby Brew) with amber-colored infusions are fitting for the Fall season. They are fuller in flavor and body, which provides warmth as the temperature lowers. Roasted teas (Frozen Summit, Green Sanctuary: Roast) are also lower in caffeine, which slows down the pace from the summer season with ease.

Winter

Black teas (Jade Rouge, Blossom Dearie) or heavily roasted oolongs (Iron Goddess, Frozen Summit ‘11 Vintage) are warming in Chinese Medicine and improve circulation in our body. The darker infusions and full-bodied aroma further enhance the heating characteristic, providing comfort for our spirit during the cold climate.

To Consider

If you are considering Traditional Chinese Medicine or Traditional Chinese Medicine Tea, be sure to have a conversation with your health care provider. Don't use Tradicional Chinese Medicine Tea to delay or replace seeking conventional health care.