Even if you have yet to experience the sensation, you’ve probably heard of the expression “tea drunk” or even “tea high". So, what does this mean? Of course, we all know that tea contains zero alcohol (unless you choose to make a tea cocktail). Tea drunk (茶醉 – Cha Zui) is a state some people experience when drinking potent infusions of certain teas, often brewed Gong Fu style. The tea type can vary, but it should be a high-quality loose leaf tea.
Many of us might have experienced that state of being tea drunk before. The state of being when we feel alert, creative, and blissful; at the same time, peaceful and relaxed. If you have, read on to find out exactly what in tea makes us feel this way. On the other hand, if you have never experienced being high off tea, follow the steps in this article to experience it!
What Makes Us Feel Tea Drunk?
Tea drunk is the feeling produced by the natural psychoactive compounds in Camellia sinensis: mainly caffeine, L-theanine, and antioxidants, which together influence mood, energy, and focus.
This plant has several vital components, making it unique and giving us a sense of being tea drunk.
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Caffeine. All types of tea contain some caffeine, depending on growing conditions and processing methods; some have more, and some have less. Caffeine gives us energy, creativity, and alertness. Caffeine gives tea a slightly bitter taste. (Read more: Caffeine in tea: a comprehensive guide)
- L-theanine. We can find L-theanine in all teas. It stimulates alpha brain waves. By doing so, it puts us in a state of alertness, creativity, and relaxed, meditative space. When L-theanine and caffeine are combined (as in tea), the effects of caffeine are subdued. L-theanine is a powerful relaxer and anxiety reducer. It also gives teas their sweet and savory taste.
It's interesting that, although being almost exclusive to tea, L-Theanine is also found in some mushrooms!
- Catechins. These are the antioxidants in tea. Catechins are powerful antioxidants that can influence how we feel physically. They are especially abundant in young Raw Pu-erh and Green teas. Catechins give tea a pleasant astringency.
In medieval Japan, during the Muromachi period, samurai and nobles held tōcha (tea guessing) contests, sometimes consuming many small bowls of thick Matcha, often leading to the euphoric, overstimulated state described as being ‘tea drunk.’
Which Teas Get You Tea Drunk?
Technically, you can get tea drunk off of almost any tea. But definitely, some teas bring you there much faster and stronger.
These are the best teas for getting tea drunk:
- High-quality loose leaf teas (no tea bag teas)
- Teas that have the highest content of catechins, caffeine, and L-theanine. For example "Sweet Dew" Mengding Gan Lu or "Wild Orchid" GuShu Raw Pu-erh
- Teas are made from the very top leaves and the buds. For example, our Bai Hao Yin Zhen White Tea.
- Teas that aren’t oxidized or are lightly oxidized (Green, White, Yellow teas, Light Oolongs)
- Shade-grown teas like Matcha and Gyokuro (highest L-theanine content)
- Teas from old trees (GuShu). For example, our 2012 Chun Jian GuShu Raw Pu-erh
Steps to Getting Tea Drunk
If you want to ensure a pleasant and uplifting experience, follow these steps.
- Only drink high-quality tea. Our top recommendations for this purpose are oolongs, pu-erh, and shade-grown Japanese green teas (like Gyokuro and Matcha). You can tell that it is shade-grown by its deep, deep green color. Surely, it's like no other!
- Don’t drink tea on an empty stomach. Certainly have some light snacks, nuts, or fruits before or during the tea ceremony to prevent nausea or jitters.
- Don’t drink on a very full stomach. Since digestion may slow caffeine absorption and dull the effects.
- With Chinese teas, always drink tea Gong Fu Style so you can get the full experience of the tea.
Gong fu style allows you to experience the tea in small concentrated doses over a long period of time (sometimes 10+ steeps, depending on the tea). This allows you time to get fully connected with the tea and feel its effects slowly.
- Be mindful. Certainly, having a few friends to enjoy the tea with you is great. However, try not to have too many distractions, whether sipping alone or in company. Likewise, take the time to prepare yourself for the tea ritual. Having a tranquil mind makes it easier to notice the subtleties our body and mind are going through. Furthermore, for the length of the tea ceremony, try not to think about work, errands, or any negative thoughts. Most importantly, follow your mind carefully, and see where it leads you.
How Does Being Tea Drunk Feel?
Being tea drunk or high on tea feels different depending on the tea. Here are a few states that we’ve noticed throughout our tea journeys:
Feeling very light, almost flying. Creative. Emotional and introspective. Uplifted, happy, giggly and silly. Content, peaceful and blissful. Meditative and philosophic. Trippy. Relaxed. Feeling a deep connection with everything and everyone around you. If you are drinking tea with family or friends, you might feel exceptionally grateful to be in their company at the moment.
Many people feel a deep sense of relaxation. If they are anxious, the anxiety goes away (though those highly sensitive to caffeine may react differently). It is a Zen feeling. Not everyone can drink or enjoys drinking alcohol; getting tea drunk can be a good alternative to many of the more positive feelings we associate with drinking.
One thing that we've noticed to come in handy is keeping a tea journal. Start by writing down the date, time, and tea that you are drinking. You can also note any other details that may be important. For example, how were you feeling before you started drinking the tea? How full was your stomach?
A tea journal may help you remember the effects a particular tea has, depending on the day. It is interesting to notice that the same tea may not always have the same effects on us, depending on the day.
For a slightly more scientific approach to the topic, check out this article.
Furthermore, if you enjoyed this article, check out Practicing Mindfulness in Simple Tea Meditation.