GREEN TEA
Camellia sinensis
Common name: Green Tea
Latin name: Camellia sinensis
Family: Theaceae
Other names: Chinese Tea, Japanese Tea.
Habitat: Green Tea is native to mainland China, South and Southeast Asia.
Description: It is an evergreen shrub or a small tree. It grows wild up to 10 meters. It has a rough, grey bark, dark green, lanceolate to elliptical leaves. They are borne on short stalks, serrated along the margins, hairy when young, deep green and glabrous when older. Flowers are yellow-white, with seven to eight petals. They appear on short branchelets in the leafs axils, in slightly drooping clusters of two to three.
Parts used: Leaves
Useful components: Volatile oils, vitamins, minerals, caffeine, polyphenols
Medicinal use: Green Tea was a very recognized and utilized herb in traditional Chinese medicine. It was used in treatment of various pulmonary and cardiovascular disorders, including asthma, angina pectoris, peripheral vascular disease and coronary artery disease. Today, numerous studies suggest that Green Tea has enormous health benefits. It is a powerful antioxidant, and as such, it can help in prevention of atherosclerosis. It lowers the risk of heart disease, reducing the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Some studies also suggest that Green Tea could protect us against cancer, reduce inflammations associated with Chrons disease and ulcerative colitis. Everyday consumption of Green Tea is also said to help control blood sugar levels in our body, and acts as prevention against type 1 diabetes. Green tea leaves and extracts are effective against bacteria responsible for bad breath. It also protects the liver from the effects of toxic substances, and can be used in weight loss diets.
Safety: Some herbs could react with certain medication. Therefore it is advisable to contact your doctor/herbalist before consumption of any herb.