I have about 200g of Gunpowder Temple of Heaven. I generally like this
tea and I think I have the brewing parameters about right (~1.5-2.0
g/cup for 4:00 at 160°F).

But I've noticed that after several cups, I get a mild sensation in
the back of my throat that feels more or less like heartburn. I say
"more or less" because I'm on very strong prescription medication to
control stomach acid, so I'm pretty sure it isn't really heartburn. I
haven't had that for 20 years or so.

Tea contains caffeine, which can cause a relaxation of the LES (lower
esophageal sphincter) allowing stomach acid to squirt up into the
esophagus. This sounds like it might be the problem.

On the other hand, several web sites recommend tea to aid in
digestion, especially green tea. ;-)

Others claim that herbal teas with even trace amounts of peppermint,
chamomile, ginger, licorice root, or catnip help the stomach lining
repair itself.

Is anyone else experiencing this?

Any remedies?

On Oct 3, 4:54*pm, Prof Wonmug > wrote:
> I have about 200g of Gunpowder Temple of Heaven. I generally like this
> tea and I think I have the brewing parameters about right (~1.5-2.0
> g/cup for 4:00 at 160°F).
>
> But I've noticed that after several cups, I get a mild sensation in
> the back of my throat that feels more or less like heartburn. I say
> "more or less" because I'm on very strong prescription medication to
> control stomach acid, so I'm pretty sure it isn't really heartburn. I
> haven't had that for 20 years or so.
>
> Tea contains caffeine, which can cause a relaxation of the LES (lower
> esophageal sphincter) allowing stomach acid to squirt up into the
> esophagus. This sounds like it might be the problem.
>
> On the other hand, several web sites recommend tea to aid in
> digestion, especially green tea. ;-)
>
> Others claim that herbal teas with even trace amounts of peppermint,
> chamomile, ginger, licorice root, or catnip help the stomach lining
> repair itself.
>
> Is anyone else experiencing this?
>
> Any remedies?

Gunpowder isn't really known for being a higher-end tea. It can be
rough in a number of ways. It is often acidic and can be smoky/harsh.
Unless blended for Moroccan mint, and even then it is not always
pleasant. I think we all have a Temple of Heaven gunpowder box that
we've purchased at some point in our early tea journey's... i think
that's how they stay in business It sure isn't for the tea.

Most of us stay away from the overly positive health claims made about
tea, it isn't a wonderdrug, it's just like any other plant in that it
may have some small trace properties that can be beneficial but it
won't fix your heart, tile your bathroom, and mow the lawn as so many
make such wild claims. Herbs and tea do have some subtle properties
though and the ones you have mentioned are all good ones for a number
of things. A great book is called "Back to Eden" and is an old book in
it's umpteenth reprinting which is filled with natural cures and herbs
and info.

I'd say that you probably want to stick to some of the milder teas at
first and get some bearing. Assam and gunpowder are like being punched
in the face as far as subtlety. Try some lighter greens and oolongs,
stay away from the whites and blacks right off the bat especially with
these issues. Then work around and branch out. Yellow tea (light and
slightly nutty), Bi Lo Chun (light and refreshing), Dragonwell (mild
and chestnutty), TGY (light-to-mild and floral), Shui Xian (mild but
basic), even some of the more generic "Chinese Restaurant Teas" which
are Shui Xian or a similar mild oolong. There are others, in this
range too, of light to mild teas that will be much better reference
points.

- Dominic

On Sun, 4 Oct 2009 05:09:05 -0700 (PDT), "Dominic T."
> wrote:

>On Oct 3, 4:54*pm, Prof Wonmug > wrote:
>> I have about 200g of Gunpowder Temple of Heaven. I generally like this
>> tea and I think I have the brewing parameters about right (~1.5-2.0
>> g/cup for 4:00 at 160°F).
>>
>> But I've noticed that after several cups, I get a mild sensation in
>> the back of my throat that feels more or less like heartburn. I say
>> "more or less" because I'm on very strong prescription medication to
>> control stomach acid, so I'm pretty sure it isn't really heartburn. I
>> haven't had that for 20 years or so.
>>
>> Tea contains caffeine, which can cause a relaxation of the LES (lower
>> esophageal sphincter) allowing stomach acid to squirt up into the
>> esophagus. This sounds like it might be the problem.
>>
>> On the other hand, several web sites recommend tea to aid in
>> digestion, especially green tea. ;-)
>>
>> Others claim that herbal teas with even trace amounts of peppermint,
>> chamomile, ginger, licorice root, or catnip help the stomach lining
>> repair itself.
>>
>> Is anyone else experiencing this?
>>
>> Any remedies?
>
>Gunpowder isn't really known for being a higher-end tea. It can be
>rough in a number of ways. It is often acidic and can be smoky/harsh.
>Unless blended for Moroccan mint, and even then it is not always
>pleasant. I think we all have a Temple of Heaven gunpowder box that
>we've purchased at some point in our early tea journey's... i think
>that's how they stay in business It sure isn't for the tea.
>
>Most of us stay away from the overly positive health claims made about
>tea, it isn't a wonderdrug, it's just like any other plant in that it
>may have some small trace properties that can be beneficial but it
>won't fix your heart, tile your bathroom, and mow the lawn as so many
>make such wild claims. Herbs and tea do have some subtle properties
>though and the ones you have mentioned are all good ones for a number
>of things. A great book is called "Back to Eden" and is an old book in
>it's umpteenth reprinting which is filled with natural cures and herbs
>and info.
>
>I'd say that you probably want to stick to some of the milder teas at
>first and get some bearing. Assam and gunpowder are like being punched
>in the face as far as subtlety. Try some lighter greens and oolongs,
>stay away from the whites and blacks right off the bat especially with
>these issues. Then work around and branch out. Yellow tea (light and
>slightly nutty), Bi Lo Chun (light and refreshing), Dragonwell (mild
>and chestnutty), TGY (light-to-mild and floral), Shui Xian (mild but
>basic), even some of the more generic "Chinese Restaurant Teas" which
>are Shui Xian or a similar mild oolong. There are others, in this
>range too, of light to mild teas that will be much better reference
>points.

I do have several milder greens and oolongs. I haven't asked about
them because I'm not having problems. ;-)

I bought a couple stronger teas just for comparison.

I'll add your suggestions to my list for my next order.

It all depends on which TOH you are talking about.

There is TOH from Shanghai Export Company brand found in stores.
http://www.shanghaitiantan.com/en/products_lucha.aspx
About the only thing this TOH has going for it is because it won an
international taste award. It will make the hairs on your neck
standup and reaching for the antacid. It is heavier and will ping a
cup when dropped. It is larger cut leaf. There is nothing wrong with
that perse but that kind of tea I think more medicinal. I drink this
during flu season. In due respect from this group the taste varies in
harshness. The Arabic version in the lower right is tolerable. There
is a minty note in the aroma.

There is TOH also called pearl tea from Zhejiang Province which
adjourns Shanghai Province that is a milder and more aromatic green
tea. It is smaller cut leaf with some whole. Look for the version
where the pearl is very light in density. It is so light it is
affected by static and some will cling to your finger when touched. I
got this one from a jar in SF Chinatown simply labeled with the Zhu
character.

In both cases the dry semi irregular pellet is smooth and dark grey.
The original gunpowder came from one town in Zhejiang. Now it
includes the whole province. So taste isnt a given. When I taste tea
perse I always note the esophagus and stomach.

Jim

On Oct 3, 2:54 pm, Prof Wonmug > wrote:
> I have about 200g of Gunpowder Temple of Heaven. I generally like this
> tea and I think I have the brewing parameters about right (~1.5-2.0
> g/cup for 4:00 at 160°F).
>
> But I've noticed that after several cups, I get a mild sensation in
> the back of my throat that feels more or less like heartburn. I say
> "more or less" because I'm on very strong prescription medication to
> control stomach acid, so I'm pretty sure it isn't really heartburn. I
> haven't had that for 20 years or so.
>
> Tea contains caffeine, which can cause a relaxation of the LES (lower
> esophageal sphincter) allowing stomach acid to squirt up into the
> esophagus. This sounds like it might be the problem.
>
> On the other hand, several web sites recommend tea to aid in
> digestion, especially green tea. ;-)
>
> Others claim that herbal teas with even trace amounts of peppermint,
> chamomile, ginger, licorice root, or catnip help the stomach lining
> repair itself.
>
> Is anyone else experiencing this?
>
> Any remedies?