Raw Puerh and the Stomach
Still really new to Raw puerh having only tried a few. The more I read the more I come across things about it possibly being rough on one’s stomach.
I have Ulcerative Colitis and therefore try to avoid certain things that upset my delicate stomach (no alcohol, limited coffee intake, minimal fried foods). If this would be an issue, I may have to rethink how much I’m trying to get into the raw stuff. So my question here is if there is any truth to this or if any of you have had problems with it? Also, why is it mentioned with sheng but not other teas? Thanks for any answers you might have.
Sheng is made from a naturally evolved large leaf varietal that developed itself in Yunnan and then was cultivated. This large leaf varietal is far more bitter and astringent than its smaller cousin. It is also not oxidized as is black tea, hence the “raw” or sheng version is fairly close to nature. Over time it ferments in a process similar to sauerkraut.
Both the raw leaf and the stage of high fermentation can be rough to drink. Tea that is 15+ years old, with humid fermentation years, and shou puerh with high pile fermentation are comfortable to drink. Many Chinese would never consider drinking sheng under ten years old.
Personally, if I had any issue with my stomach or gut, I would avoid sheng. There is no need for it. The same leaf can be drunk as shou, or you can get the same Yunnan varietal oxidized into black (red) tea which is tasty and won’t have the issues of raw tea.
I have a lot of gastrointestinal problems and young sheng usually doesn’t bother my stomach. But with UC I could see it might be a problem. But as different people react differently to young sheng it may not be. Unfortunately the only way to find out if you are one of those people who reacts badly to young sheng is to be a human guinea pig and drink some young sheng.
I agree, you need to try it to find out. Certain varietals or producers may produce better or worse teas as far as affecting the stomach. I have a family history with stomach cancer and other such problems, but I have been comfortable enough to enjoy the fine sheng. I also haven’t been diagnosed with any such illness, YET
I agree with what AllanK said, you may just have to try (in small amounts) to find out. In general I find young sheng more abrasive and avoid it on an empty stomach.
My dad has IBS, so coffee, chocolate and dark teas are all out of the question. However, he drinks green tea quite often. The other week he tried some 2013 and 2015 raw puer for the first time and sat through two sessions with no problem. For him, his condition is set off more by dark teas due to their chemical makeup, but is not affected by green, white, or raw puer. I don’t know how similar that is to Ulcerative Colitis, but if they share similar triggers, you may be able to drink it, but that would probably mean being more careful if you want to drink shou puer. Even though it is typically considered good for digestion, it is a darker tea.
Indeed. I have had just one or two sessions of it before and haven’t had any noticeable effects. Because of my condition I am always monitoring my own body and how it reacts to things. So, naturally I will be paying attention. I just wanted to find out some other opinions and info about it and why that may be a thing. Thank you for your advice
You will not have any issues with aged sheng probably. I’d say 2005 and below. I do have stomach problems with some young sheng. It’s unknown until I try. If you get super tiny gaiwan or pot (I’d say 50-60ml) you may reduce the chance of getting stomach issues compare to 100-150ml vessel.
I have this being delivered tomorrow. http://crimsonlotustea.com/collections/sheng-raw-puerh/products/2006-xiaguan-sheng-raw-puerh-tuo-cha-100g
It’s not 2005 but hoping it is close enough ;)
Tuo generally age slower than cakes. Try it, but I don’t think a 2006 tuo is considered “aged”… Depends on the compression.
Agree. Xiaguan is strong. Even humid stored 2006. I would stay away from factory sheng. They are generally strong
mtchyg Completely forgot. Always follow up with shou after sheng session. its like antidote.
Just like as others have stated above. I run into my problems when either consuming to much water without eating or by starting a session on an empty stomach. Boychik has a great point and uniquity has a great point. You know your own body and what it can handle.
Well, I was supposed to get my tea in the mail today but nothing showed up and the tracking says that it has sat at a post office about 3 hours away for the past 24 hours with no movement. Bummer. I’ll have to delay the gastrointestinal experiment until… tomorrow? Hopefully?!
After a session with the sheng, I have to admit that it does seem to have a bloaty cramp type effect on my stomach. Nothing painful but slightly uncomfortable. Drank (and enjoyed) it a few hours after dinner. So sheng will probably be a rare indulgence if this go ’round is any indication.
Just wait for the sheng to age 15 years before drinking it and it will be smoother in its effect on you :-)
Haha… right. Well, in the meantime, I guess I’ll have to do some more research on some shengs that are well documented to be easier(ish) on the stomach.
I was about to tell you. You don’t have to wait that long. I do enjoy some young sheng that are gentle on my guts. You may have diff reaction but less likely. W2t Poundcake, if you read this, Bosch , Colbert Holland, 1990 HK style ( it’s very mature and perfect ). I don’t recommend Milk, Cream and Alcohol or Little Walk. I had stomach issues with both.
Grab 2005 Yiwu Big Green Tree and 2002 Ancient Spirit ( both are from Yunnan sourcing). I have many I enjoy without problem. I try to stay away from young factory sheng. If you need more recs I will be happy to share my thoughts
+1 to boychik. I find that stomach issues for me is impossibly tea dependent. Second instance I’ve heard of someone talking about the Little Walk causing stomach pains though..
@jschergen yea, I’ve tried twice to make sure its not coincidence. not a big loss. i may forget about it for a few years.
Yeah. Cheap at least. So many different stories about stomach.. Marshaln implies just a couple years will do the trick, but others talk about more… No hard and fast rules..
I think stomach feel is an attribute of most, if not all, sheng… With that said it could mean many different things from bloaty to bubbly. For some it’s a positive feature just like most enjoy the qi or mouthfeel, stomach feel is just as present.
Also, the 2005 yiwu big green tree is a gentle semi-aged yea that had close to no stomach feel (ofcourse besides the bowl of water sitting in your stomach)
2015 Yunnan Sourcing Qing Mei Shan Old Arbor Pu’er Tea
2015 Yunnan Sourcing “Huang Shan Gu Shu” Old Arbor Raw
both of them are beautiful and delicious. no side effects ;D
Boychik, I would love any and all recommendations. Here or in a message form. I really enjoyed both the flavor of the sheng and the way it made me feel. Just not in the stomach. It is actually still lingering a bit today. Again, nothing super bad just some slight discomfort/bloating sensation, if that makes sense. I actually was considering jumping in on the White2Tea club but might have to back away from that if I need to be super selective about my sheng. Would hate to have a good chunk of what I received monthly just kind of not be good for me or my stomach.
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