Scientific Name: Camellia sinensis

Family: Theaceae

Parts Used: leaves

Energetics: cooling, drying

Taste: sour

Plant Properties: stimulant, antioxidant, cardioprotective

Plant Uses: energy, heart health, oral health, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes

Plant Preparations: tea, culinary, body

Magickal: Spiritual Communion, Divine Consciousness,

Intentions: Heart Centering, Balance, Restoration, Empowerment

Chakras: All

All the difference kinds of tea, including black, green, white, oolong, and Pu-erh, come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis.

The area where the tea is grown, the way it is harvested, and the way it is processed and dries all play a role in the final product. one of the main differences among the different types is oxidation. Black tea is highly oxidized, green tea is not oxidized, oolong is partially oxidized, and Pu-erh is aged and fermented.

Tea is high in antioxidants and flavonoids, namely catechins, and has been shown to be helpful to the heart, oral health, the skin, metabolic syndrome, reducing stress, and cancer.

We live in a chronically stressed culture. The harmful effects of stress play a large role in our overall happiness and are a contributing factor in to many chronic illnesses. Include a form of Camellia sinensis in your daily herbal blend to offset these harmful side effects.

Caffeine

All forms of Camellia sinensis tea contain caffeine at varying levels. Caffeine has been shown to affect energy levels, mood, stamina, the vascular system, the digestive system, and other functions within the body. Many people choose to consume caffeine for its ability to clear the mind, lift the spirit, and banish fatigue.

How Much Caffeine is in Tea?

On average, a six-ounce cup of black tea has about 50 milligrams of caffeine—less than half the amount in a standard cup of brewed coffee. A similarly-sized cup of oolong tea contains approximately 30-40 milligrams of caffeine, while green tea contains roughly 20-30 milligrams. White tea contains the smallest amount of caffeine of all “true” teas (i.e. those made from the Camellia sinensis plant)—just 15-20 milligrams per cup.

Herbal teas (also called tisanes) such as chamomile, hibiscus, and peppermint teas are naturally caffeine-free. One exception is yerba mate, which contains around half the amount of caffeine per cup found in a similar-sized cup of coffee.

Daily amounts of Camillia sinensis will vary from person to person depending on caffeine content and tolerance. Generally speaking, therapeutic amounts are as following: 2.5 tablespoons brewed in 32 ounces of spring water every 24 hours. This is quite different from most non-caffeinated herbal allies which range from .5-1 ounce brewed in 32 ounces spring water!