Oolong tea, like many other ayurvedic teas, can provide a plethora of benefits for the body and mind when consumed on a daily basis. Originating from the same shrub as black teas and green teas – the Camellia Sinensis shrub – oolong tea falls into its own unique category of tea with the way its leaves are carefully cultivated, oxidized, and processed. Here at Art of Tea, our tea masters want all of you oolong lovers out there to understand how this wonderful cup of tea is created, and the benefits it can have on your overall well-being in the long-term.

What Is Oolong Tea?

As mentioned before, oolong tea leaves come from the Camellia Sinensis plant, a species of evergreen shrub that contributes to the creation of many different teas. Oolong tea goes through a unique semi-oxidation process that ranges from 1% – 99%, differing from the stark oxidation process of green tea or black tea. Shortly after picking, oolong leaves are withered and semi-oxidized in the sun and then shade dried. Afterward, they are basket-tossed to break down the cells on the surface of the leaves and then wok fired, halting the oxidation process.

Oolong teas are often processed over charcoal or wood, giving them a unique flavor with various finishing styles. Finally, the oolong leaves are curled or rolled into crispy shapes that resemble tiny black dragons (Oolong (Wu-lung) tea originates from China and is actually transliterated from two words meaning “black” and “dragon” in English). Because oolong tea leaves are more mature, they are harvested later in the spring than green or white teas – usually from late April to early May.

Oolong Tea Side Effects & Benefits

Over time, drinking oolong tea can have mild benefits and positive side effects on your body. While we don’t promise any of the below we thought we would list out bits of information that studies have shown:

• Provides Antioxidant Properties – The polyphenol properties of oolong tea are also known to remove free radicals, making it a great antioxidant. Studies have shown that a daily dose of oolong can remove free radicals and slightly decrease the chances of contracting diseases such as cancer, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, and diabetes.
• Promotes Healthy Teeth and Bones – The antioxidant properties of oolong have been shown to help to protect against tooth decay, prevent osteoporosis and strengthen the bones in the body. Studies have shown that people how regularly drink oolong or black tea have been shown to lose bone mineral density (BMD) at a slower rate than non-tea drinkers.
• Promotes Healthy Skin – The antioxidant properties of oolong tea have been shown to combat outbreaks of eczema.
• Improves Mental Clarity – Oolong tea contains caffeine, which is well known to give a temporary boost of alertness.
• Aids With Digestion – Oolong tea has been shown to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, making it highly beneficial to anyone with acid reflux or ulcer issues. Additionally, this tea has been known to combat some of the bad bacteria in the stomach.

Try Our Unique Take On Oolong Tea Today!

Consumed on a daily basis, oolong tea from Art of Tea can have a wide array of health benefits. To experience what our unique take on oolong tea can do for your body and mind, stop by our tea shop and browse through our award-winning oolong teas. For all of your teapot and teacup needs for your daily oolong ritual, check out our teaware collection today!

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