From the perspective of its functions and effects, Yunnan Pu'er tea can be considered the “king of teas,” being the best choice for warming the stomach, reducing fat, nourishing qi, and prolonging life. It is known as “drinkable antiques” that can be stored long-term and become more fragrant with age. Although Pu'er tea has many benefits, today we will focus on its stomach-nourishing effects, particularly those of aged Pu'er tea.

Is there any basis for this claim? What makes Pu'er tea a stomach-nourishing tea?

Modern research confirms that drinking moderate amounts of aged Pu'er tea or ripe Pu'er tea can warm the stomach. The medicinal value of Pu'er tea is evident, and scientific studies show that in addition to the functions shared by other teas, Pu'er tea stands out in the following areas: stomach nourishment and protection.

Clinical trials have proven that aged Pu'er tea indeed protects the stomach. At appropriate concentrations, drinking mild Pu'er tea does not irritate the digestive system. The viscous, smooth, and rich texture of Pu'er tea forms a protective film on the surface of the stomach when consumed, creating a beneficial protective layer. Long-term consumption of Pu'er tea can help nourish and protect the stomach.

Aged Pu'er tea is suitable for those who often socialize.

For urban office workers, due to work or environmental factors, their digestive function may decline, leading to common issues like cold stomachs and stomach pain. Socializing after work often involves drinking, which further burdens and harms the digestive system.

While they might keep some medicines for relieving stomach pain, these do not fundamentally address the issue. A long-term method for nurturing and protecting the stomach is needed. Aged Pu'er tea's unique ability to warm the stomach makes it especially good for daily consumption by family members. After drinking Pu'er tea, the aforementioned problems are significantly alleviated.

“Small Molecules” Are Beneficial for Gastrointestinal Absorption

After fermentation, ripe Pu'er tea contains a large number of derivatives that are mostly small molecules, which are easily absorbed by the human gastrointestinal tract and cause less irritation. Green Tea and Oolong Tea differ in that although they contain higher levels of polyphenols than Pu'er tea, many of these polyphenols are large molecules that can strongly stimulate the stomach and intestines when consumed on an empty stomach. Therefore, adults and children with weakened constitutions are often advised to drink green tea cautiously and never on an empty stomach.

The term “green tea has great coldness” in Traditional Chinese medicine likely refers to the presence of large molecules in the tea. Similarly, freshly picked raw Pu'er tea (without artificial or natural fermentation) should not be consumed on an empty stomach due to the large molecular size.

Therefore, aside from raw Pu'er tea, naturally fermented Pu'er tea aged over ten years and ripe Pu'er tea aged over five years all have “stomach-warming” properties. The longer the aging period, the better the effect, primarily due to the presence of small molecules.

Pectin Promotes Healing of Ulcers

Ripe Pu'er tea contains much higher levels of pectin compared to other types of tea. Its excellent adsorption properties can bind and eliminate bacterial toxins and other harmful substances within the body, such as heavy metals like lead and mercury, as well as radioactive elements, thus detoxifying the body. Pectin also protects the stomach lining and aids digestion. For individuals with gastric ulcers or gastritis, the pectin in Pu'er tea can form a film-like coating on stomach ulcers, promoting healing, making it suitable for those with gastric conditions.

Caffeine Improves Digestive Function

The caffeine in aged Pu'er tea can neutralize stomach acid, thereby improving digestive function. The shorter the “age” of the tea, the more turbidity it contains; the older the tea, the less turbidity. Aged Pu'er tea over ten years old should not have visible suspended particles or impurities, and the tea liquor becomes increasingly clear as it ages. Even Pu'er tea over thirty years old should not show significant changes in clarity.

What is the Best Way to Drink for Stomach Nourishment?

The best way is to drink a Cup of warm tea every morning on an empty stomach, preferably high-quality ripe Pu'er tea aged over ten years. For those with excessive stomach acid or suffering from gastritis or gastric ulcers, the benefits are particularly noticeable. The key to stomach nourishment lies in the word “nourishment.” This “nourishment” does not produce immediate results but rather manifests over time through consistent effort. In addition to drinking Pu'er tea, maintaining good living habits is also essential.