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PU-ERH-TEA - 綠茶 / 绿茶
Camellia assamica
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Obesity, high cholesterin levels, digestive disorders, light depression, fatigue, diarrhea, headache, migraine, influenza; to counter the effects of excessive alcohol consumption, to strengthen liver function, to strengthen the nerves and brain function ...
Description
Composition :
Capsule, 100% Camellia assamica fol - 280 mg
Part used :
Leaves
Pu-Erh Tea is made from the leaves of a plant called Camellia sinensis in the Tea family (Theaceae), native to China, in particular to the Yunnan province, a region famous for the fact that it represents all climate zones, from tropical to alpine (peaks of 6000 meters / 10’000ft in height). Besides unrivaled beauty, this region also boasts a wide range of traditional medicinal herbs. There is no industry, no pollution to impact the traditional ways of cultivating and harvesting this botanical treasure, and herbs from this province are highly revered and sought after. A 800 year-old tree measunring 30 meters called ‘Qingmao Tree’ which is revered as the father of the Pu-Erh Tea plant, is found here as well.
The Pu-Erh Tea plant is a evergreen shrub or small tree that is usually trimmed to below 2 meters (7ft) when cultivated for its leaves. It is grown in many tropical regions of the world, notably India. It has a strong taproot. The flowers are yellow-white, 2.5 – 4 cm (1–2in) in diameter, with 7 to 8 petals. The leaves are 4 – 15 cm (2–6 in) long and 2–5 cm (1–2in) wide. Fresh leaves contain about 4% caffeine. The young, light green leaves are preferably harvested for tea production; they have short white hairs on the underside. Older leaves are deeper green. Different leaf ages produce differing tea qualities, since their chemical compositions are different.
White tea, yellow tea, green tea, oolong, Pu-Erh Tea and black tea are all harvested from this species, but are processed differently to attain different levels of oxidation*. Kukicha (twig tea) is also harvested from Camellia sinensis, but uses twigs and stems rather than leaves. This plant is not to be confused with the Tea Tree Oil plant (Melaleuca alternifolia), the source of Tea Tree oil. There are two major varieties used for tea: Chinese tea, Camellia sinensis var. sinensis, and Assam tea, Camellia sinensis var. assamica.
In Yunnan province, the medicinal properties of Pu-Erh Tea have been the subject of studies for decades; among other, it was shown that Pu-Erh Tea may lower cholesterol levels, or in TCM (Traditional chinese Medicine) terms, it promotes and regulates life energy (‚Qi‘). It is considered the number one tea to promote health.
The degree of processing (i.e. the stage of fermentation, just like with wine) largely defines the taste and quality of the tea, it’s medical properties and its price (some of the priciest teas are stored for 60 years). In China (TCM), Pu-Erh Tea is used to treat digestive disorders, fatigue, migraine, depression and the symptoms of alcohol abuse. Clinical tests have shown that Pu-Erh may increase alcohol and fat metabolism (reduction) in the liver – it even reduces fat in the tissue in other parts of the body. On a side note: when dealing with fat reduction, ensure that a proper supply of adequate carbohydrates is warranted. The fat metabolism in the body produces ketones which in excess may cause acidity in the tissues and rheumatic symptoms, even gout. To help dissolve ketones, carbohydrates (wheat, rice, etc.) are required.
* In the case of Pu-Erh there are indications that it is stored in such a way that edible mold is formed on the surface of the leaves (comparable to grapes which may have yeast and mold layers on the skin to create particular flavours). The green leaves are packed to a cake and fermented until they turn to a reddish brown – the exact process being kept a secret. Maybe this peculiarity is one explanation for the distinct medicinal properties of this type of tea; in any case, Pu-Erh Tea is processed in ways which are not typical in traditional tea production.
Note: Time and again people ask which herb they should use to lose weight. How does one lose weight? There are several ways to accomplish this: reduce (caloric) intake, increase (caloric) output, improve digestion with the appropriate enzymes (try Pineapple, Papaya, Fig Tree), reduce hunger by consuming fiber and lowering blood sugar (try Carob, Guar, Ispaghul), or stimulate the thyroid gland in order to increase metabolism (try Bladderwrack Laminaria, Chlorella). Nevertheless, many individuals find it hard to stick to such a program and lose weight; Pu-Erh Tea is the perfect, longterm and sustainable alternative to the more strict, or strenuous, weight-loss recipes.
Dosage
Take 1-2 capsules 2-3 times daily, with plenty of water.