LUMI Herbal Tea: An Ancient Symbol of Chinese Culture on the Global Stage
Introduction
Herbal tea is a shining gem in the treasure trove of Chinese medicine. It not only belongs to China but also to the world. As China tea gains international recognition, the global expansion of herbal tea benefits people worldwide while showcasing the profound wisdom of Chinese traditional culture and philosophy. It serves as a unique “cultural symbol” that fosters cross-cultural exchanges between China and the world.
I. The Chinese Treasure: Herbal Tea
Tea culture flourished during the Tang Dynasty and peaked in the Song Dynasty. The popularity of tea drinking played a crucial role in the development of Chinese traditional culture and significantly contributed to the growth of herbal tea. The evolution of tea varieties in China has always been closely intertwined with the progress of all types of tea within the herbal category.
The Origin of Herbal Tea in the Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty marked the early stages of herbal tea culture. The classic text Shiliao Bencao (Diet Therapy Materia Medica) was the first to document the medicinal properties and health benefits of herbal tea, specifically goji berry tea. It stated, “Its leaves, when cooked with lamb, are particularly nourishing. When brewed as tea, it strengthens the body and promotes vitality.”
Additionally, the medical compendium Waitai Miyao Fang (Secret Prescriptions from the Outer Platform) provided detailed explanations on the preparation and applications of herbal tea substitutes for medicine. One notable formula combined 14 Chinese medicinal herbs, including astragalus, poria, dried ginger, kudzu root, goji root, and coix seed. This herbal tea prescription marked a significant advancement, as it moved beyond simple medicinal teas to complex formulations mimicking traditional tea preparation methods. These herbal tea blends were crafted not only for therapeutic purposes but also for long-term health maintenance.
The Flourishing of Herbal Tea in the Song Dynasty
During the Song Dynasty, herbal tea varieties became widely accepted for their therapeutic and wellness benefits. Herbal tea was no longer just a folk remedy; it gained recognition in royal courts as well. The government-published Taiping Shenghui Fang (Grand Peace Sacred Beneficial Prescriptions) contained eight herbal tea formulas, four of which were herbal tea substitutes without any actual tea leaves, proving that the medicinal properties of herbal tea had gained official endorsement.
Additionally, more types of tea were developed to address age-related ailments. Herbal teas for conditions such as wind-heat disorders in the elderly became increasingly complex, incorporating a broader range of ingredients rather than relying solely on tonic herbs. This period marked a golden age in the history of China tea and herbal tea culture.
The Maturity of Herbal Tea in the Qing Dynasty
By the Qing Dynasty, herbal tea varieties had become deeply integrated into daily life, from imperial nobility to common folk. The book Qinggong Dai Cha Yin Jinghua (The Essence of Imperial Herbal Tea) recorded the types of herbal teas used in the Qing court. It categorized over 240 formulas into ten groups, including tonic teas, digestive teas, heat-clearing teas, dampness-eliminating teas, calming teas, and laxative teas.
Moreover, the Qing court’s approach to herbal tea emphasized the core principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), refining herbal tea prescriptions to enhance their effectiveness in treating specific conditions. This evolution marked the full maturation of herbal tea as a recognized therapeutic beverage.
II. LUMI Herbal Tea: A Modern Interpretation of Tradition
LUMI Herbal Tea follows the principles of TCM by carefully selecting and blending herbs to create therapeutic beverages. This type of tea is brewed and consumed like traditional Chinese tea but integrates the wisdom of herbal medicine to promote health and wellness.
Through thousands of years of development, herbal tea varieties have expanded significantly, becoming more diverse and widely used in daily life. Today, LUMI Herbal Tea builds on the foundations of traditional herbal infusions, continuously innovating with highly effective formulas to develop a range of herbal tea products.
The longstanding history of China tea and herbal tea has led to the development of a wellness beverage that is safe, effective, and convenient. As modern consumers seek healthier, more convenient ways to support their well-being, the natural benefits and mild therapeutic effects of herbal tea have gained widespread acceptance. This has led to a growing global appreciation for all types of tea in the herbal category, allowing herbal tea culture to transcend borders and reach international audiences.
As we look ahead, LUMI Herbal Tea aspires to grow and thrive, just as tea culture has throughout history. With its unique health benefits and rich cultural heritage, herbal tea is poised to become another powerful cultural emblem, bridging the gap between East and West.
May LUMI Herbal Tea continue to flourish, bringing the timeless traditions of China tea to the world, and serving as a new symbol of Chinese wellness and culture!