Autumn is a season of gradually decreasing temperatures and increasing day-night temperature differences. Days are sunny, while nights become progressively colder. This climate has a significant impact on the human body. As temperatures drop, our metabolism slows down, and the immune system becomes relatively weaker, making us more susceptible to infections from external pathogens. Additionally, cold weather can cause dry skin and increase the likelihood of catching a cold. During this transition from autumn to winter, when cold invades, it's also the best time to drink Tea. Drinking more tea in late autumn not only helps us adapt to changes in temperature but also offers numerous health benefits. Let's delve into why we should drink more tea during the autumn and winter seasons, and perhaps discover which type of tea you might prefer.

What Kinds of Tea Should You Drink in Autumn?

1. Aged Teas: Pu'er, White Tea, Dark Tea

① Aged teas have a gentle nature and ample tea energy, helping the body expel dampness through sweating. Therefore, when drinking aged teas, use large cups or bowls, and always consume them hot.

② The microorganisms and beneficial bacteria in aged teas act as regulators for the digestive tract.

③ The water content in aged tea infusions helps the body eliminate excess heat accumulated during summer. These teas, with their moderate nature, are neither as cool as raw teas or green teas nor as warm as black teas, making them the ideal choice for autumn.

2. Oolong Tea:

Oolong tea has a balanced character, neither too warm nor too cool, making it perfect for autumn.

① Oolong tea has strong disinfectant and anticancer properties. Symptoms of “excess yang fire” include throat discomfort, swollen gums, and oral ulcers. Green Tea is too cool, and black tea is too warm, so oolong tea is the best choice for balancing your internal heat.

② Women may worry about gaining weight from “tonic supplements” during autumn. Oolong tea, known as a “weight-loss tea,” can help women maintain their weight by eliminating excess fat accumulation in the body while they indulge in these supplements.

3. Ripe/Pu'er Teas:

Ripe teas refer specifically to Yunnan large-leaf green teas processed through artificial fermentation.

The fermentation process is the key aspect of ripe teas. Experiments conducted by the Pu'er Tea College at Yunnan Agricultural University have documented how ripe Pu'er decomposes oil droplets. The mellow and gentle nature of ripe tea coats the stomach lining, forming a protective layer that both soothes and heals while also promoting stomach health.

Why Drink More Tea in Autumn?

1. Hydration: Common teas such as green tea, black tea, and Flower tea are made by steeping dried tea leaves in hot water. Drinking tea in autumn can help replenish hydration and prevent symptoms like dry mouth and throat that can arise due to the dryness of the season.

2. Boost Immunity: Tea is rich in β-carotene and amino acids. Consuming these can effectively replenish the body's energy needs and enhance immunity. This helps prevent common autumn illnesses, such as the flu.

3. Refreshment and Mental Clarity: Tea contains polyphenols, which can stimulate the brain and provide a refreshing effect, alleviating fatigue. In the cool autumn weather, many people may experience lethargy and mental sluggishness. Drinking tea can effectively alleviate these symptoms.

Drinking tea does more than quench thirst; it also serves the important purpose of relieving physical and mental fatigue, allowing one to slow down and quietly savor life, enjoying the simple pleasure of that moment. In today's fast-paced lifestyle, everyone is constantly rushing forward. While this might be energizing in the short term, over time, it leads to exhaustion. It's best to take a break and enjoy a Cup of tea to regain vitality before continuing.

You'll find that taking a pause doesn't slow you down compared to those who keep moving. Instead, it may even give you an opportunity to surpass them. When you stop, you observe and reflect, finding the most correct path forward, thereby gaining the chance to overtake others during the lull.

Drinking tea isn't a magical activity, but if you take the time to watch the leaves dance and settle in your cup, you can gain some unique experiences. Life isn't just about rushing ahead; sometimes, it's essential to slow down and savor the journey.