The major types of Chinese herbal tea & their health-benefits
Dr. Hu divides all tea into two major types: (1) ready-made refreshment teas, known as "liangcha", originally served on the roadside to cool travelers during the hot, humid summers; and (2) packaged "medicated tea," packed in boxes or bags. Both types are available in Chinese stores in major metropolitan areas around the world.
(1) Ready-made "liangcha" tea
In the summer, cool tea was served, ready-made, on the roadsides of China. This tradition traces to a lay-Buddhist, who believed in accumulating charitable acts for the after-world. The custom is known especially in the Pearl River region. This tea is made only of locally grown herbs, sometimes from plants that had been discarded by farmers or the affluent. Examples include mango stones and bitter melon vines.
Research conducted in the 1930's shows that "liangcha" provided an economical way for people to stay healthy and prevent contagious diseases in Southern China. Benefits cited in this research include diuretic and laxative properties.
Liangcha in the west
Two well-known brands of "liangcha" are available in American Chinese stores:
(a) The "Wong Lo Kat" brand is packed in Hong Kong
(b) The "Er-shi-si-wei" brand is exported from Macao
(2) Packaged "medicated" teas
Packaged "medicated" teas are sold in pre-parceled amounts. These are stronger herbal concoctions than "liangcha", which is brewed at home. They are simmered for an hour, and usually appear black, and taste bitter.
The "medicated" teas contain ingredients that have a reputation for "improving" vitality and preventing illness. In Boston, licensed acupuncturists and herbalists prepare their own loose parcels of herbal teas, especially the "Five Flowers Tea" for hot, humid summer days, and the "Seven Stars Tea" for children.
Medicated teas available in the west
Dr. Hu carefully studied eight samples of medicinal tea. In the
article, she provides great detail for those interested in purchasing
the product, including brand names in Chinese and English,
translations of all labeling, and a background description of each tea
and its ingredients. She includes:
- Panacea Harmonizing Tea
- Ho Yan Hor
- Kanlu Tea
- Shen Chu Cha
- Five Flowers Tea
- Seven Stars Tea
- Canarium Onion Tea
- Six Harmonizing Tea
Issues for scientists and consumers
In her work, Dr. Hu has collected over 7,000 specimens from Hong Kong and Macao, and compared these plants to the actual dried ingredients in teas available in US markets. She concludes her article with two points to consider before purchasing Chinese herbal teas:
(1) Proper Labeling
Dr. Hu's investigation led to the realization that the label ingredients do not always correspond to the contents of the tea package. Going forward, she believes that there needs to be stricter customers inspection, and a stronger enforcement of honest labeling.
(2) Toxicity
In tropical China, where liangcha and medicated teas prevail, it is known that herbal teas are to only be taken occasionally. People take liangcha or medicated tea only when they feel exhausted and need an energy booster. Dr. Hu points out that there are highly toxic elements among the source species of Chinese herbal teas, so they should be taken with discretion. In fact, in a March 1996 article published in the Medical Report section of Glamour Magazine, the death of a woman in her late 30's (Fraser, 1996) was attributed to the use of a Chinese Dieters' Tea. Dr. Hu reminds readers that Chinese herbal teas are drugs, not intended for daily use.