There are many types of tea available today. Many of them are made in China. However, not only China is famous for its tea, Thailand also pleases and surprises gourmets. For example, Anchan blue tea is of great interest to connoisseurs.
The drink is made from the Thai clitoris trifoliate orchid, which is also called moth peas, pigeon wings or Chang Shu. Of course, anchan is not tea in its traditional form, since blue buds of an evergreen liana, which reaches a length of up to 3.5 meters, is used for its production. The plant belongs to the legume family and is native to North America and Asia. Triple clitoris is cultivated mainly in the jungles of Thailand, from where it is exported all over the world. The Thais themselves prepare a refreshing drink from blue buds, which quenches thirst well and relieves fatigue.
The history of popularity and composition of anchan tea
Despite the fact that the blue orchid has long been used in Thailand for making tea, its worldwide popularity did not come immediately. At first, American Katie Chan brought it with her to the United States, where she set up sales of anchan in a well-known chain of stores, and also introduced it to confectioners. Since then, it has become an innovative food trend. Powder and infusion of intense blue color has a delicate taste, so it is widely used in the preparation of various dishes as a natural dye. Also, drinks with various additives are prepared from flower petals. It is noteworthy that when anchan is mixed with lemon juice, it turns from blue to purple.
However, not only this attracts tea connoisseurs, but also its properties and benefits for the body. In Thailand, it is considered a fountain of youth due to its unique composition. Anchan contains vitamins B, K, C and D, manganese, potassium, iron, and fatty acids. Also, the clitoris trifoliate is rich in saponins, glycosides and steroids. Cliotides, peptides with an antibacterial effect, were found in its composition.
Useful properties of anchan tea
Due to its composition, the drink contributes to:
- strengthening of blood vessels;
- improving the condition of the skin and hair. Often the infusion is used to prevent baldness and the appearance of early gray hair;
- improving memory and increasing concentration;
- removal of excess fluid from the body and getting rid of edema;
- increase the protective properties of the body;
- lowering cholesterol in the blood;
- acceleration of recovery from colds;
- lowering blood pressure.
Also, the Thai orchid has other healing properties – antiviral, antispasmodic, sedative, bactericidal, adaptogenic, etc. However, when using anchan, it is important to remember some rules and contraindications.
Anchan tea: contraindications
First of all, anchan tea should be drunk in moderation – no more than three cups a day. The drink should be excluded from the diet of pregnant and lactating women. Also, it is not recommended for children and can harm people with kidney disease, since anchan has a diuretic property and contains a large amount of fluoride. In addition, it is better not to drink tea at the beginning of the working day, where concentration is important, since the infusion calms and slows down the reaction rate.
Since the drink lowers blood pressure, it is not recommended for hypotensive patients, as it contains substances that bind iron, which prevent its absorption by the body. We must not forget about the individual intolerance of the components of the clitoris, therefore, in the presence of allergic reactions, refuse to use Anchan tea.
