Camellia sinensis

Camellia sinensis
Family:Camellia sinensis; Astringent; Cardiotonic; Diuretic; Stimulant.
Common name:Tea plant
The tea plant is commonly used in Chinese herbalism where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs. Modern research has shown that there are many health benefits to drinking tea including its ability to protect the drinker from certain heart diseases. It has also been shown that drinking tea can protect the teeth from decay because of the fluoride naturally occurring in the tea. However the tea also contains some tannin which is suspected of being carcinogenic. The leaves are cardiotonic diuretic expectorant stimulant and astringent. They exert a decided influence over the nervous system giving a feeling of comfort and exhilaration but also producing an unnatural wakefulness when taken in large doses. They are used internally in the treatment of diarrhoea dysentery hepatitis and gastro-enteritis. Tea is reportedly effective in clinical treatment of amoebic dysentery bacterial dysentery gastro-enteritis and hepatitis. It has also been reported to have antiatherosclerotic effects and vitamin P activity. Excessive use however can lead to dizziness constipation constipation indigestion palpitations and insomnia. Externally they are used as a poultice or wash to treat cuts burns bruises insect bites ophthalmia swellings etc. Only the very young leaves and leaf buds are used these can be harvested throughout the growing season from plants over three years old and are dried for later use. Teabags have been poulticed onto baggy or tired eyes compressed onto headache or used to bathe sunburn.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 01:57 []