AKA: Camellia sinensis L. Family: Theaceae; China White, Fujian White, Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen)
Propagation/Description: The young pale yellow buds have a rich, nectar-like body. It yields a light, honeysuckle aroma with a delicate sweetness and smooth, clean finish. White tea is actually the young buds harvested from the top of the plant at sunrise and processed very specifically. I had a difficult time finding any information regarding how to grow your own but what I did gather is that it requires a very specific environment and is only grown originally in the Fujian Province of China but is now grown in Kenya, India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. There are several species of white tea but for this post we are talking about Silver Needle White Tea.
Folklore/History: Records indicate Silver Needle white tea was discovered 1,500 years ago to the Tang Dynasty era (618-907 CE) in Fujian Province, the birthplace of Silver Needle (Baihao Yinzhen) white tea. It is a special kind of tea picked in early spring – the perfect time to get the silver needles. Those young tea leaves were then steamed, crushed, and made into molds, which are then baked into cakes to dry. Before drinking, the cakes were roasted in fire and crushed into powder. There are legends about this herb that tout it is/was a cure for many diseases and therefore highly sought after. It was deemed a royal plant and was offered in many stories to royalty as an offering.
Medicinal: Antioxidant (anti-aging), reduced liver, kidney, and lung damage, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, inhibits bacteria and viruses, protects the cardiovascular system and is an immune booster. Active ingredients are mainly polyphenols, flavonoids, caffeine, tea polysaccharides, and theanine. The flavonoids inhibit the production of peroxides and peroxidation, inhibit a variety of harmful bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio cholerae, Escherichia coli, etc.), inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory factors induced by LPS, regulate immune cell function, and alleviate inflammation. White tea also assists in weight loss, blood sugar levels, immunosuppression disorders, dementia related illnesses and can help improve the cognitive function of the brain as well as improve memory and focus for all.
Spiritual: Heal and cleanse the drinker, as well as enhance spiritual communication and psychic energy.
Summary: White tea. While there is not an extensive amount of known spiritual association it is another ancient herb that brings loads of benefits. Our physical, mental and spiritual health is definitely improved and finds healing in white tea. I, personally, have incorporated it into my daily life and am finding I have much more focus in my tasks and therefore my energy levels are skyrocketing. It is a delicate flavor when consumed alone but enhances the flavor of any herb brewed with it. It is a bit expensive but well worth the investment to your health.
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