It is said that even experienced tea masters are prone to the following incorrect ways of drinking tea. See if you've made any of these mistakes......
▶ Mistake 1: A handful of tea leaves in a big cup, drinking all day
This method is particularly common—grabbing a handful of tea leaves and steeping them in a cup from morning till night. In fact, this is the most harmful way to drink tea. Tea leaves should not be soaked in water for too long, as prolonged steeping increases the tea's alkaloid content, which can affect health. Additionally, separating the tea leaves from the water ensures the best taste.
▶ Mistake 2: Drinking tea without 'awakening' it first
'Awakening' tea means letting dormant or sealed tea leaves come into contact with air and moisture, allowing them to absorb natural energy and revive their essence for brewing. Different teas require different awakening methods. For teas like Pu-erh and black tea, which are more durable, the method involves taking them out of storage and placing them in a brewing vessel (such as a purple clay pot) and using 100°C boiling water to awaken them. For more delicate teas like green tea, white tea, and yellow tea, the awakening water temperature should not be too high—85°C to 90°C is sufficient. Note that the first brew after awakening should not be consumed and should be discarded.
▶ Mistake 3: Drinking overnight tea
Leaving brewed tea for too long causes further oxidation of tea polyphenols, darkening the tea. Generally, overnight tea is not spoiled or carcinogenic. In hot summer, a cup of cold overnight tea can help clear heat and relieve summer heat, but its cold nature can harm the stomach, so it should not be consumed excessively. Moreover, overnight tea has significantly reduced nutrients and a bland taste, so drinking it regularly will not provide health preservation benefits. Tea is best consumed freshly brewed for optimal flavor and effects.
▶ Mistake 4: Drinking tea on an empty stomach
Drinking tea on an empty stomach allows its properties to enter the lungs and stomach, chilling the spleen and stomach—equivalent to 'inviting a wolf into the house.' China has long had the saying, 'Do not drink hollow tea.'
▶ Mistake 5: Drinking scalding tea
Overly hot tea strongly irritates the throat, esophagus, and stomach. Long-term consumption of excessively hot tea may lead to lesions in these organs. Foreign studies show that those who frequently drink tea above 62°C are more prone to stomach damage and related diseases. The ideal tea temperature is below 56°C.
▶ Mistake 6: Drinking cold tea
Warm or hot tea refreshes the mind and sharpens the senses, while cold tea can cause stagnation, cold accumulation, and phlegm in the body.
▶ Mistake 7: Drinking strong tea
Strong tea contains excessive caffeine and theophylline, which can overstimulate the body, leading to headaches and insomnia.
▶ Mistake 8: Drinking tea before meals
Drinking tea before meals dilutes saliva, dulling the taste of food and temporarily reducing the digestive organs' ability to absorb protein.
▶ Mistake 9: Drinking the same tea all year round
Some people believe a particular tea is excellent and stick to it for a long time due to trust. However, Chinese health practices emphasize seasonal adjustments—different teas for different seasons, even different times of the day. In cold autumn and winter, fermented teas like ripe Pu-erh and black tea are better, while in hot summer, raw Pu-erh and green tea are more suitable.
▶ Mistake 10: Drinking raw tea or green tea daily
Raw Pu-erh and green tea have a fresh, fragrant taste and a sweet aftertaste, making them popular choices for daily consumption. However, these are non-fermented teas. While they can refresh the mind, clear heat, quench thirst, and improve eyesight, their cold nature can harm the stomach and body if consumed excessively. They should be enjoyed occasionally or alternated with other teas. Fermented teas like black tea and ripe Pu-erh, which are warm in nature, are better suited for daily consumption and health maintenance.
▶ Mistake 11: Women drinking tea daily
From a nutritional perspective, tea is low in calories and rich in vitamins A, B, and C, making it a favorite among women for its benefits without weight gain concerns. Beyond plain tea, adding ingredients like roses, tangerine peel, goji berries, or red dates can create floral or blended teas with beauty and health benefits. However, women should avoid tea during menstruation and pregnancy, and daily consumption should not be too strong.
▶ Mistake 12: Steeping tea for too long
Steeping tea for too long leads to automatic oxidation of tea polyphenols, lipids, and aromatic substances, resulting in a dull, tasteless, and low-fragrance tea that loses its appeal. Additionally, prolonged steeping reduces vitamins C and P and amino acids, diminishing the tea's nutritional value. Furthermore, tea left out too long becomes contaminated by the environment, increasing microbial (bacterial and fungal) content, making it unhygienic. Over-brewing: Most teas lose their essence after 3-4 brews. Tests show the first brew extracts about 50% of soluble substances, the second 30%, the third 10%, and the fourth only 1-3%. Further brewing may release harmful trace elements, as these tend to leach out last.