Green Tea And Its Benefits

Although Asian cultures have used green tea for medicinal purposes for centuries, modern medicine has just recently researched its benefits. Studies have shown that green tea is a cancer fighting antioxidant. Coming from the same plant as oolong and black tea, Camellia green tea is processed differently. Since it is steamed, the leaves do not lose their most potent ingredient through oxidization. Although green tea does have caffeine, it is still less than coffee.

At least ten health benefits are associated with green tea. Because of its antioxidant properties, green tea lowers cholesterol by increasing your liver's LDL receptors. Just five cups of green tea a day can lower cholesterol levels. Additional protection to the heart, green tea breaks down plaques on artery walls.

Green tea can prevent or control cancer through inhibiting the enzymes that help cancer cells spread. A compound called EGCG binds with the enzymes preventing growth and decreasing size of tumors.

These antioxidants are also known to ease swelling in joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, antioxidants also kill disease-causing organisms while at the same time boosting the immune system. The polyphones and antioxidants in green tea stimulate the immune system, making you more resistant to infection.

Several factors in green tea can treat acne. Not only containing antioxidants and antibacterial properties that reduce toxins and swelling, green tea also reduces hormone levels that are responsible for acne. To treat acne, you can either drink the green tea or apply it to the skin in cream form. Because green tea can kill bacteria and viruses, it can prevent cavities that are caused by these culprits. In the future, toothpastes and mouthwash products may contain this natural protectant.

Finally, green tea can promote longevity. The polyphones remove free radicals leading to fewer wrinkles and longer life.

Allowing three minutes for boiled water to stand, pour the hot water over one tea bag for a cup. After letting it steep for at least four minutes, you may drink it when it becomes cool enough for your taste. To ensure the perfect cup, do not brew it at temperatures higher than 175 degrees or longer than two minutes; otherwise, it will become bitter. Since the shelf life of green tea is only six months, you need to use it within that time frame after opening it. While you can get green tea year round, the best-flavored tea is harvested in April and May and must be packaged properly.

Common Herbs And Some Specific Uses

Raspberry

As a tea, it is excellent for morning sickness in pregnancy. An aid to preventing miscarriage, it strengthens the uterine walls prior to giving birth.

Red Clover

A good blood purifier. It is an antidote to cancer, containing lime, silica and other earthy salts. Relaxing to nerves and entire system.

Rhubarb Root

Very good to increase the muscular action of the bowels. Also will relieve headaches.

Rose Hips

Contains a great deal of vitamin C, ranging from 10 to 100 times greater than any other known food. Therefore, it is used as an infection fighter. Also helps with physical stresses and pollution. Also contains Vitamins, A, B1, B2, E, K, P, niacin, calcium, iron, phosphorous.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a circulatory and nerve stimulant. Has a calming effect on the digestion as well as headache or depression.

Rue

Effective treatment for nervousness, hysteria, worms, convulsions, joints and gout.