Tea

facts contributed by Kew Gardens 22 Jan | 11:26

  • Tea leaves

An infusion of fermented tea leaves (black tea) is a very popular everyday drink, often taken with milk, in the United Kingdom. Green tea is the unprocessed (unfermented) form of black tea. Tea is often unwittingly used as a stimulant, and hence its reputation as ‘the cup that cheers’.

Tea is widely grown from China to Sri Lanka, including Japan.

Species information

Distribution: Eastern Asia; widely cultivated

Habitat: Tropical and subtropical regions; rich, moist soil.

Form: Shrub

Scientific name: Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze (Theaceae)

Tea infusions may be taken internally to treat digestive complaints and as a diuretic. Cooled tea infusions may be used externally for insect bites and sore eyes. Green tea, when taken regularly, may help in lowering blood pressure, cholesterol and arteriosclerosis.

Over-consumption can lead to sleeplessness, upset stomach and irritability because tea contains caffeine and theobromine, known stimulants of the central nervous system

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