Recently, the tea ceremony has become much more popular than the usual coffee and other drinks. In some countries, there is an entire culture that tells how to drink tea correctly, what can be eaten during the tea ceremony, and most importantly, how to brew this drink. Black and green brick drinks have gained wide popularity. Due to its composition and beneficial properties, it is in demand among the population.
However, today we will talk about another drink - the so-called kudin tea. We will look at the benefits and harms of this product a little later, but for now let’s move on to the history of its origin and description of the variety.
Origin story
The name kudin translates as “herb with bitterness” or “not tea tea.” This type of tea is collected in China, in its southern part. In most cases, plantations with this plant are located on mountain slopes, where there is always high humidity. At the moment, there are several varieties of this drink.
But let's move on to the description of Kudin tea itself. This is the name given to the leaves of the evergreen holly; mate tea is made from another tree of the same family (Paraguayan holly). Kudin grows in the form of a lush shrub, the height of which reaches several meters. But the length of the leaves themselves ranges from 8 to 25 centimeters.
On the shelves of supermarkets and specialty stores, kudin tea is presented in the form of dense sticks consisting of twisted holly leaves and stems. The length of such a stick is about seven centimeters. Small young leaves are most valued, but they quickly lose their strength. As for larger and older leaves, they can withstand several infusions before they become unusable. Kudin of the highest varieties has a significantly lower level of bitterness, in contrast to low varieties. In addition, high-quality tea has a multifaceted palette of taste and aroma.
There is an interesting legend about its origin, which we will now tell you.
Other brewing and consumption methods
In order to achieve maximum effect for various diseases, the medicinal plant should be brewed and drunk subject to special rules:
- If you have hypertension, take tea half an hour before meals.
- To lose weight, drink after eating, an hour and a half later.
- And if you have diabetes, drink a cup of freshly brewed healthy “potion” before your first meal.
It is necessary to know, especially for those who have never tried this drink, that when brewed, it has a pronounced bitterness, especially after a long infusion, you have to get used to it, therefore, not everyone will find it attractive in taste.
How to brew tea so that there is no strong bitterness? Take less raw materials for brewing, do not soak for long, or buy only young tea, it is not so bitter. We advise you to read: Tea with soursop, beneficial properties of exotic tea
You can buy Kudin in specialized tea stores, where they will advise you to choose any type and age of this priceless Chinese drink, somewhat reminiscent of the well-known green one, but superior in its healing qualities!
The Legend of Kudin
A long time ago, when people were just beginning to master agriculture and growing plants, a young and beautiful girl, A Xian, lived in one small village. Many guys tried to win the beauty's heart, but she rejected everyone. According to legend, the girl’s only favorite pastime was collecting leaves and brewing a drink from holly. She preferred to leave early in the morning and return home at night. The girl treated open wounds, various diseases and ailments with a decoction. The fame of Kudin spread throughout the village.
The villagers knew about the beneficial properties of Kuding tea and often asked A Xian to prepare this medicine for them too. However, after some time, the emperor liked the girl, and he sent soldiers after her. The emperor was so fascinated by the girl's beauty that he invited her to become one of his concubines.
Ah Xian refused the imperial proposal and committed suicide by throwing herself from the top of a cliff. A few drops of the girl's blood fell on the broad-leaved holly tree, turning it dark red. Since then, the tender buds have remained crimson in color, and the taste of the finished drink has become sweet, but with a hint of bitterness.
Composition of the drink
It is not for nothing that Kudin is considered one of the most healthy varieties of tea, since it contains a lot of useful vitamins and minerals. These substances stimulate the functioning of human internal organs and saturate the body, making the immune system stronger and stronger.
Before moving on to the beneficial properties of kudin, let’s look at what it contains:
- calcium;
- B vitamins;
- sodium;
- silicon;
- ascorbic acid;
- iron;
- magnesium;
- vitamins of group D;
- sulfur;
- a nicotinic acid;
- potassium;
- chlorophyll.
All these elements, when properly prepared, turn into an infusion, having a beneficial effect on the body.
Kudin, its features
The beneficial properties of this alternative tea, which today belongs to the extra class, were known to the healers of ancient China. Contemporaries associated with science only needed to identify why this bitter-tasting drink, or “bitter herb,” so seduced the ancient Chinese 2000 years ago. It turns out that, prepared according to all the rules of the ancient culture of consumption, it is rich in vitamins (A, B, PP C, D, E), micro and macro elements (composed of: sulfur, potassium, flint and manganese), flavonoids, which, in Kudine contains many times more than traditional green tea.
Kudin has nothing to do with tea. These are actually the curled leaves of the broadleaf holly plant, not the tea bush.
This magical raw material is extracted from the leaves of an evergreen exotic squat tree, which is called broadleaf holly, and grows everywhere in China. Of particular value are the leaves collected in Sichuan province, at the foot of the Yellow Mountain. Most likely due to the more environmentally friendly state of the place or associated with places of ancient Chinese power. Kudin, considered an elite tea, has a tart, bitter taste, and for this it received the name “Bitter Tear”.
Where does it grow and how is it collected?
The dwarf plant grows throughout China. However, the most productive part of the country for broadleaf holly is the south. The plant, which turns into a valuable drink, is grown on mountain slopes. Kudin tea, the benefits and harms of which are described below, loves moist and enriched soil.
Tea is produced using a technology that is similar to the preparation of elite green tea:
- As soon as new green leaves appear on the tree, they are immediately collected.
- After collecting, the leaves are rolled up and carefully strung on a thick fishing line.
- The so-called leaf bundles are dried in the open air for several days.
The very last step is to sort the sheets by size and degree of readiness.
What does the tea taste like?
As we said earlier, kudin translated means “bitter grass.” From this we can conclude that the drink itself has a bitter taste.
Rarely can anyone drink kudin in its pure form. In most cases, it is diluted or fresh fruits and berries are added to hide the specific taste component. The tea itself is bitter. Nevertheless, no one is stopping you from experimenting with varieties and varieties, choosing for yourself options with a less harsh taste and aroma.
Interesting fact: in higher quality and higher varieties of kudina there is practically no bitterness. All this is easily explained by the composition of the drink. For it, the youngest leaves are used, which have not yet had time to coarse and become saturated with bitterness. The only drawback of elite varieties of Kudin tea is weak aging, low strength and lost richness of aroma. But for some this could be the main advantage. It all depends on your habits and preferences.
In what form is it sold, how to choose
In Europe, Kudin tea is most often sold in bulk. A common version of the product is holly leaves rolled into a spindle and dried to a brownish-green hue (see photo). Less common are raw materials in the form of compressed bricks, whole, bound leaves. There is also “young Kudin”, in the form of thinly twisted shoots. In the picture, the last option is rich green.
It is better to buy tea in specialized stores. When choosing, pay attention to the following:
- Integrity of the sheet. Kudin should not be crushed or broken.
- Color. In the pressing and arrows, the leaves have green and dark zones. There is no quality tea that is uniformly black.
- Aroma. Kudin has a herbaceous smell. Spicy and berry notes indicate the presence of unwanted impurities.
Attention! Some sellers write the wrong name Ku din on the price tag. To ensure the authenticity of the tea, you need to look at the packaging in which the product was delivered to the store.
Tea varieties
The division of Kudin tea into varieties is conditional, depending on the place of production, the age of the leaves and the rolling method. All products are made from broadleaf holly.
Popular varieties:
- Vietnamese. Made from raw materials grown in Vietnam. The finished product resembles dark green spindles with sharp edges.
- From Hainan Province. Made from holly shoots collected in early spring. It can be seen under the name Shui Xiu. Young tea is less bitter and releases more nutrients into the drink.
- "Spears." It is made from mature holly leaves, which are rolled into sticks 5–7 cm long and dried in the open air.
- Compressed. Made from large shoots. They are pressed and briefly smoked.
- "Spindle". It is made from 2 fleshy upper leaves and a bud, which are rolled into spindles and dried.
Varieties
Kudin tea, the benefits and harms of which are described below, is divided into several varieties. These categories differ in the quality of the original raw materials, the method of processing and the degree of maturity.
So, the main varieties of kudin tea:
- connected;
- pressed;
- sheet;
- spiral;
- twisted.
The highest quality and most expensive type of tea is Kudin Shui Xiu, which is made from the smallest leaves of this plant. True connoisseurs believe that this variety is less bitter and has a brighter taste and aroma.
For other types of tea, not only young leaves are used, but also more mature ones. The drink made from such raw materials has a bitter taste and is also designed for several brews.
How to choose a good product and check its quality
Kudin tea is purchased only from well-known suppliers . They are found by recommendation, empirically, or are guided by the following indicators:
- seller on the market for at least five years;
- deliveries direct from China;
- the right type of tea is always available;
- extensive range.
When purchasing, study the composition, which should include only broadleaf holly leaves .
Paraguayan holly leaves are also produced in China and brewed for drinking, but this is not tea, but mate.
The assortment of Kudin drink is quite wide . Spiral and leaf varieties differ after brewing with an intense bitter taste. Pressed has a softer fruity tint.
The most expensive and elite variety, Shui Xiu, is made from young leaves hand-picked from Yellow Mountain in Sichuan Province. It has a refined sweet aftertaste.
Understanding all this diversity requires patience and time. But after opening the package, evaluate the quality of the leaves . They should be:
- dry;
- light brown interspersed with yellow and green;
- have a weak specific odor.
If you find debris, dust, dampness, or an unpleasant odor in the package, you should try to return the purchase to the store or throw it away.
Kudin tea: beneficial properties and contraindications
The main beneficial properties of this drink include the following:
- eliminates fatigue and increases human performance;
- strengthens the immune system;
- normalizes metabolism;
- promotes speedy recovery during colds;
- stimulates the gastrointestinal tract;
- cleanses our body of toxins and waste;
- helps normalize blood pressure;
- the drink invigorates and has tonic properties;
- reduces blood sugar levels;
- cleanses blood vessels;
- fights heartburn and rhinitis;
- treats stomatitis;
- strengthens memory and nervous system;
- reduces cholesterol levels;
- cleanses the liver;
- helps to lose excess weight;
- reduces the effects of radiation;
- improves heart function;
- reduces the risk of developing cancer.
Now we can move on to the disadvantages of this drink.
Who is forbidden to drink kudin?
Despite the impressive range of beneficial properties, kudin can also have a negative effect on our body.
It is strictly forbidden for young children, pregnant and breastfeeding women to consume this drink, as it can cause disturbances in the digestive tract. In turn, this will lead to complications and irreparable consequences.
If you begin to notice an unhealthy reaction in your body to tea, stop drinking it immediately. It is also necessary to consult a doctor after such an incident to check your health.
The main contraindications to drinking kudin tea are the following:
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- chronic gastroenteritis;
- high blood pressure;
- individual intolerance.
Now you know the beneficial properties and contraindications of kudin tea.
What are the benefits of Chinese drink?
The Chinese especially value Kudin tea for stimulating brain function during sleep, which is colored by vivid and prophetic dreams.
For adult women and men
The drink in adults normalizes hormonal balance, enhances libido , and increases performance.
In men, thanks to the mild tonic effect of tea, sexual potency is stimulated, the quality of erection improves, and the ability to control the duration of sexual intercourse appears.
In women, premenstrual syndrome and painful conditions during menstruation disappear.
In old age
After 50 years, moderate consumption of the drink can only bring benefits . It can slow down the aging process, as well as:
- prevent the development of atherosclerosis;
- improve mood;
- maintain creativity over time.
Kudin tea in old age will help you quickly adapt to new circumstances and preserve your ability to learn.
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For special categories of people
The drink can be consumed if you have high blood pressure . It normalizes the functioning of the heart muscle and central nervous system.
But it can bring the greatest benefit to people weakened after a long illness and drug treatment. Kudin tea will increase tone, immunity and remove all toxic metabolic products from the body.
It also alleviates the suffering of patients with diabetes by having a beneficial effect on the thyroid gland.
Doctors' advice
Recommendations regarding this drink:
- By consuming kudin, you saturate your body with useful substances and minerals;
- strengthen weakened immunity;
- cleanse the liver of waste and toxins;
- give the body a surge of strength, energy and desire to do something;
- improve sleep;
- cleanse the blood in the vessels;
- improve your memory, which is important, for example, when preparing for exams;
- You should not drink tea at night;
- for weight loss, kudin is drunk only on an empty stomach;
- the drink removes excess fluid from the body.
By following doctors' orders and not overusing kudin tea, you can improve your health.
Is it possible for children
In China, Kudin is allowed to be given to children from 6 years old. European doctors have set a limit of 12 years. A cautious approach to the drink is associated with a lack of information about the effect on children.
When you reach a safe age, start drinking tea with 0.5 tablespoons per day. If the child likes the taste and does not have a negative reaction to the drink, the dose can be gradually increased to 50 ml 2 times a day.
Kudin tea: how to brew and drink correctly
This drink should be brewed in the same way as regular tea: dry leaves should be poured with hot water and steeped. When brewing kudin, it is very important to take water at the right temperature. If you brew this tea with boiling water, you can get a bitter infusion. When using water at a temperature of 50-60 degrees, an infusion of young leaves is obtained with a noble taste and a slight bitterness. For mature leaves, use water at a temperature of 80 degrees.
A diagram of the correct brewing of kudin tea, the benefits and harms of which we have already examined:
- For 250 grams of clean drinking water you will need a teaspoon of tea.
- Pour boiling water over the teapot, rinse and pour out excess liquid.
- Pour dry tea into it.
- Bring the water to the required temperature, cool slightly and pour into the teapot.
- Drain the first brew after a couple of seconds. This action helps to wash the leaves of dust, dirt and other unwanted substances.
- Refill with water and wait for about three minutes.
- After the specified time has expired, the tea can be poured into cups and enjoy the unusual taste and aroma.
It is customary not to add milk, honey or jam to the drink. Granulated sugar or cane sugar can be used as a sweetener. Kudin is usually drunk on an empty stomach, but a couple of chocolates or fresh fruit will not be superfluous.
Recommendations from nutritionists for losing weight
Nutritionists classify holly drink as a fat burner that stimulates the process of weight loss. The effect of Kudin on weight loss is as follows:
- acceleration of food digestion and fat breakdown;
- reduction of cholesterol in the blood;
- normalization of metabolism;
- decreased feelings of hunger and food cravings;
- prevention of nervousness due to dietary restrictions.
Another advantage of tea is its low calorie content - up to 5 kcal per 100 grams. However, to stimulate weight loss without harm to the body, you need to follow several recommendations:
- Do not replace the drink with a full meal;
- drink tea no more than 2 times a day after meals;
- do not add sugar or other sweeteners to Kudin;
- refuse foods that contribute to weight gain;
- combine diet with exercise;
- Do not use Kudin if there are contraindications for use.
According to reviews of people who have used holly leaves, tea helps to lose weight without a debilitating feeling of hunger. The drink lifts your mood and gives you strength, so losing pounds is not accompanied by irritability.
Attention! Some sources write that the famous doctor Myasnikov developed a weight loss system using Kudin tea. However, this information is a publicity stunt caused by the desire to make money on the name of a popular person.
We advise you to read: Benefits of professional medical care for the elderly
How to drink for weight loss?
To lose excess weight, you must follow these rules:
- Avoid eating salt, as it retains fluid in the body;
- in the morning you need to eat something protein, and then make yourself a cup of tea;
- you need to drink more clean water;
- kudin cannot be combined with lemon, honey or fruit jam;
- the daily norm of kudin for weight loss is two to three cups;
- The drink must be drunk for several weeks. During this time, tea will help remove toxins and waste from the body, improve the functioning of internal organs and the digestive system.
Many people who drink kudin tea note that they feel better, get enough sleep and feel a surge of energy throughout the day.
Interesting way to cook
Another interesting brewing method is the following:
- We take several needles or spindles of kudin and pour them into a teapot.
- Pour in cold water and soak the tea in it.
- Squeeze out the excess liquid and return the kudin back to the brewing container.
- Then boil the water, cool it a little and pour it into the teapot.
- Let it sit for two to three minutes.
We have already reviewed the properties and contraindications of kudin tea; reviews of this drink are very contradictory. Consumers note a bitter taste and a fairly high price for the product. The other part of the population considers kudin the best medicine and periodically uses it. Note that kudin is intended more for connoisseurs, because its taste and aroma can repel you from the first minutes. But maybe it’s worth giving such a healthy drink a second chance?
