Green Tea

Camellia sinesis

Description: The plant was cultivated in China. It is now grown as a tea plant in India, China, Sri Lanka, Japan, Indonesia, Kenya, Turkey, Pakistan, Malawi, and Argentina.

Composition: Contains purine alkaloids (caffine, theophylline), triterpene saponins, catechins, caffeic acid derivatives, anorganic ions (fluoride, potassium, aluminum ions), volatile oil.

Properties: The caffine acts as a Central Nervous System stimulant. Tannins act as an antidiarrheal.

Uses: Stomach disorders. Vomiting. Diarrhea.

Contraindications: Those with weakened cardiovascular systems, renal disease, thyroid hyperfunction, or anxiety and those pregnant or nursing should be careful of use.

Side Effects: No health hazards known with proper administration. Hyperacidity, gastric irritation, reduced appetite, obstipation, or diarrhea can result from intense tea consumption (Addition of milk may help avoid these effects).

Cautions: Overdosage can lead to restlessness, tremor, elevated reflex excitability, vomiting, abdominal spasm. Fatal poisoning not possible with tea beverages.

Administration: Drink as a tea.