You may already be aware that different sorts of teas are being recommended by the practitioners of traditional medicine for different ailments. But, did you know that many also believe that you should change your tea drinking habits according to the time of year?
Chinese believe that there is a right sort of tea for every season of the year. It instinctively makes sense, doesn’t it? There is a right season for each activity in one’s life, so why would tea drinking be an exception, especially in those countries that cultivate tea drinking ceremonies?
The traditional Chinese medicine classifies all food (and beverages) as “warm” or “cool”, and thus are different varieties of tea also considered to have either warming or cooling properties. For example: black and red tea belong in the former group, and green and white tea in the latter. Although all these teas are taken warm, their effect on your body, it is believed, is different.
In summer, the body needs to cool off, so those teas that are believed to have cooling properties are consumed. In winter, your body needs additional heat: therefore, those teas that supposedly exhibit warming properties are consumed. It is interesting to note that Pu-erh tea, one of those teas that are classified as “warm” in the traditional Chinese medicine and therefore recommended in the winter months, actually contain substances that can help break down fats and in doing so assist the liver in dealing with strong “winter foods”.
In spring, it is recommended to drink scented tea. These teas are best suited for spring because they’re mild, floral and refreshing. Scented tea will help relieve fatigue and nervousness. It is believed to improve your vision and nourish your skin. Scented teas should be consumed in the springtime, an hour after a meal.
Green tea is reserved for summer. In the summer months, drinking green teas will have a refreshing effect and supply your body with many vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Avoid drinking green tea on an empty stomach, as it can cause some stomach upsets.
Oolong tea is considered neither “warm” nor “cool”, making it a perfect choice in the mild autumn months. It is believed that oolong tea helps your throat and lungs. Drink it an hour after a meal.
Black tea is best drunk when the winter comes. It will boost your metabolism and improve your digestion. If you feel the cold, drink black tea an hour before or after a meal to keep the winter chills at bay!
Anita Bern
