Is white tea medicinal?

Recently, some tea lovers have asked whether white tea has “medicinal properties”.

In the tea industry, as the saying goes, white tea “a year of tea, three years of medicine, seven years of treasure”, not only let people have a deeper understanding of the value of white tea, but also triggered the attention of its medicinal properties.

So, what is the “medicinal flavor” of white tea? And what are the components associated with it?

After withering and drying during the production process, the initial aroma of white tea is mainly dominated by the aroma of miller’s scent, tenderness, honey and clear flowers. However, with the prolongation of storage time, the aroma of white tea will change, especially the medicinal aroma gradually appears after aging. Usually, quality white tea stored for 1 to 2 years will emit a fresh herbal aroma, and the longer the storage time, the more obvious the characteristics of the medicinal aroma, presenting a woody rhizome-like scent, and the tea broth enters the mouth more mellow and thick, as if it carries the aroma of angelica, astragalus, and other traditional Chinese medicinal herbs.

How does the medicinal flavor of cabbage develop?

The medicinal flavor of white tea is the result of the transformation of its contents when it is stored in a suitable environment for a long time. Research shows that with the increase of storage years, the components of clear floral aroma in white tea such as linalool and geraniol gradually decrease, while the wood aroma components increase with the increase of years. These woody components include 2-methylnaphthalene, cedrol, etc., which form the unique aged and medicinal aroma.white tea

In addition, the EPSFs (special flavor compounds) component of white tea is formed by the conversion of catechins and theanine in tea leaves during the storage process. These EPSFs gradually increase during the storage process of white tea and become an important sign of vintage white tea. EPSFs have been found to have favorable biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cellular protection effects.

What are the medicinal properties of white tea?

About the medicinal properties of white tea, as early as the end of the Ming and early Qing dynasties, Zhou Liang Gong’s “Min Xiaoji” has mentioned the medicinal value of white tea, saying that its “function is the same as the rhinoceros horn, for the measles of the sacred medicine, shipped abroad, the price of gold embankment.” The price is the same as gold subdivided. Modern research has further confirmed that the theanine and flavonoids in white tea have positive physiological regulation of the human body. Theanine can promote the secretion of interferon and enhance immunity after decomposition in the liver, while flavonoids have strong antioxidant capacity, which helps to remove free radicals in the body.

The medicinal flavor and properties of white tea are an important part of its unique appeal. Through proper storage, white tea can be transformed into a rich medicinal flavor, and the changes in its internal composition bring about a variety of health benefits

Drinking white tea in moderation is extremely beneficial to human health. Adding three kinds of floral flavor to the fragrant white tea will make you feel not only the fragrance of the flowers, but also the aroma and sweetness of the white tea, which will make you unforgettable for a long time.

Choosing quality white tea and cherishing the unique flavor and health benefits of each cup of tea is the pursuit of quality of life.