Tea and Traditional Chinese Remedy
Photo by Charles Deluvio
Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages around the world. In addition to being a popular beverage, it is used in traditional Chinese medicine and Chinese cuisine.
By Physician Wu Pei-Wen
6 mins read
Key Takeaways:
• Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages around the world
• Tea is used widely as medicine in Chinese culture. Classic books that focus on the study of Chinese medicinals like "Shennong Ben Cao Jing" recorded the efficacy of tea in restoring health and balance in the body.
• Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes preventive care by consuming homologous food and maintaining a superfood diet.
Chinese Tea Culture
Tea is not only an important part of daily life but also deeply embedded in Chinese culture and history. The earliest records of Chinese tea culture trace back to the Shang and Zhou Dynasties (about 1000 BC). During the Han Dynasty, tea drinking became the main leisure activity. During the Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties, tea drinking was espoused by the literati and scholars, who preferred tea over wine to show their nobility, elegance and eminence.
During the Tang Dynasty, tea drinking became even more prevalent. Carrying strong associations with Zen Buddhism, tea drinking evolved and became a way of life even for the commoners. Wang Anshi of the Song Dynasty once said:
“Tea is as indispensable in daily life as rice and salt.”
In the Ming and Qing Dynasties, tea drinking was considered to be an artistic expression, from the water, the pouring technique, the type of teapot used to the way the tea was drunk. After the Qing Dynasty, tea surged in popularity. East Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea rode on the wave and started developing their own tea drinking cultures
While tea culture has oriental origins, its influence is far-reaching and has caused tea to become an important part of many non-oriental societies. In the 17th century, tea was popular among the British aristocracy. In the 18th century, Great Britain became the world's largest tea-drinking country.
During the British Empire, tea from China was introduced into India for cultivation. British introduced the concept of "high tea" to the colonies of the time, including Hong Kong, Pakistan, East Africa, Australia and New Zealand. In the context of the Industrial Revolution where capitalism and globalization were at the forefront, Great Britain monopolised tea prices such that only the wealthy could afford it. Today, tea is not just consumed exclusively by European nobles. It is now part of the daily life of all people.
Photo by Sixteen Miles Out
Chinese Herbal Tea and Benefits for Health
Tea is used widely as medicine in Chinese culture. Classic books that focus on the study of Chinese medicinals like "Shennong Ben Cao Jing" recorded the efficacy of tea in restoring health and balance in the body. According to the narrative, Shen Nong ingested all kinds of herbs and encountered poisons in the process, but found that he could recover from the effects of the toxins by drinking herbal tea which we now know has medicinal effects. Today, herbal teas are known to remove toxins, balance internal body heat, reduce inflammation and improve organ functions, just to list a few. In many cases, the aroma and taste of the tea can relieve stress, relax the body and contribute to general well-being.
Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes preventive care by consuming homologous food and maintaining a superfood diet. Sun Simiao, a Chinese physician who recognised the health promoting role of good nutrition, herbs and natural supplements, documented the taste and the use of tea in food therapy in one of his writings, showing that tea is used as both medicine and a health drink.
The Design of YY Wellness Teas
We value tradition, culture, and the ancient wisdom of those who have gone before us so we work hard to bring our customers all the benefits and richness of traditional Chinese medicine.
Homologous food
Due to hectic lifestyles, many people drink coffee, scented tea, or energy drinks to boost energy levels and keep themselves going, unknowingly neglecting their health in the process. TCM believes that food and Chinese medicine are of the same origin, i.e. homologous food. Based on this concept, the herbs in our tea bags have been curated and blended to provide simple and natural nourishment with every consumption, which can effectively replace drinks that are seemingly enjoyable but do not benefit your body in any way. Regular natural nourishment can significantly contribute to overall well-being without interfering with any drugs or medical treatment. Every woman deserves to have a simple, safe, and good cup of tea on any day.
A healthier, more natural alternative
Many women suffer from various discomforts during the menstrual cycle. As an alternative to medical treatment, we hope to encourage diet therapy and lifestyle adjustments to complement the consumption of our teas, giving time for the body to regain health, harmony and balance.
It enhances your lifestyle
Tea is known to symbolize harmony. Various Chinese herbal ingredients have been blended in the tea bags to achieve harmony so that your body receives maximum nourishment with minimal effort. There is also something very appealing about making a cup of tea for yourself, just for pure enjoyment and relaxation. So go ahead - inhale the light fragrance and sip to enjoy the pleasant taste of our teas. You deserve to be cherished like this. :)
