{"id":2302,"date":"2020-08-12T16:05:26","date_gmt":"2020-08-12T15:05:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=2302"},"modified":"2025-09-22T09:13:43","modified_gmt":"2025-09-22T08:13:43","slug":"green-tea","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/green-tea\/","title":{"rendered":"Green tea"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":205709,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"a9e6b645-a5ee-41a6-9903-dab0895f2d44","beyondwords_preview_token":"303a0f20-b5d9-4773-bc3b-31935115e144","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[217,216],"conditions":[685,694,693,696,700],"sustainability":[1575],"sense":[18,31,786,1819],"western_action":[1008,989,1823,993,994,1132,1000,1001,1004,1011,1020,1021],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[1499,1512,1498,1505,1382,1487,1529,1492],"region":[1898,1893],"class_list":["post-2302","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-cool-inflammation","tag-green-tea","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-cardiovascular-system","conditions-endocrine-system","conditions-nervous-system","conditions-skin","sustainability-amber-sustainability-status","sense-bitter","sense-astringent-taste","sense-cooling","sense-umami","western_action-diuretic","western_action-alterative","western_action-antihyperlipidemic","western_action-antimicrobial","western_action-antioxidant","western_action-antipyretic","western_action-astringent","western_action-bitter","western_action-cholagogue-and-choleretic","western_action-febrifuge","western_action-stimulant","western_action-stomachic","energetics_action-astringent","energetics_action-bitter-taste-chinese","energetics_action-bitter","energetics_action-cold-temperature-chinese","energetics_action-cool","energetics_action-dry","energetics_action-stomach","energetics_action-toning","region-traditional-chinese-herbs","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20240906","herb_author":null,"banner_text":"Green tea offers multiple benefits due to its rich antioxidant content","latin_name":"Camellia sinensis<\/em>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Theaceae","herb_summary":"Green tea constituents work together to improve blood supply, brain performance, mood, as well as carbohydrate and fat metabolism.","key_benefits":"A refreshing and uplifting beverage\r\nMaintaining health and wellbeing\r\nPreventing diabetes and circulatory disease\r\nReducing effects of ageing on brain performance","how_does_it_feel":"Source the finest quality green tea, for example a matcha blend, and in a cup, pour\u00a0 water on the tea just before boiling point. The colour of the water will move from an immediate greenish-yellow to a darker yellow-brown. Do not add milk or whitener. After five minutes take a sip and note the familiar dry, refreshing taste, only subtly aromatic. Even in hot weather, a cup of green tea offers a cooling and refreshing effect.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe flavour offers fresh grassy tones, with a slight astringency and a slight bitterness. The flavour profile can vary depending on the quality, and ranges from nutty and earthy qualities to a more umami and rich taste. The duration of time the tea has been steeped also affects the flavour, with a longer brew giving a more powerful bitter flavour.\u00a0<\/span>","hdif_image_1":12902,"hdif_image_2":205710,"hdif_image_3":205711,"hdif_video":"","sense":[31,18,786,1819],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"[caption id=\"attachment_205709\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"516\"]\"Green Green tea (Camellia sinensis<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nGreen tea can be enjoyed as a healthy and refreshing daily beverage. It has a multitude of health benefits and makes for a good coffee substitute, and may be better tolerated than black tea. There is some suggestion that it can be a useful part of a weight-loss regime due to its effect on supporting metabolism. Its myriad of health benefits are reflected in both its traditional usage and modern research. Consuming green tea as a beverage rather than a supplement or as part of a prescription is usually preferable due to practicality. It can easily be incorporated into a daily routine, either as a substitute or alongside coffee or black tea (1, 2).<\/span>\r\n\r\nFor ongoing health problems it may best be seen as a long term health and wellbeing measure rather than a quick fix. It can be considered as a preventative to help protect the body against heart and circulatory diseases, late-onset diabetes or dementia. As a powerful <\/span>antioxidant<\/span><\/a>, the polyphenols offer cellular protection from oxidative stress as well as neutralising free radicals, resulting in decreased markers of cellular damage and inflammation (1). The polyphenols modulate immune function by impacting both innate and adaptive immune cells (3).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nGreen tea can support cardiovascular health by lowering total cholesterol levels and can be effective in preventing the risk of <\/span>atherosclerosis<\/span><\/a> and heart disease (4).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nGreen tea provides a moderate source of caffeine. Caffeine in this context can enhance cognitive function, increasing alertness and reducing <\/span>brain fog<\/span><\/a>. As a result, green tea can be applied to overcome <\/span>fatigue<\/span><\/a> and tiredness (1, 2).<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"[caption id=\"attachment_205710\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"516\"]\"Green Green tea (Camellia sinensis<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nGreen tea is exceptionally high in flavonoids that can help improve cardiovascular health. The sensory qualities of green tea are <\/span>bitter<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>astringent<\/span><\/a> due to the high level of tannins (1).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe astringent qualities of green tea are ideal for the treatment of damp conditions. Green tea is a <\/span>diuretic<\/span><\/a> that promotes urination and fluid circulation which explains how it is able to remove dampness from the tissues.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt may be used to alleviate issues involving fluid stagnation and retention such as oedema, painful or difficult urination, urinary stones and phlegmatic conditions.<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) green tea is classified as a cold herb that strongly purges the body of fire \u2013 a more severe heat. This typically presents with symptoms in the upper body such as with febrile disease and other origins, resulting in high fever, red face and eyes, thirst, extreme headaches and pronounced irritability and possibly accompanied by delirium (5).\u00a0<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"Green tea has been an important part of Chinese, and later Japanese and Korean social life over almost two millennia. The earliest accounts of tea ceremonies come from China around 1200 years ago during the Tang Dynasty when the ritual of infusing and serving tea was part of a religious ceremony called <\/span>cha dao<\/span><\/i> or \u2018the way of the tea\u2019.<\/span>\r\n\r\nOutside China, tea was brought to Europe in the 16th century and became popular in Britain, with black tea overtaking green tea to become its most popular drink during the 18th century. It was initially promoted through tea houses as a tonic and health drink before becoming a popular beverage. The British East India Company introduced tea production, as well as tea consumption, to India, in order to compete with the Chinese monopoly on tea (6).<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"\"NervousThere is evidence to support the fast acting therapeutic qualities of green tea with even some benefits being seen within a few weeks. Practitioners are likely to recommend drinking more green tea for the following purposes:<\/span>\r\n

Nervous system<\/span><\/h3>\r\nConsumption of green tea, preferably as a life-long habit, is particularly helpful to reduce the effects of ageing and illness on cognitive function, memory retention\u00a0 and other mental performance. The L-theanine in green tea increases serotonin, dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, all of which significantly boost mood, also indicating it in <\/span>anxiety<\/span><\/a> and depression (7).<\/span>\r\n\r\nA very interesting area of interest is in cases of <\/span>neuroinflammation<\/span><\/a>. Recent observations signal that many brain and nervous problems may involve inflammation. A role here could justify the use of green tea, for example in chronic fatigue syndrome and to help prevent dementia (8).<\/span>\r\n

Cardiovascular system<\/span><\/h3>\r\nThe polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) present in green tea protects the integrity of the blood vessels, therefore regular consumption is useful in a wide range of conditions of the cardiovascular system. A key part of the benefits of green tea are linked to its observed effects on improving the health and integrity of the endothelium (lining of the blood vessels) (9). It is at this surface that almost all inflammatory processes begin and endothelial dysfunction has been implicated in a wide range of inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular problems, dementia and diabetes. Endothelial stresses may even contribute to the effects of ageing on the brain and nervous system (10).<\/span>\r\n

Endocrine system<\/span><\/h3>\r\nGreen tea, particularly its key constituent epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and other catechins, have extraordinary antioxidant properties in the laboratory (stronger than vitamin C or E). However these are artificial environments and the real impact of antioxidants after consumption, digestion and metabolism in humans has been heavily overpromoted. Nevertheless, the catechins in green tea appear to optimise the body\u2019s own antioxidant defences, including via the Nrf2 pathway. This is likely to explain many of the health benefits of regular green tea consumption, particularly in reducing low-level inflammatory conditions (11).<\/span>\r\n\r\nGreen tea is recommended where there is a slow or under-active metabolic rate associated with higher BMI (body-mass index), belt size and other indicators of metabolic syndrome, all of which may point to late-onset diabetes and fatty liver problems. Regular intake of green tea holds great value for those with high cholesterol levels, <\/span>high blood pressure<\/span><\/a>, and\/or raised BMI (12,13,14).<\/span>\r\n\r\nClosely linked to endothelial impact are likely benefits of green tea in reducing insulin resistance and improving glucose and fat metabolism. Modern lifestyles have dramatically increased insulin activity in the body, notably as a consequence of high carbohydrate diets and reduced exercise. Higher insulin levels eventually lead to endothelial and other cells becoming insulin resistant with consequent disrupted sugar management and more fat storing. Metabolic syndrome is associated with the onset of type 2 diabetes and associated cardiovascular problems, increased dementia risks and other long-term health consequences, and is perhaps the dominant health issue in modern developed societies (12,13,14).<\/span>\r\n

Skin<\/span><\/h3>\r\nGreen tea has traditionally been used in inflammatory skin conditions associated with hormonal imbalance (15).<\/span>","research":"\"\"\r\n

Green tea effects on cognition, mood and human brain function: A systematic review<\/span><\/h3>\r\nTh<\/span>ere is considerable evidence for the effects of long-term green tea intake in improving cognitive performance. In a major systematic review of the evidence , involving over 66,000 subjects across 21 studies, four clinical trials and 12 crossover studies there were significant improvements in memory and cognition in those who drank one or more daily cups of green tea regularly. Results showed specific improvements in reducing anxiety, increasing memory and attention as well as overall brain function (7).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nGiven the likely role of endothelial dysfunction in the origins of inflammatory processes, cardiovascular problems, and ageing, it is noteworthy that there are clinical studies\u00a0 that reinforce the laboratory observations that green tea does improve endothelial function, with wider benefits on the cardiovascular system (9,16,17).<\/span>\r\n

The acute effect of green tea consumption on endothelial function in healthy individuals<\/span><\/h3>\r\nThis study was carried out amongst 14 healthy individuals with no cardiovascular risk factors. On three separate occasions they were administered a) 6 g of green tea, (b) 125 mg of caffeine (the amount contained in 6 g of tea), or (c) hot water. C-reactive protein, interleukins, antioxidant capacity and total plasma levels were measured at 30, 90 and 120 minutes following each administration. The results showed green tea had an acute positive effect on endothelial function as measured by the flow mediated dilation of the brachial artery (16).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Tea-induced improvement of endothelial function in humans: No role for epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)<\/span><\/h3>\r\nThis randomised crossover study was carried out to investigate the effect of EGCG and green tea on endothelial function. Fifty healthy men were administered a single dose of 200 mg EGCG as either a green tea beverage, green tea capsule or an isolated EGCG capsule and hot water as the control. Flow mediated dilation (FMD) and nitro-mediated dilation (NMD) of the brachial artery was assessed by ultrasound prior and two hours following ingestion. The results showed FMD was significantly after consumption of green tea only suggesting the effect is due to the culmination of green tea\u2019s compounds as opposed to isolated EGCG (17).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt is also interesting to note that regular green tea consumption seemingly reduces associated problems of insulin resistance and disrupted glucose and fat metabolism. In a cross-sectional survey of almost five thousand healthy adults in China, between 1-30 cups of green tea per week was associated with lower rates of blood sugar impairment (8). In one systematic review involving almost two thousand subjects green tea was found\u00a0 to significantly lower fasting blood glucose levels (9). In another study, green tea was found significantly to improve measures linked to metabolic syndrome: to decrease weight, BMI (body-mass index), total and low density cholesterol, fat mass, and waist and hip circumference (10).<\/span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_205708\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"522\"]\"Green Green tea (Camellia sinensis<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Comparative studies on the hypolipidemic, antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of catechin-enriched green and oolong tea in a double-blind clinical trial<\/span><\/h3>\r\nIn a double-blind randomised controlled clinical trial of 60 individuals with raised cholesterol levels, 600 ml catechin-rich green and oolong tea taken daily for 12 weeks significantly reduced antioxidant enzymes and other measures of oxidative stress, with reductions also in body weight, fat levels and BMI. Markers of fatty liver levels were also improved (18).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

The effect of green tea on C-reactive protein and biomarkers of oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis<\/span><\/h3>\r\nA systematic review was carried out to explore the effects of green tea on insulin sensitivity and preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus. A total of eight articles with 614 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients met the inclusion criteria. The results showed green tea significantly reduced C-reactive protein levels (19).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Potential therapeutic targets of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the most abundant catechin in green tea, and its role in the therapy of various types of cancer<\/span><\/h3>\r\nA comprehensive literature review explored the molecular mechanisms of action for the application of EGCG in the treatment of various diseases. It highlighted EGCG\u2019s role in modulating cell signal pathways involved in the cancer process, including proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and inflammation. It suggests EGCG shows promise as a chemoprotective and therapeutic agent in cancer and calls for further clinical trials to confirm clinical efficacy (20). <\/span>","did_you_know":"Tea is the most commonly consumed beverage in the world after water, with total annual sales exceeding $43 billion globally in 2015, more than $11 billion of which is accounted for by green tea (21).<\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":204348},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Green tea, black tea and white tea are all produced from the same plant, <\/span>Camellia sinensis<\/span><\/i>. Two varieties are widely used as sources of most of the tea around the world, <\/span>Camellia sinensis var sinensis<\/span><\/i> which is commonly known as Chinese tea and <\/span>C. sinensis var. assamica <\/span><\/i>or Assam tea. The leaves are a distinct bright and shiny green with a hairy underside.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe flowers are a creamy white with a light scent and grow in clusters of two or four. The fruits of the tea plant are a brownish-green and can contain up to four seeds. The Chinese variety is considered to be slightly more hardy and its leaves are generally smaller and more narrow. It is primarily this variety that is used to produce green tea (28).<\/span>","common_names":"