Botanical Overview
Camellia sinensis belongs to the family Theaceae and is the source of tea leaves used globally. The medicinal parts used are the young leaves. Common names include Tea plant, Green tea, Black tea, White tea, and Oolong tea. Native to Asia, it is widely cultivated in China, India, Japan, and Sri Lanka.
Energetics
The herb is considered to have a cooling temperature and a drying moisture quality. It has bitter and astringent tastes, with an ascending and outward directionality. Energetically, it is tonifying and primarily affects the qi.
Primary Actions
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Astringent
- Antimicrobial
- Stimulant
Indications
Western
- Fatigue
- Poor concentration
- Digestive discomfort
- Mild infections
- Inflammation
- Hypertension
Syndromes
- Metabolic syndrome
- Cardiovascular risk
- Oxidative stress
TCM
- Thirst
- Dampness
- Heat sensations
- Headache
- Fatigue
Syndromes
- Damp-heat
- Spleen Qi deficiency
- Liver Qi stagnation
Ayurveda
- Sluggish digestion
- Mental fog
- Weakness
- Excess Kapha symptoms
Syndromes
- Kapha imbalance
- Ama (toxicity)
- Low Agni (digestive fire)
Unani
- Lethargy
- Indigestion
- Excess bodily fluids
Syndromes
- Phlegmatic temperamental imbalance
- Excess moisture
Constituents & Mechanisms
Key phytochemicals include catechins, caffeine, theanine, flavonoids, polyphenols, and theaflavins,
Dosage & Preparations
- Infusion (green or black tea) 1-3 g leaf per cup, 2-4 times daily
- Extract standardized to catechins 250-500 mg daily
- Tincture 1:5 25-30% 2-5 mL 1-3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally safe in moderate dietary amounts. Caution is advised for those sensitive to caffeine; pregnant and lactating women should limit intake. Excess amounts may cause insomnia, gastrointestinal upset, or interact with stimulant and anticoagulant medications. Avoid in iron-deficiency anemia due to interference with iron absorption.
Astrological Correspondences
No well-established planetary or elemental rulers have been reliably sourced for Camellia sinensis.
Selected References
- European Medicines Agency Herbal Monograph on Camellia sinensis (2018)
- Plant Resources of South-East Asia (PROSEA), Van Wyk & Gericke (2000)
- World Health Organization Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants (1999)
- Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) Green Tea (2021)