Winter Tea

Winter Tea

　　Winter Tea

　　Seasonal tea drinking should be chosen wisely: floral tea in spring, green tea in summer, oolong tea in autumn, and black tea in winter. However, no matter which type of tea you drink, it must be consumed properly; otherwise, it may also have adverse effects on your health. Additionally, avoid drinking tea on an empty stomach, when overly full, or before bedtime. Never take medicine with tea, avoid strong tea—especially the elderly should be more cautious. Even the finest aromatic tea is best enjoyed lightly. Third, do not steep tea for too long, nor boil it. While drinking tea is beneficial, there are several taboos to be aware of; neglecting them can be harmful. For example, drinking too much, steeping for too long, or consuming leftover tea from the previous night are all detrimental to health. Moreover, since theophylline can raise body temperature, avoid drinking tea when taking antipyretics such as aspirin. Fourth, although drinking tea after alcohol can help moisten dryness, relieve intoxication, aid digestion, and regulate water metabolism, it can also “harm the kidneys, cause heaviness in the lower back and legs, bladder cold pain, and may lead to conditions such as phlegm-fluid retention, edema, thirst, spasms, and pain.” Therefore, it’s best to drink little or no tea after consuming alcohol.

　　Tea has a bitter taste and a cooling nature. It helps clear heat and toxins, moisten the lungs, dissolve phlegm, and promote urination. For young and healthy individuals, moderate tea consumption can reduce internal heat and dryness. However, older or weaker individuals often have deficient cold constitutions and weak blood. Long-term tea drinking, especially of strong tea, can easily allow its cooling properties to invade the spleen and stomach, unknowingly damaging vitality and even triggering illness. Therefore, it is advisable to drink less strong tea.