There are many different kinds of tea enjoyed around the world for pleasure, taste, and medicinal use. In this article, I will focus on the uses of what is commonly known as Green Tea on the market today.

Green tea, Black tea, and Oolong tea all come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. What makes the difference between these teas is the way the leaves themselves are processed. Green tea is made by steaming and drying the leaves only, while black tea is made by withering, rolling, fermenting, and then drying them. Since green tea is not fermented, like black and oolong, its active constituents remain largely unaltered. Black tea is considered by most to have too many tannins, a known carcinogen, to be a useful medicinal beverage.

Tea as a beverage has been enjoyed in the Orient for well over 3000 years, and has been used in Chinese medicine for nearly as long. According to Chinese legend, tea was discovered accidentally by an emperor around 4,000 years ago, when leaves from the Camellia sinensis fell into a cup of hot water that was to be used to brew a different drink. And thus the history of green tea began.

Medicinal Uses of Green Tea

Green tea has recently come into prominence as an effective anti-oxidant. It has been shown to reduce the risk of many forms of cancer, including breast cancer, and it has the ability to stabilize blood lipids, making it a valuable part of an overall cardiac care regimen. Active plant constituents called polyphenols are believed to be responsible for these actions. It aids in treating high cholesterol, high triglycerides, hypertension, and stimulates immune functions. Green Tea may actually lower the risks for arteriosclerosis. Research has shown that it guards against cardiovascular disease by lowering cholesterol levels, improving the ratio of LDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol, reduces platelet aggregation (clumping or clotting of blood cells), and lowers blood pressure.

This herb eases mental fatigue and has been used in treating digestive tract infections. The Chinese often use it to treat migraine headaches. It can also help to prevent plaque buildup on the teeth, and since the leaves contain a natural fluoride, may be helpful in preventing tooth decay. It can help to promote the burning of fat in the body, as well as help to regulate blood sugar and insulin levels.

Green tea bags or leaves are used as a poultice for baggy eyes and tired eyes. The infusion is used externally to bathe sunburn to soothe, as well as to ease the discomfort of insect bites.

People who are sensitive to, or cautioned to reduce or avoid, caffeine, can still use the decaffeinated form of Green Tea, which is still shown to have some of the same medicinal properties and qualities, although a single cup of regular green tea is not usually considered to be harmful, having half the caffeine of a cup of coffee. Don't use in large quantities while pregnant or nursing due to the caffeine levels, although again a single cup should be safe.

Green tea's actions are considered to be anti-viral, antioxidant, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic, analgesic, astringent, caridiotonic, digestive, nervine, and carminative.

Spiritual Uses of Green Tea

Green Tea is used in prosperity rituals, and to honor various deities around the world. The leaves are burned to ensure future prosperity and are included in talismans to give courage and strength to the one who carries it. Tea ceremonies of a spiritual nature are very popular and a valuable part of life and culture in Eastern countries (such as the well-known Japanese Tea Ceremony).

Growing Green Tea

Camellia sinensis is grown in various temperate climates around the world, so check with your local county extension service to see if a species will grow in your area. Tea plants are native to Southeast Asia, and have been planted widely in tropical and subtropical areas. Some species can tolerate light frost. Camellia sinensis is a small evergreen tree with a strong taproot, growing to around 6 to 8 feet tall, most often pruned back to shrubs in tea cultivation. Seedlings are usually shaded until they are 6 to 12 months old. They can typically tolerate varying moisture conditions, including drought. The leaves are hand-picked at harvest, and then are steamed and heated to dry the natural sap and prevent oxidation for green teas.

Bibliography

The Herbal Encyclopedia - A Practical Guide to the Many Uses of Herbs by Rev. Dr. Lisa Waltz, ND, DD; available in electronic form only from EarthNow.org

Handbook of Medicinal Herbs by Dr. James A. Duke

The Green Pharmacy by Dr. James A. Duke

The Natural Pharmacy - Skye Lininger, DC editor in chief

The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants by Andrew Chevalier

Prescription for Nutritional Healing by James F. and Phyllis A. Balch

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham

Heinerman's Encyclopedia of Healing Herbs and Spices by John Heinerman

Information within this article is for informational and educational purposes only, and is not meant to diagnose nor treat. Seek guidance from a health care professional.

Blessings and good health!

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