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Tea & Life In Vietnamese Perception

Tea & Life In Vietnamese Perception

For Vietnamese people, tea is more than just a favorite beverage; it is also regarded as a natural remedy for common ailments. Why has tea become such an integral part of Vietnamese life? Would you consider using tea as a face wash, as ancient Vietnamese have done?

Tea - A vital ritual of a Vietnamese generation

A cup of tea every morning, no need for a doctor!

Nguyen Tuan, one of Vietnam's notable writers and scholars, wrote:

"Bán dạ tam bối tửu, bình minh nhất trản trà

Nhất nhật nhất như thử, lương y bất đáo gia"

(Morning tea in the dew – Nguyễn Tuân)

This can be interpreted as: Drinking three cups of wine in the middle of the night and one cup of tea in the early morning daily means you'll never have to visit a doctor in your lifetime.

Historically, when international trade was limited and imported beverages were scarce, tea was the cornerstone of daily life in Vietnam. From young to old, men and women, and people from all walks of life enjoyed tea, often finding it indispensable.

This popularity is not only due to tea's refreshing qualities but also its health benefits. Many Vietnamese believe that tea helps prevent common illnesses like influenza, diarrhea, and parasitic infections. Although there may not be extensive official research documents supporting these beliefs, the traditional knowledge has become deeply embedded in Vietnamese culture. Today, even with a wider array of beverage options available, tea remains a preferred choice for many, regarded as a safe and healthy drink.

"I can't recall the first time I drank tea; perhaps it was when I learned to hold a cup," shares Thi Tu, an elderly woman in Hanoi. "My grandmother always told me that tea is good for my health."

In an era when hygiene standards were not as high, tea played a crucial role in supporting the body's immune system. Its natural bitterness is thought to help balance the nutrition absorbed from daily meals. It is said that over 5,000 years ago, people in Asia began using tea for its antiseptic properties to prevent infections. Interestingly, Vietnamese women often utilize tea in natural remedies without any side effects.

Unusual as it may sound, there are intriguing customs surrounding Vietnamese tea. "Ancient Vietnamese would place a duck egg in the green tea pot while boiling it for 3-4 rounds. The combination was thought to create a magical remedy, believed to help prevent serious ailments like cancer," recounted an elderly man from Thai Binh province, a sentiment echoed by Dr. Cung Khac Luoc, a well-respected scholar in Vietnam.

The doctor, who embraces traditional remedies in a rapidly modernizing society, shares, "That’s the reason why I have never had sore eyes. As for the duck egg, it turns a vibrant green after boiling with tea, making a fascinating and beneficial combination."

Tea dregs are even used as a seasoning for braised fish, enhancing the flavor while mitigating the fishy scent. "Whenever I cook fish, I always add some tea dregs—my children and husband love it," said Minh, a housewife in Hanoi.

Delving deeper into Vietnamese tea culture will leave you pleasantly surprised, especially if you spend some time in a Vietnamese household. Experience this unique culture for yourself and uncover the mysteries of Vietnamese tea traditions.