It is a type of tea that originated in China about 400 years ago.

It has numerous healthful properties and has been used by Chinese herbalists for centuries to treat many different ailments.

It is allowed to ferment longer than green tea and less than black tea which is fully fermented. This process results in a rich, flavorful tea with unique medicinal properties.

This tea is full of free radical harnessing polyphenols. Studies have shown that the polyphenols in this magical drink reduces triglyceride levels significantly.

The benefits are increased with regular drinking. Someone drinking just three cups per day can start to reap the benefits of this amazing tea.

The flavor of this drink is somewhere between that of green and black teas. In both China and Japan it is traditionally taken in a small teapot with tiny cups and is a very important part of everyday life.

How you benefit from these properties is entirely up to you.

The first step should be the proper brewing of the oolong tea. A method of tea brewing knows as Gongfu Cha is traditionally used to brew oolong tea. Tea masters study for years in order to perfect this art. The main differences between this method of brewing and regular tea brewing are the uncompromising steps, the amount of tea used and the time it is allowed to steep.

However, you can brew a very nice cup of oolong tea at home without years of training.

The key to a delicious cup of tea lies in several things.

First, you must start with quality loose leaf tea. The tea you purchase should be the best quality organic tea you can afford. Premium loose leaf oolong tea can be re-infused many times so you really do get your money's worth.

Next, you need good water. Spring water is a good choice, but avoid using distilled water as it will produce a flat tasting tea. Tap water should be filtered first and avoid using hard water at all costs.

The temperature of the water is also vital. A good temperature is about 12 degrees below boiling. Water that is too warm will alter the levels of the plant's medicinal properties and water that is too cool will not cause the tea leaves to release all of their essential oils.

Bring the water to just under a boil and allow it to cool slightly. Place at least enough tea leaves to cover the bottom of the pot. It is not uncommon for someone to place enough tea leaves into the teapot to fill it completely. This may seem like a lot of leaves, but as they expand and swell, you'll be able to re-infuse this pot many times.

Also, remember to never leave the loose tea sitting in water. Decant all of the tea into cups and add only enough hot water for the amount of tea you wish to drink at any given time.

After the water has been added to the tea leaves, allow them to steep for a few moments then pour off this first infusion and discard it or use it water your roses. This allows water to circulate around the larger leaves and ensures that your first cup will be perfect.

You can re-infuse the tea many times using this method.

If you plan on drinking a lot of oolong tea (and you will), you may want to consider the purchase of a nice Yixing teapot. These small teapots are made of porous clay and help make the perfect cup of oolong tea.

Sit back and relax with a warm cup of oolong tea and savor the moment!