In China, the homeland of tea, the rich tradition of tea crafting has given us the six significant types we love today. With some of the highest quality teas coming from there, it's no wonder that tea lovers and connoisseurs consume it in its pure state. That way, they can appreciate the depth of flavor and aroma unique to each tea type and variety. Yet, there's a parallel tradition that intertwines the age-old wisdom of medicine with tea. It does so by creating tea blends that are both therapeutic and aromatic. This tradition is deeply rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where tea is more than a drink; it's a healing elixir.
Mixing loose leaf tea with herbs, flowers, or fruits isn't random. It's mostly about enhancing tea's natural benefits. It also adds a twist of flavor and aroma that makes each sip a little more special. TCM doctors, tea experts, and tea lovers thoughtfully crafted these tea blends, balancing the health benefits and the sensory pleasures of the brew.
As we dive into the most popular blends for each tea type, we're not just exploring flavors. We step into a world where tea enhances our daily lives, addresses specific problems, or brings certain benefits, offering both health and pleasure in every cup. Ready to mix things up?
Green Tea Blends: A Natural Boost of Freshness
The most popular tea type in China and second best in the world, Green Tea has a centuries-old reputation for its refreshing and invigorating properties. TCM credits it with a relatively cold nature and strong anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties. It also helps cool the body and expels internal heat. The lack of oxidation in the production process ensures the preservation of the active substances inside the tea leaf. The auxiliary ingredients in green tea blends enhance its cooling properties while fighting the cellular oxidation and accumulation of harmful toxins, adding a breath of freshness in the hot summer days.
Jasmine green tea
That is undoubtedly one of the most beloved combinations, close to pure green tea's popularity. Jasmine green tea combines tea leaves with jasmine flowers, allowing the leaves to soak up the floral scent.
While green tea is the most common base for jasmine tea, other tea types are also used with Jasmine.
Known for its enduring aroma, smooth and fresh flavor, and visually appealing bright yellow-green hue, Jasmine tea offers a tender and delicate experience. It's more than just a beverage; it's a natural remedy that invigorates the body, eases stress, and awakens the mind. Jasmine has a long tradition of being used as a natural antidepressant. Its enchanting aroma is believed to fight bad mood and ward off dark thoughts. TCM states that drinking jasmine tea regularly can promote the body's energy flow, or Qi, and ease feelings of discomfort or bloating. Its uplifting aroma and properties make it an excellent choice for enhancing mood and combating fatigue.
Chrysanthemum green tea
Another favorite combination in the East is that of Green Tea with Chrysanthemum. This delicate flower stands as a long-time TCM remedy, credited for dispersing internal heat (i.e. inflammation), calming and clearing the liver and improving eyesight. It greatly enhances Green Tea with its detoxifying and antioxidant properties. The subtle Chrysanthemum aroma adds an elegant touch to the Green Tea scent without overpowering it.
TCM practitioners recommend this tea blend for people with eye strain, high blood pressure, or symptoms of an overabundance of yang energy, such as irritability and insomnia. It is said to combat seasonal allergies and promote a serene mind. Its cooling properties make it a perfect drink for warm days or for those seeking to calm an overheated system.
Honeysuckle Green Tea
TCM credits Honeysuckle with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities. It is particularly valued for its ability to cleanse the body, cool down excess heat, and soothe inflammatory conditions.
Blending Green Tea with Honeysuckle offers a therapeutic concoction that enhances the body's natural defenses, particularly during seasonal changes when the immune system might be vulnerable. This blend is believed to alleviate symptoms of colds, flu, and other upper respiratory infections, thanks to the antiviral properties of Honeysuckle.
Moreover, the green tea and honeysuckle mixture is thought to be beneficial for skin health. That's due to the purifying effects of Honeysuckle and the skin-protective antioxidants in Green Tea. It's a good choice for those looking to naturally support their skin's radiance.
Mint Green Tea
Contrary to the belief that it is mainly part of tisanes in Western culture, mint is also a widely recognized herb in China. The combination combines the subtle astringency of green tea with the cool, crisp notes of mint for a soothing and revitalizing beverage.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with its aromatic and cooling qualities, mint is traditionally used to alleviate digestive discomforts, making this blend particularly beneficial after meals.
The synergy of Green Tea and mint offers a multitude of benefits. The caffeine in green tea provides a gentle energy boost. At the same time, mint's menthol content contributes a naturally cooling effect. Thus, Mint Green Tea is an excellent choice for enhancing focus and clarity without the jitters commonly associated with coffee. Furthermore, this blend is good for freshening the breath and relieving seasonal allergies, thanks to mint's natural decongestant properties.
White Tea blends: a gentle harmony
White Tea undergoes minimal oxidation, which impacts its properties over time. When freshly processed, it tends to have a cool nature. With aging and storage, its qualities become milder. White Tea, aged over three years, is often considered neutral in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practices. Within TCM, aged White Tea is valued for its potential health benefits, including its ability to alleviate internal heat, support lung hydration, soothe the liver, and combat fatigue.
Gouqi (wolfberry) White Tea
Wolfberry pairs great with White Tea, as according to TCM, both have strong properties of improving eyesight and nourishing the liver. Pairing wolfberry with White Tea allegedly protects the liver, clears eyesight, improves immunity, and delays aging. The combination is also popular among women! TCM practitioners often use White Tea to promote skin vitality. Taste-wise, wolfberries impart a subtle sweetness that complements White Tea's inherent mellow flavors.
Chinese red date White Tea
Combining White Tea with Chinese red dates, or hong zao 红枣, creates a rich and flavorful tea blend. White Tea, known for its mild and delicate taste, pairs well with sweet and nutrient-rich red dates. The dates, a staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine, are believed to improve blood circulation and have a calming effect on the nervous system. When brewed together, the white tea adopts a hint of the dates' sweetness, resulting in a soothing, nutritious beverage that replenishes the Qi energy, enriches the blood, and promotes a calm state of mind.
Hawthorn White Tea
Another popular combination in TCM, White Tea with Hawthorn is a delightful tea blend that's both tasty and beneficial. White Tea has a mild flavor with hidden sweetness, while Hawthorn is a berry with a tart taste, often used in traditional remedies. TCM uses Hawthorn for cardiovascular benefits, including blood pressure regulation and digestion improvement. The light, refreshing White Tea notes balance Hawthorn's tanginess. This blend is a heartwarming choice for those looking to enjoy the subtle pleasures of tea while caring for their heart and digestion.
Cassia seed White Tea
Blending White Tea with cassia seeds is a more rare combination, promoted by TCM mostly for its health benefits rather than in search of specific flavor. White Tea, with its delicate and subtly sweet notes, offers a rich source of antioxidants, while cassia seeds bring unique properties to this tea blend. In China, Cassia seeds are a traditional remedy for alleviating eye discomfort. They may aid with symptoms like redness, pain, and excessive tearing. All of them are often associated with eye strain or irritation. The name of the Cassia itself, JueMingZi, refers to" jue "决 meaning "definite, certain" and "ming" 明 for "sight, clarity".
Combining White Tea and cassia seeds can be a gentle and natural approach to dealing with eye fatigue. Additionally, cassia seeds have been recognized for their potential to aid in digestive regularity, offering gentle relief from constipation. It's a mindful choice for those looking to nourish their vision and overall well-being while indulging in the tranquil ritual of tea drinking.
That's it for today! In our next blog post, we'll explore some of the most beloved (and aromatic) tea types and see what herbs, plants, or fruits they pair best with! See you soon!