Kuding

Kuding or kuzding (Chinese: 苦丁茶; pinyin: kǔdīng chá; lit. 'bitter nail tea'; pronounced [kʰù.tíŋ ʈʂʰǎ]) is a particularly bitter-tasting Chinese infusion, which due to their similarities in appearance is derived from several plant species.^[1] The two most common plants used to make kuding are the wax tree species Ligustrum robustum and the holly species Ilex kaushue (synonym: Ilex kudingcha), the former being more commonly grown in Sichuan and Japan while the latter is most commonly grown and used in the rest of China.^[2] Tea produced from Ligustrum or many species of Ilex is caffeine-free, although not Ilex paraguariensis, the source of mate drank in South America.^[3][4][5]

Twisted kuding leaves ready for brewing (Ilex kaushue)

Kuding Ilex kaushue, "一葉茶" (一叶茶)

Kuding Ligustrum robustum, "靑山綠水" (青山绿水)

Folk medicine

See also: Traditional Chinese medicine

The traditional Chinese medicinal properties associated with kuding (and many other plants) include its ability to disperse wind-heat, clear the head and the eyes, and resolve toxin, thus being used for common cold, rhinitis, itching eyes, red eyes, and headache. It is also said to calm fidgets and alleviate thirst, especially when one is suffering from a disease that causes fever or severe diarrhea. It transforms phlegm and alleviates coughing, thus used in treating bronchitis. Finally, it is said to invigorate digestion and improve mental focus and memory.

Some research may suggest that the herb, derived from either Ilex or Ligustrum, promotes blood circulation, lowers blood pressure, and lowers blood lipids, including cholesterol. It has the reputation of preventing deterioration of the heart and brain function and maintaining proper body weight. It has also been found that Kuding made from L. robustum has similar anti-oxidative effects to tea in addition to additional anti-inflammatory properties.^[6]

See also

• Yerba mate or Ilex paraguariensis - A species of holly that also contains caffeine and is popularly used to make mate in Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil.
• Ilex guayusa - also known as "guayusa", is an Amazonian tree, native to the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest.
• Ilex vomitoria - "Yaupon Holly", a caffeine containing plant from North America.
• Green tea

References

1. Tam CF, Peng Y, Liang ZT, He ZD, Zhao ZZ., 2006.,Application of microscopic techniques in authentication of herbal tea-Ku-Ding-Cha. Microscopy research and technique, Nov;69(11):927-32.
2. Subhuti Dharmananda, "KU DING CHA"., Institute for Traditional Medicine, Portland, Oregon, Retrieved November 2, 2006
3. Yu, J. (1997). "The plant resources and its chemical constituents of Kuding Tea in Guizhou Province". Journal of Plant Resources and Environment. 6 (2): 22–25.
4. Yu, J.; Wan, Q. (1996). "Studies on chemical compositions of Kuding Tea in Guizhou--the analysis of amino acids, vitamins, trace elements and other major compositions". Journal of Guizhou Agricultural College. 15 (4): 60–64.
5. Negrin, A.; Long, C.; Motley, T. J.; Kennelly, E. J. (2019). "LC-MS Metabolomics and Chemotaxonomy of Caffeine-Containing Holly (Ilex) Species and Related Taxa in the Aquifoliaceae". Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 67 (19): 5687–5699. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.8b07168. PMID 31042034. S2CID 141466124.
6. LAU Kit Man; HE Zhendan; DONG Hui; FUNG Kwok Pui and BUT Pui Hay Paul, 2002 "Anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and hepato-protective effects of Ligustrum robustum", Journal of Ethnopharmacology. vol.83 pp.63-71.