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Matcha in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Matcha isn’t just trendy—it has deep roots in Asian herbal traditions. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), green tea (from which matcha is derived) is classified as bitter and cooling. This means it helps to:
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Clear Heat: Matcha can balance excess internal heat, such as irritability, mild headaches, or restlessness.
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Support the Liver: The bitter flavor enters the Liver channel, promoting detoxification and the smooth flow of Qi (your body’s vital energy).
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Awaken the Mind: The natural caffeine in matcha is moderated by L-theanine, creating sustained alertness without the jitters—perfect for supporting mental focus and calm.
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Aid Digestion: Matcha’s cooling and slightly drying nature can help reduce dampness (think sluggish digestion or bloating).
- TCM Tip: Because matcha is cooling, it may be best balanced with warming ingredients (like ginger, cinnamon, or oat milk) if you tend to run cold or have weak digestion.
Ritual Meets Wellness
In TCM, how you prepare and enjoy your tea is just as important as the tea itself. Matcha preparation invites mindfulness: slowing down, whisking with intention, and creating a ritual of presence. This kind of mindful pause aligns beautifully with TCM’s emphasis on harmonizing body and mind.
Nourishing Matcha Latte Recipe (TCM-Inspired)
Here’s a cozy way to prepare matcha at home, balancing its cooling qualities with warming ingredients:
Ingredients:
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1 tsp high-quality matcha powder (I recommend this organic matcha tea (affiliate link) )
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2 oz hot water (not boiling, about 175°F)
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6 oz warm oat milk (or milk of choice)
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½ tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
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Pinch of ground cinnamon or fresh grated ginger (for warmth) -- I love a good ginger matcha.
Instructions:
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Sift matcha powder into a bowl to prevent clumping.
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I recommend this matcha set (affiliate link)
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Add hot water and whisk with a bamboo whisk in a “W” motion until frothy.
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Warm oat milk on the stove or frother.
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Pour frothed milk over the whisked matcha.
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Stir in honey/maple syrup and sprinkle with cinnamon or ginger.
Result: A balanced, creamy latte that combines the cooling clarity of matcha with the gentle warmth of spices—supporting both energy and digestion.
Bringing It All Together
Matcha isn’t just a caffeine boost—it’s a centuries-old wellness tool. Through the TCM lens, it’s a way to clear heat, sharpen focus, and invite mindfulness into your day. And when you prepare it with warming, nourishing ingredients, you’re creating harmony in your cup—and in your body.
- Ready to try it yourself? Check out this matcha set on Amazon (affiliate link) that makes it easy to start your own ritual at home.