Medicinal Uses For Herbs

Green Tea

Green Tea: Camellia sinensis is the source of all green teas, and the differences in taste of the different types of teas are the results of different processing techniques, and differences in individual plants. Green teas are made by allowing the leaves to wither in hot air, then pan frying or placing in an oven to halt the fermentation process. Oolong teas are wilted in the sun, then bruised and allowed to partially ferment, until the leaf edges turn slightly red. Black teas are fermented in humid, cool rooms until the entire leaf is darkened. Studies suggest that the Green Teas are the most beneficial for health because the leaves are not allowed to ferment at all, preserving the antioxidant properties of the fresh leaf.

Health benefits of taking Green Teas internally include relief from digestive disorders and gastritis, treatment of infectious dysentery, relief from symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, guarding against tooth decay, boosting the immune system, preventing and combating cancers, including breast, prostate, stomach, esophageal, pancreatic, liver, and skin cancers, combating leukemia cells, decreasing risk of heart disease, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and stroke, and possibly being of benefit in blood sugar regulation in diabetics. Preliminary studies also show that the powerful antioxidant effects may have a role in preventing the ravages to the body associated with aging, therefore making it a possible anti-aging substance. It also appears that using green tea as a gargle may help prevent the onset of flu, as it appears to have some fairly powerful anti-viral properties. Other anti-viral uses very probably include fighting HIV and AIDS, and certain strains of hepatitis C and herpes simplex, though more studies need to be done relating to these problems. As an anti-bacterial, Green Tea is believed to help prevent the growth of e-coli in the intestines.

Externally, green teas can be used for cuts, scrapes, wounds, cold sores, acne, and herpes sores. The easiest way to gain these benefits is to place a used teabag on these areas for treatment (while simultaneously drinking the tea, of course!).

Green tea is in general not harmful and has few side-effects, so to reap the benefits from it, you can drink 3-10 cups per day. However, it does contain caffeine, so you may want to avoid it right before bedtime if caffeine interferes with your sleep. Also, if you are prone to being anemic, use Green teas in moderation, as they appear to reduce the body's ability to utilize iron.