Tea

Latin Name
Camellia sinensis
Other Common Names
Excerpt
Herbal Actions (Column)
Cover Image

What is the Tea Plant?

All tea comes from the same plant — Camellia sinensis — a shrub native to Southeast Asia.
Depending on how the tea leaves and buds are harvested and processed will determine whether the end product will be referred to as white, green, black/red, oolong, puerh, or yellow tea.
Even slight differences in how the plant is processed (oxidized), result in dramatic changes in the flavor and chemical profile of the herb.
Humans have been drinking tea since at least the Shang Dynasty in China over 3000 years ago. Now, tea is among the most popular beverages on earth — only second to water.
notion image

Common Names for Tea

  • Black Tea
  • Cha
  • Chai
  • Green Tea
  • Matcha
  • Oolong Tea
  • Puerh Tea
  • Red Tea
  • Tea
  • Thé
  • Yellow Tea

Herbal Actions of Tea

  • Antibacterial
  • Antioxidant
  • Stimulant (mild)
  • Diuretic
  • Hypocholesterolemic
  • Neuroprotective
  • Nervine Relaxant