Health, fitness and longevity supplements include a range of Chinese teas

Health, fitness and longevity supplements include a range of Chinese teas

The origin of tea was China. The Zhuo (1034-246 BC), Qin (361-296 BC), and Han (206 BC-226 AD) dynasties all embodied extensive tea drinking. The use of tea for medicinal nutritional, health, fitness and longevity purposes is governed by the “Wuxing” or 5 Element School System (TCM), which includes traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, massage, health qigong, feng shui, keep-fit, wu-shu kung fu, Chinese herbal use and more.

Chinese tea, purchased in bags or in delightful crystallized blocks, contains an amazing number of flavors, textures, herbal and nutritional ingredients. Applications - also for health, youth and longevity - are guaranteed by the long history of TCM. The history of the 5 elements or “Wuxing” is even longer.

Drinking Chinese tea at home or at work is wonderful. Consumed in teahouses such as 'Up Tea!' located on Little Newport Street, London's Chinatown, tea drinking can be a delightful experience.

Tea, health and wuxing

The 5 Element School “Wuxing” connects each of the body’s 5 major internal organs (and much more) to the elements as follows: Spleen (Earth) Lung (Metal) Kidneys (Water) Liver (Wood) and Heart (Fire). Wuxing is a proven internal and external balancing health system. Many teas contain remedies to cure or prevent common ailments or to promote optimal health, youthfulness and longevity, derived from the 5-element system, which is still widely and officially used today.

INSTANT CHRYSANTHEMUM DRINK (ju hua cha)

This chrysanthemum tea consists of 45% dried flower extracts crystallized on 55% cane sugar. Chrysanthemum tea treats irritation and inflammation in the lungs, nasal passages, and throat due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It also promotes improved vision and particularly helps cleanse the liver.

Wuxing students learn how the eyes and liver are connected, correspond to the wood element, and both can be naturally nourished by Ju Hua Cha. They also practice 5-element Qigong routines with similar effects.

TIEN-CHI (celestial energy) GINSENG FLOWER TEA (ren shen cha)

Tien-chi Ginseng (Panax pseudoginseng) ginseng tea variety from southwest China is mainly grown in Yunnan and Guangxi provinces. Tien Chi plant root is used as a health product to regulate blood circulation. The flower acts as a heat and toxin cleansing herb used to reduce inflammation, feelings of fever, rashes, and sore throats.

XIAMEN GREEN TEA (lu cha)

Green tea particularly stimulates the heart, promotes digestion and relieves fatigue. Green tea encourages the body to metabolize more fat and is therefore often used in diets and weight loss. It also promotes longevity and general physical detoxification.

However, since it slightly inhibits iron absorption from food, green tea should be avoided by anemia patients and women during their menstruation

Jasmine flower tea (mo li hua cha)

There are several different types of jasmine tea, including green, jade, or black tea. Good for oral hygiene and palate cleansing (before, after or during meals). The highly aromatic, calming nature of jasmine tea also stimulates digestion, promotes relaxation and helps prevent insomnia.

MORNING STAR GINGER DRINK (sheng jiang cha)

Ginger tea stimulates and balances the activity of the heart, lungs and spleen in particular and supports the balanced function of the 5 major internal organs as a system in a strengthening way. Its antibacterial properties also make it a popular cold and flu remedy.

LUO HAN GUO EXTRACT TEA (Luo Han Cha)

Luo Han Guo (Luohanguo) aka “monk fruit” (one of many longevity compounds) is a member of the gourd family and a fruit known for its sweet taste. Luo hancha. It is also known medicinally for treating coughs and sore throats and promoting longevity. Luohanguo has more recently been developed into a low-calorie sweetener.

Once prepared, this dark brown, toffee-tasting tea can be drunk hot or cold.

CHONG JI 5 FLOWERS TEA (wu hua cha)

This blend of 5 Chinese medicinal herbs eliminates internal heat, promotes diuresis and detoxification. It can also be used to treat sore eyes, sore throats, dysentery, and constipation. Delivered concentrated in cane sugar crystals, it has a pleasant caramel taste

In total

Drinking Chinese tea in accordance with the elements theory improves health, youthfulness and longevity in many ways. 5-Element Qigong offers internal breathing and external massage routines with the same goal.

The brands and teas mentioned above are easily available in your local Chinese supermarkets. The Chinese names of the teas appear in brackets. They are all inexpensive, offer great value for money, are genuine and offer the real “thrill”!