Long venerated for its health and beauty benefits

Containing minimal caffeine green tea clears the head and promotes clarity of thinking. Two to three cups of green tea per day should contain an average of 100-450 mg of polyphenols; sufficient on the average to promote anti-oxidant factors. Green tea polyphenols have been found to protect against cancers. This is a likely reason why cancer rates are very low in Japan where green tea is by far the national beverage. Researchers believe that polyphenols stop cancer cells from dividing.

Another positive effect green tea can bestow is a cleaner, clearer digestive system. In Chinese medical terms green tea helps the body to eliminate turbidity in the gastro-intestinal system. Gently scouring the stomach of phlegm-fluids present due to weak digestive processes and dampening food choices, green tea is inherently good for weight management, boosting metabolism and emulsifying fat. Chinese dietary therapy would also suggest eating foods that are warm and easily digestible that contain mild spices or ‘catalytic heaters’ such as ginger and scallions to accentuate digestion: lightly cooked vegetables, foods high fiber, and complex carbohydrates are easiest on the digestive function (Spleen and Stomach). After a meal that is high in fat, a strong cup of green tea is always recommended for its ability to dissolve fats. Green tea has properties that are anti-inflammatory in nature and is beneficial to conditions such as ulcerative colitis, Chron’s disease and colorectal cancer. Arthrosclerosis, heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s are all shown to benefit, and green tea in fact lowers cholesterol and raises HDL cholesterol levels in humans.

In oriental medicine, coffee consumption is a major source of depletion within the body. Coffee’s innate action transforms reserves from our stored well of kidney essence, thereby infusing organs and channels with stored yang qi and promoting a temporary blast of energy and concentration. This temporary lift is followed by a significant down when the adrenals lack QI as a result of the stimulant effects of coffee (and also why so many people can’t function without their coffee!) Green tea not only doesn’t exhaust the body’s reserves in the harsh and cathartic way that coffee does, green tea is a simple, supportive measure to instill health and construct a healthy digestive system and metabolism. Drinking excessive amounts of caffeine, including caffeine from green tea may for some lead to insomnia, irritability, palpitations, sweating or dizziness. If this is the case it is always advisable to refrain from usage until all conditions clear. Anyone who is pregnant or nursing, or has significant health problems, or anxiety should consult their health care practitioner prior to adding regular quantities of green tea to their diet.

Tea drinking offers many health benefits that are validated by science however, it is valuable to realize that drinking tea is something unto itself, to be done for its own sake and not to fulfill any ulterior purpose. Only in this way can one taste the mysteries of sunlight, wind and clouds. Tea drinking engenders empathy with nature and kinship with one's fellow beings.  ~Taoist Sentiment