herbs - Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)

What is it?

Green Teas, black teas and oolong are derived from the same plant, native to China. Green Tea is produced by lightly steaming the fresh cut leaf, while to produce black the leaves are allowed to oxidise and ferment. Oolong tea is partially oxidised. Oxidation destroys the active compounds in the leaf, therefore Green Tea has the most pharmacological activity.

Action

Green Tea contains many different compounds including polythenols, tannins, caffeine, vitamins minerals, protein and volatile oils. The polythenol, catechin is responsible for most of green tea’s medicinal activity. It is a potent Antioxidant and also encourages production of Antioxidant enzymes in the body, which may have protective effects against cancer.

Uses

Our experts recommend green tea for over 30 different disorders , hence there are too many to list here. Generally, it is used for its Antioxidant properties for protection against degenerative diseases and for its actions on the immune system.

Other information

Research has investigated the use of Green Tea for high cholesterol, Atherosclerosis and cancer prevention. It is normally found as tea, tablets, capsules or tinctures. Decaffeinated Green Tea is also available.

Cautions

• Generally there are no side effects from Green Tea apart from the side effects from having too much caffeine (Anxiety and insomnia). Decaffeinated Green Tea should be used if you are sensitive to caffeine.



• The tannins in any tea can reduce the absorption some drugs, please check with your doctor or pharmacist, if you intend to use large amounts of Green Tea and are already using medications.



• When this article was written there were no well-known negative drug interactions with Green Tea.

This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk). The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.