Camellia sinensis                                   Common name: Green or Black tea

Family: Theaceae

Part used: Leave & buds (black tea uses fermented dried leaves)

Constituents:  Xanthine alkaloids (caffeine, theobromine, theophylline), polyphenols (catechins, EGCG), Flavonoids, tannins, nutrients, oxalate

Actions: Nervous system stimulant, antioxidant, diuretic, astringent, anti-bacterial, cardiotonic

Medical uses: It should be noted that green tea has higher therapeutic properties than black tea. As a nervous system stimulant both teas can be used for fatigue and headaches. Green tea especially has been found to have anti-cancer & cancer preventative effects, specifically reducing the carcinogenic effects of female hormones. Its immune and inflammatory modulating activity can also be beneficial in fever, cough, colds/flu, infections and edema. Cardiotonic effects give it use in the prevention of arterioslcerosis, high cholesterol and various heart conditions.

Pharmacy: Powder: 250mg, 2 caps TID with meals. Infusion: 2 tsp/cup, infuse 3-5 min, TID.

Contraindications: Consider avoiding during pregnancy if sensitive to caffeine.

Toxicity: Avoid adverse effects by taking away from ginseng or other stimulants. Caffeine may cause insomnia, palpitations, nervousness and irritability in some patients.