Often heard from tea lovers that drinking tea is healthy, yet the topic of whether it harms or nourishes the stomach is inevitable. So, does black tea nourish or harm the stomach? Many say green tea harms the stomach while black tea nourishes it. Next, the editor will explain whether black tea nourishes or harms the stomach.
Does Black Tea Nourish or Harm the Stomach?
1. The saying "Green tea harms the stomach, black tea nourishes it," and that people with a weak stomach should drink more black tea, lacks scientific basis.
2. Although black tea is warming, it cannot be simply equated with nourishing the stomach. While tea polyphenols in tea are beneficial, they are also irritating to the stomach, especially on an empty stomach. Although black tea is fermented and baked, the tea polyphenols in it undergo an oxidation reaction during the process, reducing their content and making them less irritating to the stomach than green tea.
3. Even though black tea is warming, which aligns with the spleen and stomach's preference for warmth, it is not suitable for everyone. People with a weak stomach should also be cautious when drinking black tea. Especially if they drink it too strong, the large amount of caffeine can also irritate the stomach. Therefore, while it's true that black tea warms the stomach, it's a different matter from nourishing it.
What Tea Nourishes the Stomach?
Homemade Barley Tea
1. Clove Tea
Clove tea might seem like a new favorite for stomach health, and many people are unaware of its benefits. However, a little research reveals that the practice of drinking clove tea for stomach health has a long history. In ancient times, court ladies often drank clove tea to freshen their breath; it was particularly effective for bad breath caused by stomach discomfort.
Clove tea is warm in nature and has the effects of warming the middle jiao, reversing qi, and nourishing the stomach. Regular consumption can relieve abdominal bloating, enhance digestion, and reduce nausea and vomiting. It is recommended that people with a weak stomach brew 3-10g of clove tea daily, which can be drunk before or after meals. With consistent use, the stomach will improve.
2. Barley Tea
Roasted barley steeped in water can be consumed daily to nourish the stomach. Barley tea is very effective for nourishing weakness, aiding digestion of grains, stopping diarrhea, and alleviating indigestion.
Suitable for: Those with weak stomach qi and indigestion; those with liver disease, poor appetite, bloating after overeating; and women with breast tenderness during weaning.
Avoid: Because barley malt can reduce milk secretion, it should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women.
3. Pu-erh Tea
For those who enjoy tea, drinking more Pu-erh tea is a good idea. Ripe Pu-erh tea has a warming effect on the stomach. Besides Pu-erh, black tea is also a good choice. After fermentation, it is less irritating to the stomach. For those with severe stomach cold, a piece of ginger can be added to the brew. Additionally, women can add roses or osmanthus according to their preference for fragrance and flavor.
For the patient, you can also make your own safe and healthy milk tea by adding milk, sugar, and other ingredients. This not only satisfies the taste buds but also has anti-inflammatory effects, protects the gastric mucosa, and can help in the treatment of ulcers.
Nourish the Stomach by Drinking Tea According to Your Constitution
1. Unfermented Tea (Green Tea): Green tea does not harm the spleen and stomach, but it can be difficult for the spleen to transform and transport it. Those with a deficient spleen who drink too much may become thin, have a poor complexion, lose their appetite, or experience diarrhea. However, it is very beneficial for the stomach, promoting bowel movements and ensuring smooth stools. Therefore, drinking green tea can detoxify and even help in treating tumors.
2. Semi-fermented Tea: For those with a deficient spleen and poor digestion, drinking black tea and Pu-erh tea can improve the spleen's function of transformation and transportation.
3. Fully-fermented Tea: Generally, if you are not very sensitive to tea, semi-fermented teas are suitable for both cold and hot constitutions.
Homemade barley tea