The beginning of autumn is the 13th of the 24 solar terms in the lunar calendar, marking the first solar term of autumn. According to “The Seventy-Two Periods of the Year,” “This term in the seventh month, the character ‘beginning' has been explained under the beginning of spring. Autumn, also pronounced ‘qiū,' means to seize; it is at this time that things begin to be seized and gathered.” The start of autumn generally signifies the waning of summer's heat and the approach of fall.

As the transition from heat to cool, after the beginning of autumn, the lingering summer heat, often referred to as the “autumn tiger,” remains, but the overall trend is a gradual cooling of the weather. Ancient people regarded the beginning of autumn as an important moment between summer and fall, and they always attached great importance to this solar term.

The beginning of autumn marks a period when the body transitions from yang to yin in its yin-yang metabolism. Therefore, the principle of health maintenance in autumn is “nourishment and collection.” Chinese people have long enjoyed Tea, and different types of tea have various benefits. Similarly, there are specific teas that are effective in preventing autumn dryness.

So, what kind of tea should one drink for health maintenance after the beginning of autumn? In the following, we will introduce several types of tea suitable for drinking after the beginning of autumn.

White Tea

After the beginning of autumn, with the change of seasons, residual heat remains, and the climate becomes dry. At this time, the principle of drinking tea for health maintenance is focused on warmth and moisture. Drinking white tea is most appropriate, as it is sweet and warm, capable of nourishing yang energy, regulating the body, and preparing for winter storage.

Nutrients in white tea, such as vitamins, polyphenols, and amino acids, are very abundant, and they play roles in cooling, relieving heat, and clearing the lungs. White tea enters the lungs and can help nourish, clear, and invigorate them. Furthermore, the polyphenols in white tea can eliminate liver fire within the body, prevent dryness, and have effects like moistening the intestines, clearing phlegm, and relieving coughs.

Wuyi Rock Tea

Wuyi rock tea, the top of Oolong teas, is a semi-Fermented tea that lies between green and black teas. It combines the fragrance of green tea and natural floral scents with the full-bodied flavor of Black Tea, being neither too cold nor too hot, but just right in temperature. Regular consumption can moisturize the skin, benefit the lungs, stimulate saliva production, and soothe the throat, effectively clearing out excess heat in the body and restoring saliva, which is greatly beneficial for health preservation during autumn.

Wuyi rock tea is rich in iron, calcium, and other minerals, and it contains digestive enzymes and components that break down fat, inhibiting the absorption of fat and making it difficult for excess sugar to convert into fat. Thus, Wuyi rock tea has been given the beautiful name of a “negative-calorie beverage.” If consumed regularly, it not only lowers cholesterol levels but also helps with weight loss and physical fitness.

Jasmine Tea

Jasmine is commonly used in traditional remedies. It has a sweet taste and a cold nature, and it is used for clearing heat and detoxifying, as well as dispersing wind-heat. It can be drunk in hot weather to clear heat, detoxify, and prevent heatstroke.

To prepare jasmine tea, use 5 to 10 grams of jasmine flowers, place them in a cup, and pour boiling water over them. Cover the cup and let it steep for a few minutes for the best color and flavor of the tea. Since jasmine has a cooling effect, it is not suitable for long-term consumption, especially for those with a weak and cold constitution or women during menstruation, as it may cause adverse reactions.

Lotus Seed Heart Tea

For lotus seed heart tea, 2 grams of lotus seed hearts are sufficient for one serving, or you can use 3-6 seeds together with other teas. Among many homemade beverages, lotus seed heart tea might be the most self-challenging.

The lotus seed heart is the greenish-yellow embryo in the center of the lotus seed, which is cold in nature and has the effects of clearing heat, soothing the mind, and strengthening the heart. Its ability to clear heart fire is particularly suitable for those who experience irritability and insomnia due to excessive internal heart fire.

Citrus Pu'er Tea

With the arrival of autumn, rainfall decreases, and the relative humidity of the air drops, making the climate drier. Dryness can easily damage lung yin, causing discomfort in the lungs, dry mouth, dry cough with little phlegm, constipation, etc. As yin grows and yang wanes, the focus should be on nourishing yin. Autumn is associated with gathering, and all things converge; the internal response is in the lungs, so health maintenance should primarily focus on lung nourishment.

Citrus Pu'er tea, which nourishes the lungs, moistens and clears phlegm, prevents coughs, nourishes yin, regulates qi, harmonizes the spleen and stomach, and aids digestion. Coupled with aged ripe Pu'er tea that is fresh and sweet, it is good for the stomach, reduces fat, has a mild nature, and does not interfere with sleep, making it suitable for all ages, especially the elderly.

In “The Autumn of the Old Capital,” Yu Dafu wrote poetically: “In the morning, brew a bowl of tea, sit in the courtyard, and you can see the very high, emerald blue sky and hear the sound of pigeons flying under the clear sky. From beneath the locust tree leaves, count eastward the rays of sunlight filtering through.”

In the crisp autumn days, do not miss out on a cup of tea. With a cup in hand, the room fills with fragrance. Let's enjoy the first cup of tea of autumn together!