Tea Tranquility

White Tea (Pinyin: Bai Cha)

Harvested primarily in China, mostly in the Fujian Province, white tea is known to protect the body against certain diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular disorders. It can also provide natural antibacterial properties, help with weight loss and lower cholesterol levels. Even better, this light beverage slows down the aging process. In spite of its name, brewed white tea is pale yellow. Its name derives from the fine silvery-white hairs on the unopened buds of the tea plant, which give the plant a whitish appearance.

Pu-erh Tea (Pinyin: Puer Cha)

Pu-erh Tea has long been valued in Chinese herbalism for its vast benefits. Pu-erh tea (pronounced ‘poo-air’) contains high levels of polyphenols (flavonoids, catechins and theaflavin), which are known for their antioxidant activity. These powerful chemicals speed up fat burning as well as reduce stress and heavy metal consumption due to the cell repair compounds found within. The theanine and flavoids found within pu-erh just so happen to aid in digestion after meals by acting as a sponge and accelerator for fat burning.

Oolong Tea (Pinyin: Wu Long Cha)

Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea made from the leaves, buds and stems of the Camellia Sinensis plant. It is neither a green tea or a black tea, rather something in between because it’s partially fermented and partially oxidized. Like all forms of tea, Oolong tea is rich in anti-oxidants but apart from that it is rich in minerals such as calcium, manganese, copper, carotin and potassium. It is also said to be rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Vitamin K, and has detoxifying elements such as folic acid and caffeine that stimulate the nervous system.

Chrysanthemum Tea (Pinyin: Ju Hua Cha)

Chrysanthemum tea is a flower-based infusion beverage made from chrysanthemum flowers. The drink is transparent and ranges from pale to bright yellow in color, with a floral aroma. Herbal chrysanthemum tea not only tastes great, it also contains high amounts of carotene, a form of vitamin A that will help to address skin ailments, boost immunity as well as prevent advanced blindness and eye issues. Besides, chrysanthemum tea is packed with minerals such as calcium for teeth and bones, magnesium to help with many bodily operations, iron to transport oxygen by blood and potassium to help regulate blood pressure and cardiovascular function.

Jasmine Tea (Pinyin: Mo Li Hua Cha)

As the oldest scented tea in history, jasmine tea is scented with jasmine blossoms. Typically, jasmine tea has green tea as the base. However, white tea and black tea are also used. The resulting flavor of jasmine tea is subtly sweet and highly fragrant. The rich floral aroma of night blooming jasmine can naturally soothe anxiety and act as a calming and serene aromatherapy.

Ginger Tea (Pinyin: Jiang Cha)

“Everything good is found in ginger,” states an old Indian proverb. Accoring to traditional Chinese medicine, ginger can restore Yang, or hot energy. Tea made from ginger has high levels of vitamin C and amino acids, as well as various trace elements such as calcium, zinc, sodium, phosphorus, and many others. Drinking ginger tea can help with stomach pain, blood circulation and improve food digestion.

Chamomile Tea (Pinyin: Gan Ju Cha)

Chamomile is a herb that comes from the daisy-like flowers of the Asteraceae plant family. It has been consumed for centuries as a natural remedy for several health conditions. Many people enjoy chamomile tea as a caffeine-free alternative to black or green tea and for its earthy, somewhat sweet taste. Furthermore, chamomile tea is loaded with antioxidants that may play a role in lowering your risk of several diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Chamomile has properties that may aid sleep and digestion as well.

Dr. Fayi Song

T.C.M. Therapist, Shanghai Renai Hospital International Department

Doctor Song specializes in acupuncture, tui na, cupping and treatment of specialist conditions and sporting injuries. She graduated from Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Doctor Song has profound knowledge of TCM. She has done extensive research into disease prevention and post-traumatic treatment for pain.