Another Conversation with The Tea Man

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Another Conversation with The Tea Man

June 1998

"Tea was not only a remedy against drowsiness. It was a way of aiding men to return to their sources, a moment in the rhythm of the day when prince and peasant shared the same thoughts and same happiness while preparing to return to their respective fates".

Lu Yu (733-804 C.E.)

The reverence devoted to tea, in the East, is perhaps difficult for the West to understand. Early on in the consumption of tea in China it was an integral part of marriage ceremonies. Actually, the ancient Chinese character for tea also represents an herbal product called "sow thistle." This "sow thistle," when infused in hot water, produced a very bitter beverage which was then served to the bride and groom prior to their marriage and served to point out to them how bitter and unpleasant life was without a partner to share it with. After the marriage ceremony, they were both served a cup of light; sweet green tea which symbolized how pleasant life was with a partner to share it with. As Lu Yu indicates (above) tea brings happiness to prince and peasant alike. In many cases, a cup of good tea will, if allowed, transform all of us into a prince/princess. There is a little magic in a cup of good tea.

There is magic in the morning: China Keemun, China Yunnan, China Kintuck, China Pinqsuey. India Darjeeling, India Assam, India Nilgiri, India Dooars, India Arunachal Pradesh, India Terai. Ceylon Orange Pekoe from Rookateene Estate or Beverly Estate or Kenmare Estate or Kenilworth Estate or many carried by "The Tea Shop." There is English Breakfast, Irish Breakfast, German Breakfast.

There is magic in the afternoon: India Darjeeling Oolong Process, India Nilgiri Souchong Style, Darjeeling Temi Estate (served out of a silver service--astounding flavor). China Green Lung Ching Superior Grade, China Ti Kuan Yin Gao or Er Grade.

There is magic in the evening: China Pi lo Chun, China Guan Yin of the Water Moon, China Peach Blossom Spring Three Perils Mountain, China White Bud. India White Darjeeling.

And hundreds of little cups of magic in between or throughout the day.

In the year 1678, Mr. Cornelis Bontekoe, a Doctor of the times, published a paper on tea entitled "Tea, that Excellent Beverage" in which he enumerated the following benefits he attributed to it:

1. It purifies the blood
2. Expels heavy dreams
3. Relieves the mind of dark thoughts
4. Relieves and heals vertigo and headaches
5. Treats dropsy
6. Is an excellent remedy for catarrh
7. Dries off humidity
8. Cures constipation
9. Clears the sight
10. Protects from bad humours and liver disorders
11. Is a good remedy for all bladder trouble
12. Alleviates spleen maladies
13. Vanquishes drowsiness
14. Vanquishes dullness
15. Renders active and energetic
16. Renders courageous
17. Eliminates fear
18. Dissipates pain caused by colic
19. Is a good remedy for menstrual pains
20. Strengthens all internal parts
21. Sharpens the mind
22. Reinforces the memory
23. Reinforces intelligence
24. Purges bile
25. Reinforces sexual energy
26. Relieves thirst

Bear in mind, the above was written in 1678------Of course, we now know better. But for whatever reason one decides to drink and enjoy tea just remember, "THERE IS A LITTLE MAGIC IN A CUP OF TEA".

Find your own magic.

Warm regards,

The Tea Man

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