What are the functions and benefits of oolong tea?
Sep 12, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Generally, the effects and benefits of oolong tea mainly include refreshing the mind, aiding digestion, clearing heat and relieving summer heat, replenishing body fluids, and freshening breath. When drinking oolong tea, one should avoid consuming overly concentrated tea infusions to prevent excessive caffeine from irritating the gastrointestinal tract or causing nervous excitement. It is also not recommended to drink oolong tea on an empty stomach in order to avoid damaging the gastric mucosa.
Generally speaking, the main effects and benefits of oolong tea include refreshing the mind, aiding digestion, clearing heat to relieve summer heat, replenishing body fluids, and freshening breath. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Refreshing the Mind
Oolong tea contains caffeine, which can stimulate the central nervous system, helping to improve concentration and reaction speed. When experiencing fatigue or mental sluggishness, moderate consumption can alleviate drowsiness, helping maintain alertness and enabling more efficient engagement in work or study. It is a common beverage for daily refreshment.
2. Aiding Digestion
Oolong tea contains tea polyphenols and small amounts of alkaloids, which can stimulate gastric juice secretion and promote gastrointestinal motility. After consuming a greasy meal or experiencing abdominal distension and indigestion due to food stagnation, moderate consumption can assist in breaking down food, reducing the burden on the gastrointestinal tract, and alleviating digestive discomfort. It is suitable for consumption about half an hour after a meal.
3. Clearing Heat and Relieving Summer Heat
Oolong tea has a relatively cooling nature and contains a large amount of water when brewed, providing a cooling sensation to the body. During hot seasons or when experiencing internal heat, moderate consumption can help dispel internal heat and relieve discomfort such as dry mouth and irritability caused by summer heat, helping the body maintain a comfortable and cool state.
4. Replenishing Body Fluids
Oolong tea, primarily composed of water, can quickly replenish the body's daily fluid needs after brewing. Long-term moderate consumption helps maintain normal fluid balance in the body, alleviating issues such as dry skin and dry mouth caused by insufficient hydration, making it a good choice for daily hydration.
5. Freshening Breath
Oolong tea has a unique aroma, and the tea polyphenols it contains can inhibit the growth of certain harmful bacteria in the mouth. Drinking it can neutralize oral odors and leave a subtle tea fragrance, improving bad breath caused by food or delayed oral hygiene, thereby enhancing comfort during interpersonal communication.
When drinking oolong tea, it is important not to consume overly strong tea, as excessive caffeine may irritate the stomach or cause nervous excitement. It is also not recommended to drink it on an empty stomach to avoid damaging the gastric mucosa.
