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Green-Tea Herb - Uses And Side Effects

The Chinese have used green tea leaf and its extracts for thousands of years. Green tea is prepared from the steamed and dried leaves of Camellia sinensis, a large shrub with evergreen leaves native to eastern Asia. Unlike black tea, green tea comes from leaves that have been withered, rolled, fermented, and dried. Because of the curing process, green tea's properties closely resemble those of the fresh leaf.

About 30 countries grow tea. Next to water, tea is the most frequently consumed beverage worldwide. It's considered one of the safest beverages because the water is boiled.

Green Tea is one of the world's most popular beverages. Decades of research have explored the many healthful attributes of green tea which is a premier source of antioxidants called polyphenols.† Green Tea has been consumed in China for over 3,000 years. It is currently the world's most popular beverage (after water).

Common doses of green tea

Green tea comes as teas and capsules. Studies suggest possible effects from drinking 6 to 10 cups daily or taking 3 capsules of green tea extract.

Uses of green tea herb

Green tea contains extremely powerful antioxidants, a range of catechins in particular, which protect against health problems such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. Specifically, green tea may help to :-

• As a stimulant
• Fluid retention
• To fight infection
• To prevent atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries)
• To prevent cancer
• To prevent dental cavities
• To prevent high cholesterol

Side effects of green tea

Call your health care practitioner if you experience asthma or other allergic reactions when using green tea.

Interactions

Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Tell your health care practitioner about any prescription or nonprescription drugs you're taking, especially Adriamycin, a cancer chemotherapy drug.

Also, don't use green tea if you drink milk. Milk may reduce the tea's antioxidant effects.

Important paints to remember

• Don't drink green tea if you've experienced "green tea asthma" or other tea allergies.
• Remember that green tea contains caffeine.

What the research shows

Asian research suggests green tea has potential in preventing cancer and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). These reports and the herb's widespread use over thousands of years suggest green tea is relatively safe. Still, researchers must conduct more studies on people to investigate claims that the herb can prevent cancer.

Other names for green tea: -

Other names for green tea include matsu-cha and tea.

Green tea is sold by various manufacturers.