Chinese Herbal Tea

A legend was once told that in ancient times, a Chinese emperor was drinking hot water when leaves from a nearby tree shrub (Camellia sinensis) fell and dropped into his cup.  The resulting soothing drink suited the emperor’s taste so much so that tea was invented.  This is believed to be how one of the well-loved beverages came about- the tea.  Currently, Chinese herbal tea is rank secondary to water only as the most popular drink in the world. For centuries, Chinese used tea as herbal medicine.  Recently, studies have proven that Chinese herbal tea does contain a number of healing substances which are found in the tea leaf that provide therapeutic effects to the tea drinkers.  The most important and potent among these substances are antioxidant chemicals called polyphenols that aids in guarding against kinds of cell damage.

The green tea which is a Chinese herbal tea is a proven source of antioxidants.  The leaf contains the important antioxidant called EGCG (epigallocatechin-gallate) and other important healing substances such as fluoride, catechins and tannins.  Sipping this Chinese herbal tea may prevent various types of cancer; guard against heart disease by reducing cholesterol levels and lowers blood pressure, stop tooth decay and many other benefits.

The green tea is a Chinese herbal tea that can effectively increase the body’s antioxidant capacity for two hours with just about ten (10) ounces of green tea.  The tannin compounds found in this Chinese herbal tea can help ease indigestion, diarrhea and stomach upset if taken in moderation.

The green tea is believed to contain antioxidant EGCG which initiate the process called apoptosis. During this process, cancer cells die leaving behind the healthy cells only.  In one study conducted in China, it was found out that people who drank as little as one cup of this Chinese herbal tea per week in a span of six months can reduce the risk of developing cancers compared to those people who has lesser intake of green tea or none at all. Chinese herbal tea is also effective in countering the aging process due to its antioxidant properties.  It is also used to treat arthritis.  Consuming four cups of green tea which is a Chinese herbal tea may protect developing arthritis and if you already have one, can help treat inflammation.

To get enough amounts of polyphenols which are active ingredients found in Chinese herbal tea, you need to consume three to four cups of Chinese herbal tea per day.  Most side effects associated with Chinese herbal tea are due to its caffeine content. This could cause irregular heartbeat, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, headache or loss of apetite.