Vine Tea, Herbal Tea
Aliases：Sweet Tea、Sweet Tea Vine、Maoyan Berry Tea、Tianpo Tea、Dragon Beard Tea、Lai Li Tea、Bangbang
Tengcha (Vine Tea) is a Chinese medicinal herb. It consists of the dried stems and leaves of Ampelopsis grossedentata (Hand.-Mazz.) W. T. Wang (family Vitaceae).
Efficacy & Actions
clear heat and resolve toxin, promote diuresis and reduce edema
Indications
Wind-Heat common cold, sore throat, jaundice-type hepatitis, red swollen and painful eyes, abscesses sores and boils, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia (high blood lipids), hypertension (high blood pressure)
Modern Pharmacology
It mainly has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering, antihypertensive, hypoglycemic, anti-tumor, and anti-thrombotic effects, among others.
Ingredients
The active constituents of Tengcha (Vine Tea) are flavonoids. The main components include ampelopsin, dihydromyricetin, myricetin, Fujianensin, ambrein, β-sitosterol, myricetin, myricitrin, among others. Dihydromyricetin is the most abundant flavonoid compound in it.
Usage & Dosage
1. Internal use: 15–30 g in decoction, double the amount for fresh herb. 2. External use: Appropriate amount, decoct in water for washing.
Contraindications
Spleen and stomach deficiency cold, constitutional cold deficiency: Avoid (cool nature may aggravate cold patterns). Pregnant, lactating, or menstruating women: Prohibited (affects uterus, fetus, and infant). Allergic constitution: Use with caution (may cause allergic reactions). Infants and young children: Use with caution (may affect development). Hypotension or hypoglycemia: Use with caution (has blood pressure‑ and blood sugar‑lowering effects). Liver or kidney dysfunction: Use with caution (increases metabolic burden). Adverse reactions: Gastrointestinal discomfort, insomnia, palpitations, skin rash, etc. Precautions: Avoid on an empty stomach; avoid consuming together with cold‑nature foods; avoid drinking before bedtime; do not exceed the recommended amount. Drug interactions: Avoid concurrent use with Qi‑tonifying herbs such as Ginseng; may affect the efficacy of anticoagulants and sedatives.
Selected Formulas
For treating hypertension: 30 g of Tengcha (Vine Tea), steeped in boiling water and taken as tea. Ten days constitute one course of treatment. (Source: Hubei Chinese Herbal Medicine Records)
Daily Consumption
Tengcha can be steeped, decocted, cold‑brewed, mixed with other ingredients, or used as a mouth rinse. Several common methods are described below. 1. Boiling Water Steeping (most common) Dosage: 2–5 g of dried Tengcha per serving. Water temperature: Must be boiling water (95–100°C), because the flavonoids in Tengcha require high heat to be fully extracted. Method: Place the Tengcha in a cup, pour in boiling water, cover, and steep for 3–5 minutes. The tea is ready when the liquid turns golden and clear. Characteristics: Slightly bitter at first sip, followed by a distinct sweet aftertaste; the sweetness becomes more pronounced with subsequent infusions. The same leaves can be steeped 2–3 times. 2. Decocting (for a stronger brew) Take 5–10 g of Tengcha, add 500–800 mL of water, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 3–5 minutes. Strain and drink the liquid. Suitable for daily health maintenance and assisting in regulating blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood sugar. 3. Cold Brewing (for summer cooling) Place 2–3 g of Tengcha into 500 mL of cold water or bottled spring water. Refrigerate for 2–4 hours before drinking. Cold‑brewed Tengcha tastes sweeter and lighter, but the extraction of active compounds is relatively lower. 4. Blends with Other Ingredients Tengcha + Goji berries: Supports liver health and eyesight. Tengcha + Red dates: Moderates the cool nature of Tengcha – suitable for people with a cold constitution (use in small amounts). Tengcha + Chenpi (dried tangerine peel): Regulates qi, strengthens the spleen, and aids digestion. 5. Mouth Rinse Allow steeped Tengcha to cool to a lukewarm temperature. Take a sip, hold it in the mouth for about 30 seconds, then spit it out. This may help relieve sore throat and mouth ulcers (canker sores).
Medicinal Parts
stem and leaf
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place, protected from moisture.