The Art and Medicine of Pu-erh Tea
Teas Curated by Heiner Fruehauf
Tea as Medicine & Ritual
Tea is far more than a beverage; it is a ritual, a medicine, and a conduit between ancient wisdom and contemporary well-being. At The Healing Order, we are committed to sourcing teas that nourish the body, mind, and spirit, while honoring the deep traditions from which they originate. Among the most revered and medicinal teas in East Asia is "Pu-erh" tea, a fermented, aged tea known not only for its evolving flavor profile but also for its wide-ranging health benefits.
Rooted in the principles of Chinese medicine, Pu-erh tea has long been recognized for its ability to support digestion, aid detoxification, and promote mental clarity. Uniquely, Pu-erh tea improves with age—its potency, flavor, and medicinal qualities deepening over time, much like a fine wine.
Understanding Pu-erh Tea: Sheng vs. Shu
Pu-erh tea is traditionally categorized into two distinct types, each offering unique flavor characteristics and health benefits:
Sheng (Raw) Pu-erh undergoes a slow, natural fermentation process over years or even decades. Initially possessing a bright, grassy flavor with floral undertones, Sheng tea develops complex, earthy, and smooth characteristics as it matures.
Shu (Ripe) Pu-erh undergoes a controlled, post-fermentation process. The result is a dark, rich tea with a full-bodied, earthy aroma reminiscent of aged wood, chocolate, or forest floor. This variety offers a grounding, warming experience, well-suited for daily consumption.
Both Sheng and Shu Pu-erh are considered living teas - they continue to evolve over time, offering a dynamic tea-drinking journey.
Our Curated Selection of Pu-erh Teas
The Healing Order has carefully curated a collection of 5 premium Pu-erh teas that reflect the ancient art of tea cultivation and the highest standards of sustainable sourcing.
2022 & 2024 Mangjing Shengcha (Jingmai Mountain)
Tasting Notes:
Dry Aroma: Wildflower fragrance
Infused Leaf: Vegetal bitterness with a hint of minerality
Liquor: Honey and orchid aromatics
This signature Sheng Pu-erh is sourced from old-growth tea trees planted by the Mangjing ancestors of Jingmai Mountain. Carefully processed to preserve its vitality, this tea offers a balanced yet complex experience—an excellent introduction to naturally fermenting Pu-erh teas.
2015 Shu Pu-erh - Xiangtu Jingmaishan
Tasting Notes:
Palate: Rich, full-bodied, smooth
Storage: Naturally aged in Jingmai Mountain, allowing for the development of aged aromas
This Shu Pu-erh offers a robust daily drinking experience and is an excellent foundation for those deepening their tea practice. Its fermentation process maintains the integrity of the leaf while producing a velvety, grounding tea.
Xiangzhulin Old Tree Pu-erh (2017, 2022, 2023)
Region: Yunnan Lincang
Harvested from centuries-old tea trees in Gengma County, the Xiangzhulin collection is a testament to the art of Pu-erh cultivation. These teas originate from a protected ancient tea forest, where trees over 200-300 years old produce leaves with exceptional depth and complexity.
Aroma: Highly fragrant with a long-lasting, elegant aftertaste
Flavor: Balanced sweetness, thick and full-bodied liquor
Aging Potential: Ideal for long-term storage, evolving beautifully over the years
Mijing Old Tree Pu-erh (2023)
Region: Yunnan Lincang
Sourced from a Blang ethnic village near Bingdao, this Pu-erh is made from early spring leaves of ancient trees between 100-300 years old. Known as "Little Bingdao," it boasts a powerful yet gentle energy, with an incredibly sweet and floral honey aroma.
Palate: Smooth, warming energy with a Tai Chi-like movement through the body
Sweetness: Exceptional sweetness that lingers on the tongue
2000 Wild Tea Garden Sheng Pu-erh (Loose Leaf)
A rare and precious tea, this Sheng Pu-erh was sourced 20 years ago from the "Tea King of Yunnan." With each passing year, its value and medicinal properties increase, making it a prized addition to any collection.
The Medicinal Value of Pu-erh Tea
Chinese medicine has long revered tea as one of the most powerful daily medicinal tools. Pu-erh tea, in particular, is known for:
✔ Support digestion and gut health (rich in probiotics and digestive enzymes)
✔ Detoxify the body (especially beneficial for the liver and blood)
✔ Enhance cognitive function (supports dopamine and serotonin balance)
✔ Reduce systemic inflammation (helpful for autoimmune conditions and chronic pain)
✔ Promote steady energy without overstimulation (unlike coffee)
Furthermore, because Pu-erh tea is made from deep-rooted, old-growth tea trees, it is uniquely mineral-rich. Unlike other teas, which may deplete bodily minerals due to their high tannin content, Pu-erh draws essential trace minerals from deep within the soil, providing a nourishing and balancing effect.
Tea as a Personal Prescription
At The Healing Order, we take an individualized approach to tea selection, recognizing that - like herbal medicine - tea should be tailored to an individual’s constitution and wellness goals. We encourage patients and tea enthusiasts alike to consult with their practitioner to determine which Pu-erh tea aligns best with their health needs.
All of our teas are sourced from small-scale, ethical producers who maintain the highest standards of ecological stewardship and quality. Each tea is tested and verified to be free of contaminants and rich in natural therapeutic properties.
Experience the Living Art of Pu-erh
Pu-erh tea is more than a drink - it is a living tradition, a medicine, and a meditative practice. It invites us to slow down, nourish ourselves, and connect to centuries of wisdom embedded in every leaf. Whether you are seeking enhanced digestion, cognitive clarity, emotional balance, or simply the enjoyment of an exceptional tea, the Pu-erh offerings at The Healing Order provide a pathway to deeper well-being.
With every cup of Pu-erh tea, you have the opportunity to support your well-being and reconnect with the timeless wisdom of these plant medicines. We invite you to experience the healing power of these teas, to nurture your body, mind and soul.
