Camellia sinensis is a species of evergreen shrub or small tree whose leaves and leaf buds are used to produce tea. It is of the genus Camellia (Chinese: 茶花; pinyin: Cháhuā, literally: “tea flower”) of flowering plants in the family Theaceae. Common names include “tea plant”, “tea shrub”, and “tea tree” (not to be confused with Melaleuca alternifolia, the source of tea tree oil, or Leptospermum scoparium, the New Zealand teatree).
Contents
Uses
- Camellia sinensis contains caffeine and it has been used to increase alertness. Green tea has also been used for cancer prevention, to lowercholesterol, and to prevent/delay Parkinson’s disease.
Benefits
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Vascular Function: Green tea produced from the camellia plant can increase vascular function, according to a 2009 study published in the “British Journal of Nutrition.” The researchers determined that camellia green tea can improve the efficiency of your cardiovascular system by maintaining proper health and function of your blood vessels. As a result, camellia green tea can protect against the development of cardiovascular disease.
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Immune System: Camellia tea contains phytochemicals which can boost your immune system through its anti-microbial properties. According to a 1995 study published in the journal, “Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy,” camellia tea boosts the activity of leukocytes, or white blood cells, and exhibit antioxidant properties as well. By increasing the activity of white blood cells and acting as an antioxidant, camellia tea can protect your body against toxins and other potentially harmful agents that cause cellular damage and disease.
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Anti-Cancer: Camellia tea may have anti-cancer properties, according to a 1997 study published in the “Journal of Cellular Biochemistry.” Researchers discovered that green tea from the camellia plant containts polyphenolics that can inhibit the formation of tumors. The researchers studied the effects of green tea on heavy smokers and found that the tea has anti-carcinogenic properties that may reduce the risk of developing lung cancer.
Other Possible Benefits: According to MedlinePlus, a website run by the National Library of Medicine, black tea from the camellia plant is effective at increasing mental alertness due to the natural caffeine inside the leaves of the plant. Black tea may also be effective for preventing dizziness in elderly individuals, reducing the risk of heart attacks, kidney stones and Parkinson’s disease. More research is necessary to determine the complete benefits of camellia tea on the human body.
Cautions
- Nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, headache, anddizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor promptly.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes (e.g., nervousness, confusion), trouble sleeping, restlessness, shakiness (tremor), seizures.
- A very serious allergic reaction to this product is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects.
Interactions
Unknown, please consult with your doctor.
Other names
n/a
References
Source: Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camellia_sinensis
LiveStrong, http://www.livestrong.com/article/511292-what-are-the-benefits-of-camellia-tea/