Green Tea
Plant Description Medical Properties Dosage
Caution & Interaction Efficacy Studies & Other Clinical Data Helpful Links

gotu kola
Latin (botanical) name: Camilla sinensis

Common names: Green Tea

Plant Description: This small evergreen shrub is cultivated in Ceylon, Java, Japan and elsewhere where climate allows. It can grow as high as 3m in the wild. The dark green lanceolate or elliptical leaves grow on short stalks. They are blunt at the apex, with a tapering base and serrate margins. The young leaves are hairy but turn glabrous as they mature. The flowers droop from short stalks. The fruit is a smooth, flattened, rounded, trigonous three-celled capsule with a solitary seed in each cell.

Medicinal Properties &Uses: Camellia Sinensis, or Green Tea, is a native plant of China that has been cultivated for thousands of years. It is rich in fluoride and so can reduce the risk of tooth decay. Manufactured from fresh, unfermented tea leaves, Green Tea contains four polyphenols, known collectively as catechins, and vitamins. Catechins are powerful antioxidants that have been shown in numerous studies to fight viruses, slow aging, and have a general beneficial effect on health. The anti-aging properties in Green Tea assist in preventing diseases associated with aging such as stroke and high blood pressure. Additionally, it helps to keep artery walls pliable. The catechins in Green Tea prevent cancer by neutralizing nitrosamines. Its antioxidants have been shown to have a direct effect on lowering elevated LDL cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels. Polyphenols in Green Tea suppress free radicals, especially in the brain. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that can damage the body at the cellular level leaving the body susceptible to cancer, heart disease, and many other degenerative diseases. Green Tea is effective in relieving pain and healing insect bites, and can be used as a cooling wash for sunburn. Used teabags can be used as a compress for tired eyes. Green Tea promotes the burning of fat by causing carbohydrates to be released slowly which prevents sharp increases in the levels of insulin in blood. The polyphenols inhibit the production of enzymes that break down sugar, reducing glucose and insulin levels; hence, it is an effective treatment for people who may be predisposed to diabetes, heart disease, and excess body fat. As an anti-carcinogenic, it has chemoprotective effects on stomach, liver, pancreatic, breast, esophageal, and skin cancers. Green Tea inhibits abnormal blood clotting, platelet thickening, and adhesions. As Green Tea reduces inflammation by inhibiting the production of the enzyme responsible for the inflammation process, it helps those who have arthritis and other joint diseases. As an anti-viral, it inhibits certain viruses including certain strains of herpes simplex and Hepatitis C. Green Tea kills bacteria in the mouth and, as an anti-bacterial, prevents growth of E.coli while promoting the growth of friendly bacteria in the intestines. Studies show that men who consumed seven or more cups of Green Tea a day had a 32% lower risk of stomach cancer, and that smokers who consume approximately 3 cups of Green Tea a day had less occurrence of lung damage and showed less risk of developing lung cancer.

Dosage: Place 30 drops in 6 oz. of cold or hot water, as often as desired. Shake well before using.

Cautions & Interactions: Do not use during pregnancy. Keep out of reach of children.

Efficacy Studies & Other Clinical Data: Helpful Links:
Disclaimer (U.S. Only): These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease.