- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Camellia sinensis; cultivated in China for millennia
- Other names
- Groene thee
Asia · Food · № 16
Camellia sinensis
Food · Asia
Green tea
Camellia sinensis
A brewed tea. Evidence does not establish most health claims; extracts differ from the ordinary beverage.
Safety notes
The beverage contains caffeine. Concentrated extracts have been linked to liver injury and medicine interactions.
Cautions by tradition (2)
- Herbal medicine worldwide: Max. 2 cups with heart rhythm disorders.
- Herbs for viral infections: Maximum 5 cups a day. Not in pregnancy, breastfeeding or with blood pressure problems. Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Preparation
Tea leaves are heated and dried, then steeped in hot water. Caffeine content varies.
Use in traditions
NCCIH notes millennia of tea cultivation in China and evidence of tea use for health purposes about 3,000 years ago.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Stimulating, astringent, lowers cholesterol, antibacterial; green tea possibly against tumours.
Preparation and amount
Green tea after meals against tooth decay; damp tea leaves on insect bites; green tea compress on bleeding cuts; oolong after fatty food against cholesterol; strong black tea (2 tsp per cup, without milk) for diarrhoea and food poisoning; tea bags on tired eyes.
Caution: Max. 2 cups with heart rhythm disorders.
Herbs for viral infections
Attributed effects
Antiviral (catechins bind the virus and inhibit viral enzymes); especially to prevent the spread of flu, also for HIV, herpes and hepatitis B (in the lab); further for cancer, weight loss, cholesterol, Alzheimer's.
Preparation and amount
Tea from leaves or bags, or capsule/tablet 3–4 times a day.
Caution: Maximum 5 cups a day. Not in pregnancy, breastfeeding or with blood pressure problems. Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)Compress, poultice and pastePowder and kitchen