Asian teas have been treasured for centuries, offering not just a drink but a cultural experience and a wealth of health benefits. Reports say tea drrinking started around 2700 B.C. in ancient China. Today, the custom continues to grow, bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and conventional medicine.
Understanding Different Types of Asian Teas
From the calming rituals of Japan to the medicinal brews of India, teas from Asia have deep roots in culture and tradition. Understanding the different varieties of Asian teas can open doors to appreciating their history, cultural significance, and potential benefits for your health.
The rich heritage of Asian tea culture shows the power of traditional medicine to unite people across cultural lines. By learning about different varieties of Asian teas and their history, we can better appreciate the role they can play in our lives today.
Types of Asian Teas
Whether you’re a seasoned tea lover or just starting your journey, there’s something uniquely enriching about sipping a cup of tea steeped in both tradition and research. Here are seven popular herbal teas from Asia that you might find interesting.
Green Tea
Green tea, scientifically known as Camellia sinensis, originates from China and Japan. It is possibly the most widely recognized of all Chinese tea varieties. Green tea is known for its light, grassy flavor, and is revered for its antioxidant-rich properties1. This tea is central to many cultural ceremonies, like Japan’s tea ritual.
Traditional Uses Green Tea: In Chinese culture, this Asian tea benefits include promoting focus, improving digestion, and enhancing longevity. Today Chinese green tea is prized for helping with digestion, heart health, and boosting the immune system.
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Tulsi Basil Tea
Tulsi Basil tea which is also known as Holy Basil and scientifically named Ocimum tenuiflorum, originates in India. The herbal tea from India is cherished in Ayurvedic medicine practices. It is celebrated for its adaptogenic properties that aid in stress relief and overall balance.
Tulsi basil tea uses: Tulsi Basil tea is consumed to ward off illness and balance the body’s energy. It is also used to relieve gastrointestinal problems, balance female hormones, and reduce stress and anxiety.
Chrysanthemum Tea
Chrysanthemum tea, made from Chrysanthemum morifolium, hails from China. This floral infusion with a soothing aroma is popular in traditional Chinese medicine for its cooling effects and support for eye health.
Chrysanthemum Tea Uses: In Chinese Traditional Medicine2 (TCM) Chrysanthemum Tea is used as a remedy for cooling the body and improving vision health.
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Sakura Tea
Sakura tea, crafted from Prunus serrulata, is a delicate infusion. Cherry blossoms are carefully picked and preserved in salt. When brewed, the salt is rinsed off, and the blossoms are steeped in hot water to make this Asisan tea. The result is a delicate, floral tea with a light pink hue of cherry blossoms from Japan.
Sakura tea uses: In Japanese culture, the tea symbolizes renewal and so Sakura tea is often enjoyed during Japanese Spring festivals. This Asian tea is celebrated for its beauty, and is traditionally associated with cleansing and calming rituals.
Learn more about this calming Cherry Flower Tea
Yomogi Tea
Yomogi tea, derived from Artemisia princeps, comes from Japan. Made from mugwort leaves, yomogi tea has a slightly bitter taste3 and is known for its detoxifying properties. The tea is often consumed for its potential health benefits and its unique, earthy flavor.
Yomogi tea uses: Mugwort, a traditional herb in Japanese medicine,4 is believed to aid digestion and improve overall health. Yomogi tea is consumed to help induce relaxation and reduce inflammation as well as promote digestion.
Astragalus Root Tea
Astragalus root tea, made from Astragalus membranaceus, originates in China. With a mild, sweet flavor, this tea has a long history in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for offering immunity, anti-aging5 and immune boosting benefits.
Astragalus Root tea uses: This one of the best Asian teas known for its proven immune response and cardiovascular health benefits.
Explore more Benefits of Astragalus Root Tea
Licorice Root Tea
Licorice root tea is brewed the licorice plant, scientifically known as Glycyrrhiza glabra. It is native to Southern Europe and India. It has long, woody roots that are harvested for their sweet flavor and medicinal properties. Licorice root is commonly used in traditional medicine.
Licorice root tea uses: Licorice tea has been traditionally used for its soothing properties, particularly in easing digestive issues and soothing sore throats. Licorice root is used in confectionery, and flavoring for its distinctive taste and health benefits.
Licorice root tea, brewed from the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant native to southern Europe and India, is valued for its sweet flavor and medicinal properties. Traditionally used to soothe digestive issues and sore throats, it also finds use in confectionery and flavoring due to its distinctive taste and health benefits.
Visit this Page to Uncover top Locorice Tea Benefits
The Rich Heritage of Asian Tea Culture
Asian tea culture has a long and rich history, spanning thousands of years. It includes ancient Chinese tea ceremonies and modern tea houses. Tea drinking plays a big part of Asian societies’ social and cultural lives with each region having its own tea traditions.
Some key parts of Asian tea culture are:
| Asian Tea Cultures | Tradrional Ceremonies |
|---|---|
| Chinese Culture | The traditional Chinese tea ceremony, which highlights tea’s role in social gatherings and special events. |
| Japanese Culture | The Japanese tea ceremony, known for its simplicity and elegance. |
| Korean Culture | The Korean tea ceremony, which uses traditional tea utensils and ceramics. |
Modern Applications of Traditional Asian Teas
Asian teas have been known for their health benefits for centuries. Modern research shows these benefits come from bioactive compounds like catechins and antioxidants. The unique mix of tea’s polyphenolic compounds is key to these health benefits.
Modern Benefits
Here are some proven benefits based on modern research:
- Green Tea Modern Benefits: Green tea catechins make up 30-42% of its content. It also has 3-6% caffeine. The tea’s rich catechins, supports heart health and metabolism while aiding cognitive function.
- Chrysanthemum Tea Uses: Contains flavonoids that may reduce inflammation and promote relaxation. Chrysanthemum tea offers a variety of health benefits, thanks to its rich composition of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Tulsi Basil Tea Uses: Packed with antioxidants, it helps support the immune system. The tea offers stress management, cholesterol lowering and anti-inflammatory and other health benefits.
- Yomogi Tea Traditional Uses: Used in Japanese traditions to Yomogi tea, also known as mugwort tea, is one of the tradtional Asian teas consumed to relieve menstrual pain, stomach discomfort and improve digestion, as well as support liver health.
- Sakura Tea Benefits: High in antioxidants, it’s praised for its potential anti-aging benefits. It is one the popular Asian teas consumed for sore throat relief, soothing coughs and colds and improving skin condition.
- Astragalus Root Tea Uses: Known to enhance immune response and may improve cardiovascular health. It supports kidney health, eases inflammatory pain, manages blood pressure and improves cardiovascular health.
- Licorice Root Tea: Contains glycyrrhizin, which can soothe sore throats and support digestive health. Licorice root tea is also a popular hormone balancing herbal tea.
According to recent studies drinking traditional herbal teas regularly may help lower the risk of diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Even though some compounds are not very easily absorbed by the body, they can still provide health benefits.
Brewing Techniques for Maximum Benefits
Getting the right brewing techniques is key for Asian teas. The traditional method of gongfu cha uses small teapots and cups. It allows for a rich flavor and a deeper appreciation of the tea’s aroma and texture.
For beginners, knowing about water temperature and tea leaf size is crucial. The water temperature needed varies by tea type, from 75C to 95C. The size of the tea leaves also affects the brewing time, with smaller leaves needing less time.
Conclusion: Integrating Asian Teas into Your Daily Wellness Routine
Asian teas are more than just drinks; they are a gateway to a healthier life. With their rich traditions and modern health perks, they can transform your daily routine. From green tea which is packed with antioxidants to calming herbal teas such as chrysanthemum and tulsi basil, adding them to your day can potentially improve your health.
Begin your day with a refreshing cup of tea from Asia, enjoy or or relax with a floral tea at night. In either case, Asian teas are a smart choice for helping you achieve a more balanced and rejuvenated life.
What is your favorite Asian tea. Share with us by leaving a comment below:
References
- Musial C, Kuban-Jankowska A, Gorska-Ponikowska M. Beneficial Properties of Green Tea Catechins. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Mar 4;21(5):1744. doi: 10.3390/ijms21051744. PMID: 32143309; PMCID: PMC7084675. ↩︎
- Fung, Foon Yin, and Yeh Ching Linn. “Developing traditional chinese medicine in the era of evidence-based medicine: current evidences and challenges.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM vol. 2015 (2015): 425037. doi:10.1155/2015/425037 ↩︎
- Park, Hee-Jung et al. “Identification of bitter components from Artemisia princeps Pamp.” Food science and biotechnology vol. 25,1 27-32. 29 Feb. 2016, doi:10.1007/s10068-016-0004-z ↩︎
- Watanabe, Kenji et al. “Traditional Japanese Kampo Medicine: Clinical Research between Modernity and Traditional Medicine-The State of Research and Methodological Suggestions for the Future.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM vol. 2011 (2011): 513842. doi:10.1093/ecam/neq067 ↩︎
- Liu, Ping et al. “Anti-Aging Implications of Astragalus Membranaceus (Huangqi): A Well-Known Chinese Tonic.” Aging and disease vol. 8,6 868-886. 1 Dec. 2017, doi:10.14336/AD.2017.0816 ↩︎
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