Heartburn from Gunpowder?

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