Green Tea
Green Tea (Lu Cha)
Botanical Name: Camellia sinensis
Green tea, Camellia sinensis, originated in China. Several varieties exist all of which can vary significantly based on growing conditions, methods used to grow the plants, and the processing of the leaves after harvest. Associated with longevity, lowering cholesterol, mental alertness, and helping to prevent cancer, green tea plays an integral part in most health regimes.
Below is an overview of Green Tea (Lu Cha), combining and interpreting the best of Western Science, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shamanism, Folklore and more. Gain a balanced and thorough understanding of the healing properties of Green Tea (Lu Cha).
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Western
Western Name: Green Tea
Also Known As: Tea Plant, Tea Shrub
Organs/Systems: Heart, Nervous System
Key Western Actions & Medicinal Uses: Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Anticancer, Heightens Mental Clarity, Cardio Tonic, Anti-aging. Cancer, cardiac disease, lowers blood pressure, lowers blood sugar.
Eastern
Pin Yin: Lu Cha
Also Known As: N/A
Meridians: Spleen, Kidney, Heart, Liver
Key TCM Actions & Medicinal Uses: Promotes Bodily Fluids/Quenches Thirst. Clears Heat/Dissolves Phlegm/Promotes Urination: headaches, dizziness, heat stroke. Enhances alertness/Boosts Mental Clarity: meditation, focus, sleepiness, refreshes the mind.
Parts Most Frequently Used: Leaves
Flavors/Temps: Sweet, Bitter, Cooling
Caution: Considered safe. Green tea can interfere with the chemotherapy drug Velcade and other boronic acid-based proteasome inhibitors, and should be avoided by people taking these drugs.
History/Folklore: Green tea extract has been used by Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines for centuries. Recent studies have shown it to be effective in lowering blood sugar levels and total cholesterol levels without affecting the concentration of HDL cholesterol.
The polyphenols found in green tea are known to have significant antioxidant, anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Despite popular reports there is no clinical research that yet supports the stories that green tea can help you lose weight. It is however, an excellent alternative to sugary drinks that cause weight gain.
There are several different varieties of tea that are popular in China, including Green, Oolong and Black, which all derive from Camellia sinensis. Drinking green tea, in particular, is an integral aspect of any health regime in China. It is recommended for supporting healthy and vibrant longevity.
Drinking green tea is deeply rooted in the history of Chinese culture. A book, “Tea Classic”, written by Lu Yu in 600-900 AD of the Tang Dynasty, is considered a classic history about green tea. Another book written by a Zen priest describes in detail how green tea can affect the five vital organs and how to properly grow and process the plant. Ancient Chinese and Japanese tea ceremonies are an art form dedicated to the meditation, hospitality, preparation, and enjoyment of green tea.
Key Constituents:
Phytochemicals (including Polyphenols (Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), Epicatechin gallate, Epicatechins, Flavonoles) and Caffeine) Flavonoids (Kaempferol, Quercetin, Myricetin), Antioxidants.
Steeping
Generally 1 teaspoon of green tea to one 150 ml cup of steaming water, left to steep for 30 seconds to 3 minutes, is considered ideal. Steeped too long or too hot and the tea becomes bitter and unpleasant.
Diabetes
Green tea helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
Add Goji Berries
Adding a few goji berries to your cup of green tea greatly enhances the teas immune enhancing properties.
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