As spring begins, the earth thaws and all things come back to life, presenting a scene of vibrant vitality. Spring is the season when yang energy ascends; just like seeds sprouting and sap rising in trees, it is a growth from bottom to top. This is why we need to focus on health preservation in spring, to maintain the balance of yin and yang within our bodies. After a long winter, our internal yang energy has been somewhat depleted, so as we enter spring, we should replenish its deficiency and restore our vitality.
How can you pair Puer Tea better for health in spring? Here are some recommended combinations.
01
Puer Tea + Honey
Puer tea leaves are rich in the trace element manganese, which has a protective effect on the skin. Honey has the benefits of beautifying the complexion and detoxifying, making it a great match with Puer ripe tea. In particular, the mild nature of Puer ripe tea can mitigate the stimulation of honey on the digestive system. Once the Puer tea infusion has cooled slightly, add a small amount of honey for an excellent taste and enhanced benefits for skincare, beautification, and detoxification.
It's important to note that boiling water can destroy the nutrients in honey, so wait until the Puer tea cools down before adding the honey for optimal nutrition. The drink is especially refreshing when chilled.
In the “Compendium of Materia Medica” (Bencao Gangmu), under the section on roses in Volume Seven, Flowers, it is described as follows: “Its aroma is fragrant, its nature warm, its taste sweet and slightly bitter, entering the spleen and liver meridians, harmonizing and moving the blood.” From this, we can see that rose Puer is particularly suitable for women. Rose flowers help regulate the liver and qi, improve endocrine function, and are beneficial for those experiencing prolonged depression or low moods. Regular consumption promotes relaxation and improves circulation. Besides roses, jasmine and hibiscus also have a fresh fragrance that can help improve mood.
The nature of Puer tea is mild, making it suitable for people with cold constitutions. During the rainy season in March and April, you can brew a warm cup of Puer tea with freshly ground ginger juice and brown sugar to warm the body, dispel cold, and nourish the blood. You can also add brown sugar, dates, or osmanthus to the infusion or decoction for even greater warming and blood-nourishing effects. This healthy sweet beverage, made by combining the natural components of Puer tea and ginger, is suitable for both hot and cold drinking, with a pleasant aroma and sweetness.
Chrysanthemum, goji Berry, and Puer tea is rich in carotenoids, flavonoids, and vitamins B1, B2, C, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and other essential nutrients for eye health. Carotenoids are converted into vitamin A by enzymes, enhancing the retina's cellular structure and improving photoreception. Flavonoids have excellent antioxidant properties, helping to recover and prevent vision decline.
This blend is suitable for office workers and helps eliminate grease, cleanse the intestines, and support metabolism. Simply place the tea and goji berries in a glass cup, pour boiling water over them, and serve, or boil them in water and consume.
The climate in southern regions is often humid, and in places like Guangdong, there is a tradition of drinking Puer tea with aged tangerine Peel, known as “Citrus Puer tea.” Puer ripe tea helps reduce fat and eliminate greasiness, while aged tangerine peel regulates qi and strengthens the spleen, improving weak digestion and poor digestion. Citrus Puer can be brewed or decocted, aiding in eliminating grease, cleansing the intestines, and supporting metabolism.
In spring, new teas can be enjoyed, but avoid excessive consumption. Newly harvested teas, without the benefit of long-term storage, still retain their “fire,” and the polyphenols and alcohols within have not been fully oxidized, which can strongly stimulate the gastrointestinal mucosa and cause symptoms such as dizziness, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea.
Moreover, new teas contain higher levels of Caffeine, active alkaloids, and aromatic compounds, which can easily lead to nervous excitement and “tea intoxication.” For drinking Puer tea, enjoy raw Puer during the day to refresh the mind, alleviate fatigue, and detoxify and beautify the complexion. Drink ripe Puer in the evening for its mild nature, which helps lower lipids and blood pressure. It accelerates fat metabolism in the body, keeping you healthy every day.