Living harmoniously with the seasons means changing and adapting the ways we behave. According to the Chinese medicine classic Huang Di Nei Jing, each season in nature should be mimicked by humans in the way we sleep, exercise and of course what foods we eat. Teas are no exception.
In this article, we will present one tea and one caffeine-free option for living harmoniously with the seasons following the principles of Chinese medicine.
Spring: White tea
In the Spring, nature comes out of dormancy, new shoots sprout and bud everywhere.
Because white tea buds are harvested very young and tender, and are minimally processed, this tea reflects growing and sprouting the energy of spring.
White tea is the highest in catechin, an antioxidant powerhouse said to support your body’s fight against free radicals and oxidative damage.
Caffeine free option for spring: milk thistle
Milk thistle tea is made from the herb with milky, white-veined leaves. It is a know liver support herb, and since Chinese medicine considers Spring to resonate with the energy of the liver and gall bladder, it is a perfect choice for the season.
It has many benefits, which are perfect for a spring time liver detox.
protecting the liver
stimulating breast milk production
helping with diabetes management
Summer: Green tea
Green tea is said to lower the risk of heart disease.
Long Jing Green tea (aka Dragon Well)
boasts benefits such as weight loss management, prevention of cancer, and relief from stress and anxiety.
It is slightly astringent and yellower in color than other green teas.
Green tea is cooling and slightly bitter in nature, making it the preferred option during hot summer days.
Caffeine free option: peppermint
Peppermint is a cooling herb according to Chinese medicine, and will help you regulate body temperature by making you sweat gently thanks to its diaphoretic properties.
cools and clears the head and eyes
benefits the throat
expels turbid Qi
Other summer drinks
Check out our article about healthy summer drinks
Fall: Oolong tea
Tie Guan Yin Oolong (aka Iron Goddess of Mercy)
Oolong tea leaves are picked during specific times during the year and left to wither and dry under the sun once harvested. This makes them semi-oxidized, so they contain both catechins and theaflavins. This perfect blend is like having a cup of both green tea and black tea.
Studies have shown that oolong tea supports heart health by aiding in healthy blood sugar and triglyceride levels. It may also help people maintain a healthy body weight (read). Researchers noticed these powerful results when participants drank just two cups of oolong tea per day.
Caffeine free option for fall: Rooibos Chai mix
Rooibos is an herbal tea thought to be particularly good for fertility in both men and women. And because chai mix is basically pumpkin spice, it. is perfect for fall season!
It contains medicinal spices that support the digestive organs Spleen and Stomach, which are in harmony with Fall according to the 5-elements theory. These herbs include
clove
cardamom
ginger
cinnamon
Medicinal herbal teas for fall season ailments
Check out our article for more symptom-oriented teas to target allergies, cold and flu during fall season.
Winter: Pu'er black tea
Pu'Er Black tea: this precious black tea has undergone a long fermentation process which makes it high in beneficial bacteria (probiotics) that may provide added health benefits.
Its warmer nature makes it the good choice for cold winter days. It not only staves off the bitter cold, but also increases our immune systems. The tea tastes earthy and the first steep should be thrown away.
During flu season, ripe Pu-erh can also soothe upset stomachs and get you back on your feet in no time.
Caffeine free option for winter: Ginger tea
Dried ginger is considered hot in nature, while fresh ginger is warm. Both support digestion and immune function and are used in cooking as well as in herbal formulas.
And you, what's your favorite tea?
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