Tea health benefits and therapeutic value

The tea tree, also called green tea or Camellia sinensis, is grown for its leaves that provide us with delicious tea infusions.

Tea boasts many health benefits that help the body in its tasks.

The tea tree is native to the South-east of the Asian continent, and belongs to the Theaceae family.

Tea and its health benefits and therapeutic properties

Tea leaves from the tea tree can either be fermented or non-fermented. When not fermented, they can be used to treat such health disorders as obesity or water retention.

Tea is known for its many very interesting medicinal properties and also for the health benefits it procures the body.

• Indeed, tea is a great stimulant for the central nervous system. It increases intellectual activity and heightens awareness.
• It also diminishes or stops migraines and headaches that sometimes appear with intense intellectual concentration.
• Not only does tea ease digestion, but it also accelerates it, even if you’ve eaten a heavy, fat-laden meal. This is probably why Chinese food is often said to be quite light.
• Everyone already is familiar with the diuretic effect of tea on the kidneys.
• Tea also has positive effects on the cardio-respiratory system.
• The beneficial action of tea against cholesterol also won’t come as a surprise to many.
• Green tea puts an end to light diarrhea.
• And, lastly, although you might already be aware of it, tea is an excellent antioxidant. It helps fight against cell ageing.

Did you know…?

> Use:

Infusion, of course.

> External use

– Do you have bags under your eyes? Dark rings around your eyes? Tea is excellent to make them disappear, dip compresses in lukewarm tea.

– Are your eyes puffy and red after having cried? The same tea-imbibed compresses can be used, alternating cold and warm ones. They’ll quickly bring your eyes back to normal.

– Tea lotion also helps tan skin extend summer tanning.

– Finally, tea was long used for dyeing cloth.

Growing tea for its health benefits

Tea needs to be protected from frost and bathed in sun. It will thrive in rich, deep, and rather acidic soil, but especially well drained.

Tip: The tea tree also makes for a beautiful indoor bonsai. If you’re tempted to try, simply remember to give it a “winter” phase where it sits at temperatures between 50° to 60°F (10°C to 15°C).

Growing tea in pots?

In a 12 inch (30 cm) pot, your tea tree will feel right at home. Excellent productivity when grown in an unheated but non-freezing lean-in, veranda or greenhouse.

Watch out for small bugs!

Tea does have a few mortal enemies: aphids, scale insects, black vine weevils (flying insects) and sooty mold (a fungus).

Species and varieties of tea

Interestingly, the species is very often the same. What make a tea stand out compared to another is the soil and the growing environment. Other Camellia species are used for their decorative and ornamental value.

Blandine Merlin