Some people experience dizziness, insomnia, weakness, or stomach pain after drinking new tea, a condition known as "tea drunkenness syndrome." This is because tea leaves harvested less than a month ago contain high levels of caffeine, active alkaloids, and aromatic compounds, which are unsuitable for those with chronic gastrointestinal issues. Avoid drinking tea on an empty stomach, as the cold nature of green tea can harm the spleen and stomach, leading to "tea drunkenness." So, how can one drink tea to avoid such side effects?
Drink the Right Tea for Better Health
1. Red Tea for Active Lifestyles
Red tea is warm in nature, making it suitable for physically weak individuals, athletes, and laborers. Adding sugar can provide extra energy and nutrition. Pregnant women in their last 1–2 months and postpartum can benefit from drinking red tea.
2. Green Tea for Radiation Protection
Office workers and mental laborers can drink green tea to stay alert and improve productivity. However, those with a cold or阳虚体质 should avoid green tea and opt for floral or red tea instead.
3. Black Tea for Meat Eaters
Black tea aids fat digestion, making it ideal for those who consume a lot of meat, like beef and lamb, or for weight loss. Ethnic minorities and border regions often prefer fermented teas like brick tea or Pu-erh tea due to dietary habits.
4. Floral Tea for Mood Enhancement
Floral tea helps relieve stress and uplift mood, suitable for overworked individuals,阳虚体质, or those with脾胃虚寒. It also benefits women during menstruation or menopause by soothing irritability and regulating emotions.
5. Cassia Seed Tea for Constipation
Cassia seeds promote bowel movements and aid in lowering血脂. However, those with脾胃虚寒 or diarrhea should use caution.
6. Chrysanthemum Tea for Liver Heat
High blood pressure often accompanies口干口苦 or mouth sores, signs of肝火旺. Chrysanthemum tea cools the liver, relieves headaches, and soothes sore throats. Hangzhou white chrysanthemum or胎菊 are best for this purpose.
7. Oolong Tea for Weight Loss
Oolong tea helps lower血脂, prevent动脉粥样硬化, and promote longevity. It’s ideal for weight loss, beauty, and those with三高 (high blood sugar,血脂, or cholesterol).
Brewing Tea All Day?
Steeping floral, red, or green tea in boiling water releases about 55% of soluble substances in the first 3 minutes, 30% in the second brew, 10% in the third, and only 1%–3% in the fourth. Tea steeped all day is essentially water.
Does Tea Cause Calcium Loss or Insomnia?
Moderate tea consumption won’t cause calcium deficiency if balanced with milk or tofu. To avoid insomnia, limit green tea and opt for Pu-erh or red tea. Unfermented tea (e.g., green tea) has the most caffeine; semi-fermented (e.g., red or oolong tea) has less, and fully fermented (e.g., black tea) has the least. Most caffeine dissolves in the first 3 minutes, so skip the first brew or strong tea if sensitive.