Drinking Tea benefits health, especially when done consistently over a long period. However, this is based on the premise of “rational Tea drinking.” There are nuances to enjoying good tea, which depend on the individual, time, and occasion.

Tea Drinking Varies by Individual

The value of tea lies not in its price but in its suitability.

Some people cannot sleep after drinking green tea, while others cannot sleep without it. Some find their stomachs upset after drinking oolong tea, while others experience no issues. Therefore, choosing tea should be individualized.

Teas differ in coolness or warmth based on their processing methods, so what type of body consumes what type of tea becomes important. Individuals with normal constitutions can generally drink any tea, but for some groups, selecting the right tea is advisable.

Generally, those with a hot constitution should drink cooling teas, while those with a cold constitution should opt for warming teas, for the purpose of regulation.

Green teas, new white teas, and lightly fermented oolong teas are considered cooling, such as Huangshan Maofeng, West Lake Longjing, and fragrant Tieguanyin. Heavily fermented oolongs are neutral, like Wuyi rock teas and strong-flavored Tieguanyin.

Black teas and ripe Pu'er teas are warming, such as Qimen black tea, Yunnan black tea, Golden Eyebrow, and Lapsang souchong. As raw Pu'er and white tea undergo natural fermentation, they become more balanced.

Choosing tea varies by individual. Those who smoke, drink alcohol, are prone to heatiness, or are overweight typically have a hot constitution and should drink cooling teas. Those with weak digestive systems, who feel uncomfortable after eating bitter melon or watermelon, and who are generally frail, typically have a cold constitution and should drink neutral or warming teas. Elderly individuals, whose regulatory functions decline, are particularly suited to black teas and Pu'er teas.

Tea Drinking Varies by Time

Seasonal considerations influence tea drinking.

Generally, different teas are preferred during different seasons. In spring, flower teas are consumed; in summer, green teas; in autumn, oolong teas; and in winter, black teas. The reasoning is that, as spring brings warmth and blossoms, drinking flower teas helps dispel the cold accumulated in the body during winter. The strong fragrance also aids in stimulating the body's yang energy.

In the scorching summer, drinking green, white, or raw Pu'er teas helps cool the body and calm the mind. In autumn, achieving balance is key, and oolong teas, neither too cool nor too warm, help alleviate dryness and soothe the throat. During the cold winter, the rich and soothing black teas, ripe Pu'er, and aged white teas effectively dispel dampness and chill, warming both the body and the heart.

Time of day also influences tea drinking.

It is not advisable to drink much tea on an empty stomach in the morning, especially strong tea. Drinking black tea in the morning is better. Black tea promotes blood circulation and helps dispel cold from the body, ensuring adequate blood supply to the brain.

After lunch, a cup of light tea can help regulate emotions and restore energy. Drinking green or oolong tea at this time can help relieve liver heat. At three or four in the afternoon, a cup of afternoon black tea, accompanied by tasty snacks, can alleviate work fatigue, replenish energy, and improve efficiency.

When drinking tea in the evening, it should be lighter and made from teas with higher fermentation levels. For example, fully fermented black teas have a lower impact on the stomach and intestines. Or, one could choose milder dark teas like ripe Pu'er, which affect sleep less and aid digestion.

Tea Drinking Should Adapt to Instantaneous Changes in Health

When in good health, one can more easily enjoy the sensations of “throat moistening,” “solitude breaking,” “light sweating,” “muscle clarity,” and “cool breeze from the armpits” from drinking good tea.

However, when health is poor, consideration should be given to the timing of tea consumption and the type of tea drunk. For example, women during menstruation, pregnancy, or postpartum should drink less tea or only light teas. Individuals with nervous disorders should avoid drinking tea before sleeping. Those with weak spleen and stomach should not drink strong teas, especially green teas. Individuals with gastric ulcers should not drink tea.

During treatment with Chinese medicines, iron supplements, antibiotics, gout medications, digestive enzymes, tranquilizers, and other drugs, tea should be avoided or consumed outside of medication times (consult a specialist).

Tea Drinking Varies by Occasion

Tea is the national beverage. From high-level meetings and business conferences to family gatherings and daily relaxation, tea is suitable. However, there are nuances to consider regarding the occasion, purpose, and content of the event, influencing what type of tea to drink and how to consume it.

For instance, in a business meeting, the host should consider what tea to serve. This requires considering guests' preferences: do they prefer green, white, yellow, oolong, dark, or black teas? Should common teas or premium varieties be served? Should the tea be brewed strong or light?

In social gatherings involving heavy drinking, it is not advisable to drink tea. Drinking tea alongside alcohol increases the effects of intoxication due to the combined stimulant effects of alcohol and tea alkaloids.

In workplace settings, the choice of tea can be based on personal preference, but how it is consumed requires attention. Choosing simple and convenient teaware, teas that are not overly picky about water quality and temperature, and actions that do not disturb coworkers are essential considerations when drinking tea in the office.

After a family dinner featuring delicious meals, drinking hot tea can aid digestion and reduce greasiness. However, it is important to wait an hour after the meal to drink tea and choose milder teas like black or ripe Pu'er, which are gentle on the stomach.

During travel, an upcoming National Day trip may involve physical strain, and a cup of fragrant and nourishing tea can help relax and better appreciate the scenery. However, traveling requires convenience, so large tea sets and bulk tea are inappropriate. Instead, quick-service cups, three-piece cups, portable single-serving packages, tea bags, and small tea packets are more suitable.

In summary, drinking