Steep Expectations: The Right Way to Drink Green Tea

Green tea has a long and fascinating history, deeply embedded in cultures that have valued it for centuries—not just for its health benefits, but also for its ritualistic and social significance.

While many people today reach for a bottle of iced green tea or sip on a cup absentmindedly while working, traditional green tea consumption looks quite different. The way we drink green tea has changed, and with it, some of its original wisdom has been lost. It’s time to explore how to drink it the right way.

In cultures like China and Japan, green tea was—and still is—more than just a drink. It was a thoughtful practice. Historically, green tea was consumed hot, often as part of a tea ceremony or mindful break in the day. The preparation process was deliberate, with careful attention paid to temperature, steeping time, and the quality of the leaves.

• Tea Ceremonies: The Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu) treats tea preparation as an art form, focusing on harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.
• Chinese Gongfu Tea Method: This method of brewing tea in small, concentrated quantities emphasizes extracting the full complexity of flavors.
• Tea as a Digestive Aid: In many Asian cultures, tea was historically paired with food, helping digestion and balancing the meal.

Today, green tea is often consumed differently. Pre-bottled iced green tea, oversteeped bitter brews, and drinking it on an empty stomach have become common. But these modern habits can sometimes lead to noticeable uncomfortable digestive discomfort, making people wonder why green tea doesn’t always feel as good as it’s supposed to.

Green Tea and Digestion: What You Need to Know

Despite its many health benefits, green tea doesn’t always sit well with everyone. Here’s why:

1. Tannins and Acidity
Green tea contains tannins, compounds that can increase stomach acid production. Drinking it on an empty stomach may lead to nausea or acid reflux.

2. Caffeine Sensitivity
While green tea has less caffeine than coffee, it can still trigger digestive issues in sensitive individuals, causing stomach discomfort or loose stools.

3. Polyphenols and the Gut
Polyphenols, while beneficial, may sometimes irritate the gut, especially for those with conditions like IBS.

The Best Way to Drink Green Tea for Maximum Benefit

If you want to enjoy green tea while avoiding digestive discomfort, consider these helpful tips:

• Drink it Hot: Traditional green tea is meant to be enjoyed warm. Hot tea is gentler on digestion and aligns with historical consumption methods.
• Pair it with Food: Drinking green tea alongside a meal helps buffer the acidity and prevents nausea.
• Steep it Properly: Avoid oversteeping, which can lead to excessive bitterness and higher tannin levels.
• Drink in Moderation: Limit intake to 2-3 cups per day to avoid caffeine-related digestive issues.
• Experiment with Different Teas: If green tea doesn’t sit well with you, try oolong or white tea, which can be gentler on the stomach.

Bringing Tradition Back

Reconnecting with the traditional ways of drinking green tea can enhance both its taste and its benefits. Instead of grabbing a cold bottle from the store or downing a strong cup on an empty stomach, take a moment to brew it properly, drink it hot, and pair it with food. When we respect the origins of tea, we can enjoy it the way it was meant to be—without the digestive drama.

At Tiny Lotus Tea, we believe in honoring tradition while making tea accessible for modern life. If green tea hasn’t been kind to your stomach, our DIGEST blend is crafted specifically to support digestion, so you can enjoy your tea without discomfort. Because tea should be a pleasure, not a problem.

With love and gratitude,

Anne and Julie