Raw Pu'er Tea is characterized by its bitterness and is effective in relieving greasiness. According to the *Bencao Shiyi* (Supplement to the Materia Medica), it can lower lipids, combat arterial hardening, nourish the stomach, and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Like ordinary teas, Pu'er tea contains Caffeine, so it's generally advised against drinking it on an empty stomach as it may cause dizziness or palpitations. When drinking tea, it's important to note that pregnant women should not consume strong tea, and those with a cold and weak spleen-stomach should avoid drinking raw Pu'er.

The Benefits and Effects of Raw Pu'er Tea:

1. Aids Digestion and Relieves Greasiness

Caffeine, vitamins, amino acids, and phospholipids are among the components found in raw Pu'er tea, which help in human digestion and regulate fat metabolism. The stimulation from caffeine can promote gastric juice secretion, stimulating appetite and aiding digestion.

2. Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Properties

Raw Pu'er tea is rich in antioxidants such as catechins, tea pigments, flavonoids, vitamin C, vitamin E, and D-carotene. It also contains abundant antioxidant trace elements like zinc, manganese, copper (a component of SOD), and selenium (a component of GSHPX).

The catechins, theaflavins, theanine, and polysaccharides, especially the complex flavonoids, in raw Pu'er tea have free-radical scavenging effects, thus playing a role in antioxidation and delaying cellular aging.

3. Bactericidal and Anti-inflammatory

The main components of Pu'er tea infusion are theaflavins and thearubigins. Studies have shown that theaflavins are not only effective free-radical scavengers and antioxidants but also have significant antibacterial effects against Clostridium botulinum, enterobacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Bacillus subtilis.

In addition, theaflavins can inhibit the invasion of influenza viruses and infections by rotaviruses and enteroviruses.

4. Diuretic and Detoxifying

The polyphenols in Pu'er tea can precipitate nicotine in tobacco, allowing it to be excreted through urine, and also eliminate free radicals in smoke, reducing the toxic effects of smoke on the human body.

Taboos for Drinking Pu'er Tea

1. Drinking strong Pu'er tea on an empty stomach is not recommended; one should choose the right time to drink it. As the saying goes, “Empty stomach tea causes palpitations, late tea makes sleep difficult.” Drinking tea on an empty stomach dilutes gastric acid and inhibits gastric juice secretion, hindering digestion. It can even lead to symptoms like palpitations, headaches, gastric discomfort, blurred vision, and irritability, known as “tea drunkenness,” and can interfere with protein absorption.

2. Pu'er tea should be drunk immediately after brewing; it's not advisable to drink overnight Pu'er tea. After prolonged steeping, harmful substances like heavy metals can leach out of the tea, and polyphenols can oxidize, causing the tea color to become murky and reducing its Health benefits.

3. Freshly made Pu'er tea should not be consumed immediately. From a nutritional standpoint, newly produced raw Pu'er tea, without having been stored for a period of time, has not undergone oxidation of its nutrients. Drinking it over a long period may produce adverse reactions in elderly patients with insufficient gastric acid or chronic gastric ulcers.

4. Pu'er tea should be drunk warm, not too hot or cold. “Mild tea, warm drunk, ensures longevity.” Drinking cold Pu'er tea can have negative effects on the mouth, throat, and intestines, particularly in those with poor spleen and stomach function. Therefore, warm drinking is advocated for health benefits.

5. Avoid drinking large amounts of Pu'er tea before and after meals. Drinking large amounts of Pu'er tea before meals dilutes saliva, affecting food digestion. Drinking after meals should be timed appropriately, rather than done blindly. The best results for health and well-being are achieved when there is at least an hour between meals and Tea drinking.

6. Drink Pu'er tea moderately before bedtime. It is best not to drink raw Pu'er tea within 2 hours before sleeping as it may cause mental excitement, disrupt sleep, or even insomnia. However, a small amount of milder, cooked Pu'er tea can be consumed.