China has a long history of 'using tea to treat diseases.' Ancient folk records document the use of aged Pu-erh tea to treat conditions such as diabetes, dysentery, and colds. Research on the functions of Pu-erh tea has proven at least nine major health preservation benefits: supplementing dietary nutrition; aiding digestion, reducing greasiness, and regulating the stomach; lowering lipids, aiding weight loss, softening blood vessels, and preventing cardiovascular diseases; anti-oxidation, delaying aging, and prolonging life; anti-cancer and anti-mutation; improving glucose metabolism, lowering blood sugar, and preventing diabetes; sterilizing and reducing inflammation; diuretic detoxification and mitigating the harm of alcohol and tobacco.
In times of scarce medical resources, Pu-erh tea was regarded as a treasure by the people, used to treat ailments like measles in children, sore throat, fever, stomach discomfort, and水土不服 (adaptation to new environments), often with immediate effects that showcased its remarkable efficacy.
At the same time, Pu-erh tea, with its refreshing and mild nature, along with benefits like anti-aging, weight loss, and detoxification, is deeply loved by women and considered a beauty essential.
Professor Liu Zhonghua from Hunan Agricultural University unveiled the efficacy of Pu-erh tea. From February 2011 to June 2012, research centers including the National Engineering Research Center for Plant Functional Components, Tsinghua University's Modernization Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Peking University's Aging Medical Research Center conducted studies on Pu-erh tea. These studies explored its healthcare functions and scientific mechanisms at chemical, cellular, and molecular levels, uncovering numerous benefits.
1. Pu-erh tea has significant anti-aging and beauty effects.
2. It prevents skin cell photoaging.
3. It notably reduces blood lipids.
4. It has a clear blood sugar-lowering effect.
5. It effectively repairs alcohol-induced liver damage.
6. It exhibits obvious anti-inflammatory properties.
7. It balances gut microbiota, regulating digestion.
8. Aged Pu-erh tea surpasses new tea in health benefits.
Collecting Pu-erh tea promotes health. It stores easily—just keep it dry, away from light, and odor-free. Over time, its flavor evolves. As the saying goes, 'One year as tea, three years as medicine, seven years as treasure,' older Pu-erh tea holds higher medicinal value.
Tea drinkers and collectors share a love for tea, but collectors are more meticulous, savoring tea they've aged themselves. Well-aged Pu-erh tea is highly prized, with rare historical pieces surpassing gold in value. Unique tea products also serve as artistic decor, reflecting the owner's cultural taste.
Storage methods for Pu-erh tea:
Among the six major tea categories, Pu-erh tea is the most unique. It coexists with nature, its quality improving over time. Unlike other teas that fear oxidation and moisture, Pu-erh thrives in natural conditions. Store it in shade—sunlight accelerates oxidation, causing off-flavors. Ensure ventilation; avoid airtight containers like plastic bags. Use breathable materials like kraft or parchment paper for packaging.