Kuding (Chinese:苦丁茶;pinyin:kǔdīng chá;lit. 'bitter nail tea'; pronounced[kʰù.tíŋ ʈʂʰǎ]) is a particularly bitter-tasting Chineseinfusion, 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 speciesLigustrum robustum and the holly speciesIlex kaushue (synonym:Ilex kudingcha), the former being more commonly grown inSichuan and Japan while the latter is most commonly grown and used in the rest of China and Vietnam.[2] Tea produced fromLigustrum or many species ofIlex is caffeine-free, although notIlex paraguariensis, the source ofmate drank in South America.[3][4][5]
The traditional Chinese medicinal properties associated with kuding (and many other plants) include its ability to disperse fever, clear the head and the eyes, and resolve toxin, thus being used forcommon cold,rhinitis, itching eyes, red eyes, andheadache. It is also said to calm fidgets and alleviate thirst, especially when one is suffering from a disease that causes fever or severediarrhea. It transforms phlegm and alleviates coughing, thus used in treatingbronchitis. Finally, it is said to invigorate digestion and improve mental focus and memory.
Some research may suggest that the herb, derived from eitherIlex orLigustrum, promotes blood circulation, lowers blood pressure, and lowers blood lipids, includingcholesterol. 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 fromL. robustum has similar anti-oxidative effects totea in addition to additional anti-inflammatory properties.[6]
Yerba mate orIlex paraguariensis - A species of holly that also contains caffeine and is popularly used to makemate 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.
