Tea and Traditional Chinese Medicine: Health Benefits Based on Body Types

Tea has long been celebrated in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its therapeutic benefits, with different types of tea offering unique health advantages based on their inherent properties and the individual's constitution. In TCM, it's believed that balancing the body's internal environment is key to maintaining health and preventing illness. Different teas—each with its own temperature nature, from cooling to warming—are used to address various physical conditions and imbalances. This guide explores the benefits and recommended uses of various types of tea, including green, white, yellow, oolong, black, and pu-erh, and how they can be integrated into your daily routine to support well-being according to your body's specific needs.

Green Tea - Cool in Nature

• Benefits: Stimulates the mind, diuretic, alleviates fatigue, and has anti-aging properties.
• Recommended For: People with a "hot" constitution or those with excessive stomach heat. Green tea also offers excellent radiation protection, making it ideal for those who work long hours in front of a computer.
• Precautions: Excessive consumption may lead to reduced sleep. Not recommended for individuals with a cold stomach.

White Tea - Cool in Nature

• Benefits: Prevents heatstroke, reduces inflammation and detoxifies, alleviates toothaches, improves vision, protects the liver, and helps with hangovers.
• Recommended For: Similar to green tea, aged white tea has effects that help expel pathogenic factors and strengthen the body.
• Precautions: Due to its cooling nature, it can be consumed in moderation on an empty stomach for those with stomach heat, while those with a neutral stomach can drink it anytime. However, individuals with a cold stomach should consume it after meals.

Yellow Tea - Cool in Nature

• Benefits: Similar to green tea, helps eliminate fatigue and aids digestion. The difference lies in the taste: green tea is refreshing, while yellow tea has a rich flavor.
• Recommended For: Those with digestive issues, poor appetite, and those who are inactive or overweight.
• Precautions: Not suitable for people with weak digestive systems or pregnant women.

Oolong Tea / Green Tea - Neutral in Nature

• Benefits: Breaks down fat, aids in weight loss, improves skin allergies, has anti-tumor effects, and helps prevent aging.
• Recommended For: Suitable for everyone.
• Precautions: Should not be consumed on an empty stomach, as it may cause tea polyphenol-related issues (such as palpitations and dizziness from overly strong or excessive tea).

Black Tea - Warm in Nature

• Benefits: Warms the stomach, alleviates fatigue, reduces water retention, and boosts energy.
• Recommended For: Ideal for those with a cold stomach, who have cold extremities, are weak, or are older. Adding milk or honey can enhance the flavor.
• Precautions: Not suitable for those prone to heat symptoms (such as bad breath, thick tongue coating, or red eyes), stone patients, or individuals with insomnia.

Pu-erh Tea - Warm in Nature

• Benefits: Reduces greasiness, detoxifies, lowers blood lipid levels and blood pressure, and aids in weight loss.
• Recommended For: Smokers, drinkers, and those with high blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar.
• Precautions: Not recommended for individuals with anemia or low blood sugar.