Dear friends, 
Today’s lunch was a heavy nasi lemak with all the side dishes for the family. Usually, after a heavy meal, I would drink a cup of Chinese tea to help with the digestion and right now, I have beside me a hot cup of Chinese Green Tea, which I am slowly sipping and enjoying every bit of its “golden” taste.
I have many types of tea at home – Earl Grey from the UK, Cameronian Boh Tea (locally produced tea), 22-year old Pu Erh Tea from China (the older the Pu Erh tea, the more expensive and smoother tasting), 10-year old Pu Erh, Chinese Green Tea and Japanese Green Tea. It all depends on my mood and on the occasion for the selection of tea.
The Chinese and the Japanese have been drinking teas for thousands of years. My grandparents and parents would drink tea all day long. There would be a teapot and a teacup beside them at home. It is believed that teas can help to “wash down” the oils in our digestive system. In Chinese restaurants during banquets when prawns are served, there will be bowl of light tea for us to remove the oil from our fingers if we had used our fingers to shell the prawns. These days, there are many “tea houses” that sells a variety of teas from China, with exquisite tea sets to make the art of drinking tea a great experience, just like the art and ritual of drinking Japanese tea.
Chinese teas are made from a variety of plants for a variety of reasons. Chrysanthemum flower tea is one very common type. Drunk with meals it helps to aid digestion, especially of greasy foods. It is also commonly taken to help strengthen the lungs, relieve head congestion (tension headaches) and balance the “yangness” or “heatiness” in our body. When made from fresh flowers, the flowers can be applied to the eyes to relieve dryness and itching. In China, chrysanthemum tea is now being recommended for office workers exposed to Video Display Terminals (VDTs). To make this healthy tea – to a teapot that can contain 500 ml of water – add 2 tbsp of chrysanthemum bud tea, 2 tbsp of Chinese wolfberries (gei ji) and 3 slices of dried licourice (kam choe). Fill up with boiling hot water. Steep for 5 minutes before drinking. When teapot is empty, pour hot water again for a second round.
Chrysanthemum Bud Tea
Recently, I met a former colleague, who has retired from a senior management position and I was surprised that he look noticeably slimmer than his usual chubby self. Knowing that he is not the type to go on diet, I asked him what his secret to his weight loss was – he said he picked up the habit of drinking Chinese tea with his meals every day! According to a news article at WIFR.com, Dan Rose lost 40 pounds over a period of 2 years. The only lifestyle change that he has made was to drink Chinese Green Tea everyday and his new routine appears to be working very effectively for him.
Loose Green Tea Leaves
But what does the Green Tea has over the other beverages? Scientists believe that Green Tea has EGCG and catechins, a powerful anti-oxidant, known to increase metabolism (which in turn burns fat), prevents blood clots and lowers cholesterol. All teas in general have been found to relax, relieve anxiety (don’t want to do those tedious house chores? Have a cup of tea and see how you feel half an hour later! 
)
Now, before you rush off and buy lots of Chinese tea to drink, I must warn you that there are some side effects to drinking Chinese tea. For the non-seasoned tea drinkers, it may cause insomnia, especially if you drink tea within 6 hours of your bedtime, because tea contains caffeine also. I have many friends who take great pleasure in the art of drinking tea – they would have tea drinking sessions after dinner all the way til bedtime and they have no trouble falling asleep….but it takes 2 months to get to such a stage! 
For some with sensitive stomach, the Green Tea may be a bit harsh on the stomach causing gastric pains and heartburns. Also, please drink the teas in moderation and they should not replace your water intake.
Personally, I love the smoother tasting Pu Erh teas from the Yunnan province in China and this type of tea can range from a few years old to many years old. The older the better, but it will cost more. The Pu Erh teas are fermented, and therefore, they are easy to store for a long time. They are usually found in hard pressed, round blocks.
Compressed Pu Erh Blocks
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, drinking Oolong (fermented) teas like Pu Erh Teas have better medicinal and health benefits than Green Tea because they are not as “cooling” or “yin” on the body system, and Pu Erh teas are more soothing and “neutral” instead because they are cooked and fermented.
Drinking Chinese tea is different than Western teas. No sugar is added and the tea leaves or tea bags can be “re-used” for another round or two, i.e. simply add more almost boiling hot water and we have another pot or cup of weaker tea to drink. But both the types of teas are just as enjoyable and relaxing. Pu Erh teas are more earthy in flavour, whilst the Green Teas are more aromatic.
Try a cup of tea and see for yourself – take some time out from whatever you are doing, observe how you are feeling in your mind (and body as well)….then go make yourself a cup of hot tea. Have a small sip of tea, keep the tea in your mouth………savour its taste, and then swallow. Good, ey?
Just relax, put your feet up in a comfortable place, and do what you love to do to relax…watch some movies, read a book or just look at the scenery outside your house. Half an hour later, carefully observe how you feel, especially mentally…..you will notice that you are more relaxed, your mind is clear and not as heavy as before…
Happy Tea Drinking!
Jamie said,
October 16, 2007 @ 12:33 pm
i love the chrysanthemum buds tea…they are much better than the normal one. you can get them at http://www.teacuppa.com just get them to quote you in RM
happyhomemaker88 said,
October 16, 2007 @ 3:14 pm
Dear Jamie.
Yes, these are the higher grade chrysanthemum flowers which are in bud form…the taste is much richer and even if we go a third round of pouring hot water over them, there is still some flavour there. I like to drink this with a little bit of honey added whenever I have a sorethroat or sore gums. Although it is more expensive, it is well worth the price.
Thanks for the link – nice site with a good variety of teas.
Much peace and joy to you,
choesf
Stan said,
October 18, 2007 @ 4:30 am
I drink a large variety of green tea. My favorite is Lung Ching and I usually drink about 6 cups a day without any problems. My brother, however cannot drink green tea with feeling nausea, but he can drink houjicha tea (I know this is Japanese green tea) without any problems. Houjicha can be hard to find, but can be ordered from http://www.tealaden.com. Do you know of a Chinese green tea that is roasted and may not cause him difficulty?
happyhomemaker88 said,
October 18, 2007 @ 10:41 am
Good morning, Stan
We love Lung Ching green tea, and I use the tea leaves for cooking, too. As far as I know, green teas are not roasted nor fermented….perhaps, you can ask those experts at the Tea Houses? I will find out about this the next time I get my supply of Chinese teas.
Thank you for the nice link for teas. Ah, now we are spoilt for choice in buying teas!
Have a good day today!
choesf
Helena said,
October 25, 2007 @ 4:27 am
I do agree that we can lose weight only by drinking chinese tea. I was gained about 25 Lbs after I delivered our twins boys at 2004. My mom was stayed with us at the time. She kept an eye for me really carefully. She doesn’t want me start pop up diet pill. So, I drink green tea, everyday and everytime after meal, without me knowing I lost 15 Lbs within 1 year. I am so happy, although I can’t go back to my size before I am pregnant ( My doctor told me better not thinking that I can get back to my size before pregnant, since I carried twins, but I’ll try ), i still keep drinking green tea. So, keep drink tea for healthy living.
Helena
overweight child said,
October 25, 2007 @ 3:02 pm
overweight child
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happyhomemaker88 said,
October 25, 2007 @ 4:41 pm
Hello there and big welcome to you, my dear Helena
Thank you for sharing with us your experience on losing weight with drinking Green Tea…I’m very happy that you lost quite a lot of weight after the birth of your twins!
Hehe, for me, I am trying not to gain weight and I am maintaining my present weight with drinking Chinese Teas, exercising (house chores) and attempting to eat healthily but as you can see from my recipes here….my cooking has lots of calories…but they sure taste good!
Love and hugs,
choesf
happyhomemaker88 said,
October 25, 2007 @ 4:42 pm
Thank you for the informative link, overweight child
Much peace, love and joy to you,
choesf
rose said,
October 27, 2007 @ 4:49 am
I got my answer about the Chrysantemum tea and others. Thank you all for the infos !
Love always,rose
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November 8, 2007 @ 1:08 am
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December 27, 2007 @ 3:05 am
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happyhomemaker88 said,
December 27, 2007 @ 11:46 am
Hello and welcome, Eddy
Thank you for sharing this alternative weight loss method here….perhaps those with a lot of weight to lose have to consider this way seriously.
Happy New Year 2008 to you!
With peace and joy,
choesf
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January 11, 2008 @ 12:07 am
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happyhomemaker88 said,
January 13, 2008 @ 7:05 pm
Hello and welcome, dear sharingan
You are very welcome. Thank you for your kind comments!
With peace and joy,
choesf
justina said,
March 2, 2008 @ 12:48 am
I have been looking for a tea that can help me lose wieght , but im not sure what kind of tea i should buy in the store if someone knows let me know thankyou,
happyhomemaker88 said,
March 2, 2008 @ 12:56 pm
Hello and welcome, dear Justina
A very good tea that really helps to lose weight would be Green Tea. Otherwise, other strong teas would work, too, especially if you have a cup of tea after every meal, more cups if you have had fried or oily food stuff. A word of caution, though, prolonged drinking of Green Tea may be a bit strong on the stomach (may trigger gastric in some people) and so, it is better not to take Green Tea all the time but mix your type of teas. I also like thick Pu Erh teas as well.
The shop assistants at the tea shops should be able to help you but be cautious as they would always recommend you the more expensive teas to get more sales from you, so, you approach them by telling them that you are looking for Green Tea and that you don’t want the too expensive types.
Hope this helps…
Have a happy Sunday!
With peace and joy,
choesf
Lo said,
May 3, 2008 @ 9:22 am
Hi,
I purchased a Chinese flower tea over the internet from Summit Tea Company recently and subsequently found out I am pregnant. The Tea is Dan Gui Piao Xiang. Is it safe for me to drink this tea. I am early in my 1st trimester.
happyhomemaker88 said,
May 3, 2008 @ 10:50 pm
Congratulations on your pregnancy, dear Lo!
I am not familiar with this flower tea but I would be cautious about those drinks that contain caffeine (teas, coffee and colas). Best is if you are unsure if a particular flower tea is safe or not, just avoid it altogether.
Some safe teas to drink though are rosehip, ginger, lemon balm, orange peel.
Have a restful weekend!
With peace and joy,
choesf
justfoodnow said,
July 9, 2008 @ 1:35 am
This is the best article on tea I have read so far – and I read a lot!! Congratulations – I am passionate about tea as well, but have nowhere near your knowledge. Now I will read you constantly!
happyhomemaker88 said,
July 10, 2008 @ 9:40 am
Thank you for your kind comments, dear justfoodnow.
We will have a cup of virtual tea together whenever you come visiting here. 
With peace and joy,
choesf
arslan javed said,
January 2, 2009 @ 11:26 pm
respected sir m arslan from pakistan sir m alreadu a herbal tea diet tea in pakistan since 4 years and now i want a new herbal green tea in pakistan plz tell me mey inqure is importent
happyhomemaker88 said,
January 3, 2009 @ 12:21 am
Hi there and welcome, dear arslan javed
There are many types and grades of green teas available and you can look for them in some online tea suppliers. Green tea is important in lowering cholesterol, helpful in losing weight and it is high in antioxidants.
With peace and harmony,
choesf
amna said,
January 26, 2009 @ 11:47 am
when you’re pregnent, should you continue chinese slim tea?
happyhomemaker88 said,
January 27, 2009 @ 6:00 pm
Hi there and welcome, dear amna
When one is pregnant, one should avoid consuming herbal and caffeinated teas to be on the safe side.
With peace and harmony,
choesf
shadi said,
April 2, 2009 @ 1:17 am
where can i by this tea
happyhomemaker88 said,
April 5, 2009 @ 9:36 am
Hi there and welcome, dear shadi
Green Tea can be found at many places (even online store) as it is a common tea e.g. supermarkets, in Chinatowns, etc.
Best wishes for good health,
choesf
manila said,
April 12, 2009 @ 10:53 am
Hi Choesf,
Very informative article. I too enjoy a bit of green tea (I think it’s produced locally), after a greasy and oily meal. I find it too bitter although I brew it for just a minute. I do enjoy a mug of hot water mostly after meals. That also helps in digestion. But it should be taken after 1/2 hour of finishing the meal. I will find out if we get chrysanthemum tea here, that sound like a good one.
Thank you.
happyhomemaker88 said,
April 13, 2009 @ 5:07 pm
Thank you for your loyal support at my blog, dear manila – I see you have been busy reading up my posts. You also have a good wealth of information, too and I love to hear your views.
Yes, green tea is very good and there are many studies on it that proved its effectiveness in achieving good health. It is very strong and can be bad for those who suffer from gastric pains or gastro-enteritis. For these people, it is better for them to drink old, roasted black Chinese teas like Pu Erh, Oolong. These are smoother and easier on the stomach but they will work as well in removing some of the oils from the foods we take. Drinking really warm (not hot) teas in general helps in digestion and washing down the fats – I like to do this after having curries cooked with coconut milk.
Do have a lovely day!
With peace and joy,
choesf
manila said,
April 14, 2009 @ 11:05 am
You are welcome, Choesf. I have to read your posts because they are so interesting and inspiring. Our common interest is cooking and keeping healthy. I learn a lot from you. Some of your posts help me understand the Chinese culture, for which I am thankful. The best is that you make it a point to respond, I really like that. I mean, taking time out of your busy routine to respond, is very nice of you.
I still haven’t got many people commenting on my website yet, but if a day comes that I get many comments or querys, I would like to be like you in making responses ‘promt’.
Thank you.
All the best to you.
P.s – I told my hubby yesterday that “do you know it is raining in KL?”. He told me”ya, it rains a lot there”, I said,”no its raining heavily these days”. To which he asked me”how do you know?”. I said “I have a friend there”.
All the best to you my friend.
happyhomemaker88 said,
April 14, 2009 @ 8:38 pm
Thank you for your lovely comments, my friend
Heheh, part of my routine in relaxing at the end of a hectic day is to come in here and “chat” with all of you. It is okay if the visitors don’t comment because sometimes, they just want to read the articles in the blog and just leave. But some of them are really nice like you and do leave comments behind.
Well, today it is dry and sunny for once in weeks…but then the heat and humidity becomes unbearable ….
All the best to you, too! Here’s to cooking and good health and happiness in taking care of our loved ones!
With peace and joy,
choesf