25 June 2008

Herb of the Week

Green Tea
Camellia sinesis

Action: Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Astringent, Bitter Tonic, Cardiac, Disgestive, Diuretic, Stomachic
Taste: Bitter
Parts used: Leaf
Application: Green tea is possibly the most popular beverage in Asia. Its beneficial properties are due to tannins, antibiotic alkanoids that occur naturally in the leaf. In modern times, green tea has shown to be rich in antioxidants, which seems to confirm its long-standing reputation as a general tonic. Taken regularly, green tea promotes a healthy immune system, protecting agianst infections and cancers of the respiratory and digestive systems. Green tea has a regulating and alkalising effect on the disgestive system and helps both constipation and diarrhoea. In general, it is used as a digetive, although different proccesing and roasting methods produce different results. Green tea is also beneficial for blood circulation, aids in disinfecting bacterial infections of the mouth, and protects against tooth and gum disease. Topically, green tea is an anti-inflammatory for burns and skin irritations.

Preparation: Soak leaves in hot water; apply lukewarm leaves to affected areas.