Taishan White Cloud Tea

Taishan White Cloud Tea

　　Northern Peak Mountain White Cloud Tea

　　Taishan White Cloud Tea, primarily produced in Northern Peak Mountain, gets its name from being grown at high altitudes shrouded in white clouds year-round. The *New County Annals of Xinning* state, “The finest White Cloud Tea comes from Lion Head and Vase Mountain peaks; it has the coolest nature and can relieve accumulated heat, but should not be consumed excessively.” It is likely that because White Cloud Tea is often nourished by clouds and mist, its nature is indeed relatively cool. When used to brew tea, it has a smooth texture and fragrant taste, quenches thirst, refreshes the mind, relieves fatigue, and can even remain unspoiled for ten days. The caution against excessive consumption means that drinking too much may lead to mild symptoms such as restlessness and insomnia, or in severe cases, harm the spleen and stomach. However, when used properly, it can have medicinal benefits. According to *Herbs of Hundred Peaks Mountain*, boiling three to five qian (approximately 10–15 grams) of dried White Cloud Tea leaves in water can treat wind-heat colds, excessive phlegm and wheezing, headaches, drowsiness, irritability, and excessive thirst. There is also a folk remedy: soaking one liang (approximately 50 grams) of dried White Cloud Tea leaves with one jin (approximately 500 grams) of honey in a sealed bottle for three to four months creates an effective treatment for dysentery, both red and white types. The leftover tea leaves, after being soaked in honey, can be stewed and applied to treat conjunctivitis. Many overseas Chinese returning home also purchase some to bring abroad for later use.

　　 White Cloud Tea is divided into wild White Cloud Tea and deep mountain White Cloud Tea.

　　 Wild White Cloud Tea is made from wild spring tea leaves harvested by mountain dwellers each spring and serves as an ingredient with medicinal and health-promoting effects. Wild White Cloud Tea is suitable for drinking one hour before dinner. Drinking it after dinner will reduce its stimulating effects.

　　 Deep mountain White Cloud Tea is produced at a tea plantation located at the southern foot of Gudou Mountain, using tea plants transplanted from wild tea trees. It is further categorized into black tea, yellow tea, and green tea.

　　 Black tea has a warming nature, soothes warmth, strengthens the stomach, relieves fatigue, and refreshes the mind.

　　 Yellow tea has a mild nature, similar to herbal teas, and offers health benefits along with diuretic and digestive aid properties.

　　 Green tea is suitable for daily consumption by most people, offering anti-aging effects, disease prevention, detoxification, relief from pollen allergies, and skin care benefits.