Pu'er Tea comes in two forms: raw (sheng) and ripe (shou). Raw Pu'er is made from fresh leaves that are stored for 5 to 10 years before consumption, while ripe Pu'er is processed through fermentation and can be consumed immediately—it's a quick-made tea. Raw Pu'er tends to have a lighter color compared to ripe Pu'er, which is darker. When brewed, raw Pu'er produces a lighter-colored infusion, whereas ripe Pu'er yields a richer, more intense color.

Moderate consumption of Pu'er tea does not harm the stomach but instead has a warming effect on it. Pu'er tea is divided into raw and ripe varieties. Ripe Pu'er has a gentle nature, and moderate consumption can warm the stomach and aid digestion. Raw Pu'er, on the other hand, is slightly cold in nature, so people with a cooler constitution should avoid it. However, moderate consumption of raw Pu'er can also stimulate bowel movements and benefit the digestive system.

Reasons Why Raw Pu'er Tea Can Harm the Stomach

One: The main cause of stomach damage when Drinking Tea is not the tea itself but rather the contaminants it may carry, such as pesticide residues, mold, and foreign objects. These contaminants make the tea unsuitable in terms of quality and hygiene. Pesticide residues, in particular, can severely damage the stomach lining.

Two: Newer ripe Pu'er teas tend to be somewhat heaty, and excessive consumption can lead to an internal heat imbalance. Older ripe Pu'er teas, generally over ten years old, are much milder.

Three: Fresh raw Pu'er tea that has been processed by hand retains some residual heat, and excessive consumption can cause an internal heat imbalance. Older raw Pu'er teas are neutral in nature. Machine-processed raw Pu'er teas are also neutral, and both new and aged versions typically do not cause heat imbalances or stomach coldness.

Four: People with pre-existing stomach or intestinal issues may find that raw Pu'er tea irritates their condition more than ripe Pu'er tea, leading to discomfort.

Five: Some potent Pu'er teas (both raw and ripe) can cause bloating and gas.

Six: Some individuals experience acid reflux after drinking sweeter ripe Pu'er teas.

Seven: A small number of people with specific constitutions may experience different types of discomfort when drinking Pu'er tea and should either limit their intake or avoid it altogether.

Aged Pu'er teas and ripe Pu'er teas indeed have a protective effect on the stomach. At appropriate concentrations, smooth Pu'er tea does not irritate the digestive tract. The viscous, sweet, and rich Pu'er tea creates a protective layer on the surface of the stomach when ingested, benefiting the stomach lining. Long-term consumption of Pu'er tea can help nourish and protect the stomach.