Tea Guide Part 2: Western & Herbal Teas Through Chinese Medicine

TCM Tea Guide Part 2: Western & Herbal Teas Through Chinese Medicine

In Part 1 of our tea guide, we explored traditional tea varieties including Green Tea, Oolong Tea, Black Tea, Pu-erh Tea (Ripe & Raw), Genmaicha, Matcha, Ginger Tea, and Lemon Tea.

If you would like to read it first, visit: https://elizabethyau.com/blog/f/chinese-medicine-tea-guide-find-the-right-tea-for-your-body-type

In this article, we explore popular Western and herbal teas through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Using TCM principles—such as energetic temperature, Qi movement, and organ system balance—we can better understand how different teas may support different body types and health needs.

Many of these teas are not classical Chinese herbs, so the descriptions below are TCM-informed interpretations rather than strict classical indications.

Morning Teas for Energy and Circulation

(1) English Breakfast Tea

Made from: Blend of black teas (Assam, Ceylon, Kenyan) Caffeine: Medium–high TCM Nature: Warming

Flavor & Usage

Full-bodied, malty, robust black tea

Often enjoyed with milk and sugar

Ideal for morning energy

Functions in TCM

Warming and energizing: dispels cold, improves circulation, supports morning alertness

Digestive support: stimulates gastric juices, helpful after heavy or greasy meals

Mental clarity: refreshes the mind and calms the spirit

Suitable For

Yang deficiency: cold limbs, fatigue

Qi deficiency: weak digestion, low energy

Cold stomach patterns: bloating after cold or raw foods

Avoid If

Heat patterns: acne, sore throat

Yin deficiency: night dryness, insomnia

(2) Earl Grey Tea

Made from: Black tea scented with bergamot oil Caffeine: Medium–high TCM Nature: Warming, aromatic

Flavor & Usage

Lighter black tea with citrusy, fragrant aroma

Often enjoyed straight, with lemon, or lightly with milk

Great for afternoon tea or calming moments

Functions in TCM

Aromatic Qi regulator: bergamot aroma moves Liver Qi, relieves stagnation

Stress reduction: aroma calms the mind and soothes anxiety (安神)

Mild digestion support and dampness reduction

Suitable For

Qi stagnation: stress, emotional tension

Phlegm-damp digestion: mild heaviness or fatigue

Afternoon or early evening gentle lift

Avoid If

Pronounced heat: mouth ulcers, irritability

Spleen deficiency with damp: loose stools

(3) Jasmine Tea

Made from: Green tea scented with jasmine flowers Caffeine: Low–medium TCM Nature: Slightly cooling

Functions

Gently regulates Liver Qi and uplifts mood

Clears mild internal heat

Harmonizes digestion

Gentle detox support: supports liver function and mild antioxidant activity, aiding natural cleansing

Suitable For

Qi stagnation: irritability, sighing

Mild heat patterns: red eyes, restlessness

Avoid If

Cold digestion: fatigue, cold stomach

Empty heat patterns: night sweats

Digestive and Stress-Relief Teas

(4) Peppermint Tea

Made from: Peppermint leaves Caffeine: None TCM Nature: Cool and aromatic

Functions

Releases wind-heat in early colds

Soothes Liver Qi stagnation from stress

Clears head and sinuses

Relieves bloating and digestive discomfort

Suitable For

Wind-heat colds: sore throat, mild fever

Stress headaches or tension

Digestive bloating or IBS-type symptoms

Avoid If

Yang deficiency: cold limbs, low energy

Acid reflux

(5) Rose Tea

Made from: Dried rose buds or petals Caffeine: None TCM Nature: Warm, slightly sweet

Functions

Moves Liver Qi and relieves emotional tension

Supports menstrual circulation

Warms digestion, reduces cold-type bloating

Suitable For

Liver Qi stagnation: mood swings, breast tenderness

Mild menstrual discomfort

Cold abdomen patterns

Avoid If

Heat with bleeding: heavy periods

Pregnancy: due to Qi- and Blood-moving properties unless advised by a practitioner

Cooling and Hydrating Tea

(6) Hibiscus Tea

Made from: Dried hibiscus flowers Caffeine: None TCM Nature: Cooling, slightly sour

Functions

Clears heat and cools the body

Generates fluids, relieves thirst

Supports hydration, especially in summer

Suitable For

Heat constitution: red face, irritability

Summer heat symptoms: thirst, sticky sweat

Avoid If

Cold constitution: cold limbs, diarrhea

Weak Spleen digestion

Pregnancy: unless advised by a practitioner

Calming Evening Teas

(7) Chamomile Tea

Made from: Chamomile flowers Caffeine: None TCM Nature: Neutral to slightly cooling

Functions

Calms the Shen (mind and spirit)

Supports relaxation and sleep

Soothes digestion

Suitable For

Stress-related insomnia

Mild anxiety or restlessness

Digestive discomfort

Avoid If

Damp-cold digestion: loose stools

Ragweed allergy

(8) Lemon Balm Tea

Made from: Lemon balm leaves Caffeine: None TCM Nature: Slightly cooling

Functions

Calms the Shen

Relieves stress-related digestive discomfort

Gently moves Qi and relaxes tension

Suitable For

Stress and mild insomnia

Digestive discomfort linked to emotional tension

Avoid If

Cold digestion: poor appetite or loose stools

How to Choose Tea According to TCM

Morning (Energy & Circulation)

English Breakfast Tea

Earl Grey Tea

Jasmine Tea

Afternoon (Digestion & Stress)

Peppermint Tea

Rose Tea

Evening (Relaxation & Sleep)

Chamomile Tea

Lemon Balm Tea

Cooling & Hydration

Hibiscus Tea

Most people benefit from 1–2 cups per day. Adjust strength and timing according to constitution and caffeine sensitivity.

Final Thoughts

Tea is an easy way to support balance in the body. Understanding the energetic nature of tea helps you choose drinks aligned with your body, lifestyle, and season. For personalized guidance, consult a qualified TCM practitioner.

Disclaimer

For educational and wellness purposes only. This is a TCM interpretation of Western teas, not a formal herbal prescription. Pregnant women, people with medical conditions, or those taking medications should consult a professional before regularly consuming herbal teas.