“Appreciate the rhythm in calligraphy and painting, and for health, drink Tea.” If certain ways of drinking tea are not beneficial or even harmful to health, they should be avoided. In short, there are taboos when it comes to tea, often referred to simply as “taboos in tea.” The following taboos are often summarized from practical experience by tea enthusiasts. Let's take a look at the taboos associated with different types of tea.

Tieguanyin‘ Six Taboos

Do not drink large amounts of tea before or after meals; the correct practice is:

1. drink tea one hour after a meal, and avoid overly strong brews;

2. Weak, malnourished, or anemic individuals should avoid drinking tea;

3. Individuals with urinary stones should avoid drinking tea;

4. Avoid drinking tea before bed;

5. Do not drink leftover tea from the previous day;

6. Do not drink spoiled tea or the first infusion of tea.

Pu'er Tea Taboos

1. Drinking strong Pu'er tea on an empty stomach is not recommended; choose the right time based on your personal condition;

2. Pu'er tea should be drunk immediately after brewing and not left to steep for too long. Do not drink leftover Pu'er tea from the previous day;

3. Freshly made Pu'er tea should not be consumed in large quantities;

4. Keeping your tea utensils clean is very important; do not forget to wash your cups regularly when drinking Pu'er tea;

5. Pu'er tea should be enjoyed in moderation and not exclusively;

6. Pu'er tea should be drunk consistently and not intermittently;

7. Pu'er tea should be drunk warm, not scalding hot or cold;

8. Pu'er tea should be drunk lightly, not too strongly;

9. Avoid drinking large amounts of Pu'er tea before or after meals;

10. Drink Pu'er tea moderately before sleeping;

11. Do not drink poor-quality or spoiled tea;

12. Avoid drinking Pu'er tea that has been steeped multiple times.

Green Tea Taboos

1. Avoid drinking the first infusion of tea because during cultivation and processing, tea leaves may be contaminated with pesticides and other harmful substances, leaving some residue on the surface;

2. Avoid drinking tea on an empty stomach: drinking tea without food can dilute stomach acid, reducing digestive function. It can also cause large amounts of potentially harmful components in the tea to enter the bloodstream, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, and weakness;

3. Drink less fresh tea: since new tea has been stored for a short period, it contains higher levels of unoxidized polyphenols, aldehydes, and alcohols, which can have a strong stimulating effect on the gastrointestinal mucosa, potentially causing stomach problems. Fresh tea stored for less than half a month should especially be avoided;

4. People with cold constitutions should not drink too much green tea, as excessive consumption can cause discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract. Those with nervous exhaustion or insomnia should also avoid drinking tea before bedtime, and nursing mothers should consume less tea, as tea can reduce milk production;

5. Avoid using green tea to take medication and avoid drinking leftover tea. Tannins in green tea can bind with many medications, forming precipitates that hinder absorption and affect efficacy.

Chrysanthemum Tea Taboos

1. Individuals with weak spleens and stomachs should drink less chrysanthemum tea. When brewing chrysanthemum tea, it should not be consumed continuously over long periods. Typically, three to five days is sufficient. For those with a cold constitution, adding goji berries is recommended;

2. Individuals with yang deficiency should not frequently drink chrysanthemum tea, as it can damage vital energy and make one weaker over time, particularly those with weak spleens and stomachs. Drinking cold-natured chrysanthemum tea can cause discomfort in the stomach and lead to acid reflux. Therefore, using chrysanthemum tea to clear heat and reduce fire should be done selectively, and not prescribed universally.