Xiaoqinggan (also known as Ganpu Tea) is a characteristic tea made by hollowing out the pulp of young fruits from Xinhui Chazhi Mandarin oranges, filling them with Yunnan ripe Pu’er tea, and then processing them through drying techniques such as sun-drying or low-temperature drying. It combines the mellow taste of ripe Pu’er tea with the fresh aroma of dried tangerine peel, offering a unique flavor and health-preserving value. Below is a detailed explanation of its efficacy, functions, and contraindications.
I. Main Efficacy and Functions
The efficacy of Xiaoqinggan Tea is the synergistic combination of the benefits from both “ripe Pu’er tea” and “young tangerine peel” (unripe citrus peel).
- 1. Aids Digestion, Relieves Greasiness, and Regulates the Gastrointestinal Tract
Ripe Pu’er tea: Fermented ripe Pu’er is rich in probiotics, which help regulate the intestines and stomach, promote digestion, and ease feelings of greasiness.
Young tangerine peel: Contains volatile oils that stimulate the secretion of digestive juices in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby aiding digestion and reducing bloating.
Synergistic effect: Drinking a cup of Xiaoqinggan Tea after meals can effectively relieve gastrointestinal discomfort caused by greasy food.
- 2. Moistens the Lungs, Resolves Phlegm, Regulates Qi, and Relieves Cough
This benefit is mainly attributed to young tangerine peel. In traditional Chinese medicine theory, green tangerine peel (unripe citrus peel) has the effects of soothing the liver, relieving stagnant qi, resolving food stagnation, and is effective in alleviating cold coughs and coughs with excessive phlegm. Its limonene content also helps dissolve phlegm.
- 3. Reduces Lipids, Aids Weight Loss, and Prevents Fat Accumulation
Ripe Pu’er tea: Contains substances such as tea polyphenols and theaflavins that can block fat synthesis and accelerate the breakdown of existing fat in the body.
Synergistic effect: The combination of the two is believed to enhance metabolism, providing certain assistance in auxiliary blood lipid reduction and weight loss.
- 4. Antioxidant and Anti-Aging
Both ripe Pu’er tea and young tangerine peel are rich in powerful antioxidants such as vitamin C and flavonoids. These substances can eliminate free radicals in the body, slow down cell aging, and help maintain skin elasticity and health.
- 5. Refreshes the Mind and Relieves Fatigue
Xiaoqinggan Tea contains an appropriate amount of caffeine, which stimulates the central nervous system, refreshing the mind and relieving fatigue. Its fresh citrus aroma also soothes the mood and reduces stress.
- 6. Auxiliary Blood Pressure Regulation
Some studies have shown that tea polyphenols in Pu’er tea and active ingredients in young tangerine peel may have a vasodilating effect, thereby providing certain auxiliary benefits for stabilizing blood pressure.
- 7. Strengthens Teeth, Protects Gums, and Freshens Breath
As a fully fermented tea, Xiaoqinggan contains many physiologically active ingredients with bactericidal and disinfectant properties. It can eliminate bad breath and protect teeth. Drinking an appropriate amount of Xiaoqinggan Tea can freshen the mouth, offering a better effect than chewing gum.
- 8. Relieves Hangovers
Medical research has confirmed that Xiaoqinggan Tea is rich in tea polyphenols, which can promote ethanol metabolism and ensure its smooth progression. Drinking Xiaoqinggan Tea enhances blood vessel constriction, accelerating the excretion of alcohol from the body and reducing the harm caused by drunkenness. It also supplements vitamin C needed for alcohol hydrolysis and stimulates the brain center anesthetized by alcohol, thus achieving a hangover-relieving effect.
II. Contraindications and Precautions
Despite its many benefits, Xiaoqinggan Tea is not suitable for everyone. The following points should be noted when drinking:
1. Contraindicated Groups
- People with empty stomachs or gastric diseases: Both ripe Pu’er tea and young tangerine peel in Xiaoqinggan can promote gastric acid secretion. Drinking it on an empty stomach or by those with excessive gastric acid or gastric ulcers may irritate the gastric mucosa and cause discomfort.
- Constipated individuals: Green tangerine peel is warm in nature and has an astringent effect. It may worsen symptoms for people with excessive-heat type constipation.
- Pregnant and lactating women: Caffeine in tea can affect fetuses and infants. Additionally, green tangerine peel has the effect of promoting qi circulation and breaking stagnation, so pregnant women should use it with caution.
- Insomniacs or those with neurasthenia: Caffeine in Xiaoqinggan Tea stimulates the nerves. Drinking it in the afternoon or evening may lead to insomnia.
- People taking medications: Tannic acid in tea may react with certain drug ingredients, affecting efficacy. It is recommended to separate medication intake and tea drinking by at least 1-2 hours.
- People with weak qi and blood: Green tangerine peel has a strong effect of breaking stagnant qi. Those who are inherently weak or deficient in qi should not drink it in large quantities for a long time.
2. Drinking Precautions
- Do not drink on an empty stomach: It is best to drink it 30 minutes to 1 hour after meals to promote digestion without damaging the stomach.
- Do not drink overly strong tea: Overly concentrated tea has high levels of caffeine and tea polyphenols, which can strongly stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and nerves.
- Do not drink excessively: Any tea should be consumed in moderation, with 1-2 brews per day being appropriate.
- Do not drink before bedtime: To avoid affecting sleep, it is best not to drink it within 3-4 hours before going to bed.