Does anybody else do this?

[TheJerseyDevil]

I've always liked the feeling of breathing in steam. I think it can be very relaxing, even cleansing. For some reason, the thought occurred to me that I should breathe in through my teapot after pouring a cup.

I just tried it about an hour ago, and it was amazing! After brewing a cup of sencha fukamidori, I took a slow, deep breath through the spout of the teapot. The taste immediately permeated all throughout my mouth all the way down into my lungs. It also served to prime me, so I was able to enjoy the tea even more than usual.

Any thoughts, or does anybody else do this? I'd really like to try this when I'm feeling sick or congested to see if it helps at all.

[CutieAgouti]

While I personally have not tried this with tea, I have done this whenever I am sick (but with a large pot, a towel, and lots of herbs). Always does the trick!

I heard that originally people would drink straight from the tea spout and the teacup wasn't around/popular for awhile. Maybe they experienced the same thing you did?

might have to give this one a try

[spot52]

I do. It eases the sinus pressure; at least momentarily.

[iannon]

I usually do take the lid of my tokoname right after pouring my nice hot brew..the residual steam and aroma always makes me smile at least