Tea was first cultivated in China and is considered one of the oldest herbal medicines used in history. China's emperor Shen Nung, known as the "Father of Chinese medicine" discovered the herbal properties of this botanical. He found that when he boiled water, leaves that had fallen into his pot released an aroma and had a pleasant taste. His discovery spread all over China. His experiment showed that the fermentation of brewed tea leaves changed the color to black. He named this black tea oolong. If the leaves are brewed fresh, it yields a green color. It is believed that if the herbal leaves are fermented longer, the medicinal effect became weaker. So, green tea is the strongest, while black is considered the weaker brew for medicinal purposes.
From that time on, herbalists and monks from China handed down from generation to generation the preservation, fermentation process and use of tea, which played an important role in China’s history as a body stimulant. Polyphenols (common name is Tannin) is an oxidant compound that helps fight circulatory and respiratory illnesses. One of the chemical agents extracted, "Catechin" is used for curing cancer patients.
Japanese monks who lived in China introduced tea & its use to Japan. This brew is now one of Japan’s national beverages, which is served during breakfast and after meals. Japanese believe that it cleanses impurities like the toxins from their body. After time, herbal tea spread to Europe and is now considered a medicinal beverage. Many Europeans believe the brew prolongs life and acts as body mechanism against colds and other bacterial infections.
The botanical name Camelia came from the late Jesuit pharmacist George Joseph Kanel, who was a researcher of Philippine plants. Camelia species produce oils like C.oleifera, C.reticulata and other oils, which are used medicinally and for culinary or cosmetic purposes.
Parts used are leaves, essential oils from leaves, and fixed oils from seeds. Internally, tea is used for digestive complaints. Externally, this botanical is used as an herbal insect repellent and the tea bags are used cosmetically to reduce puffiness around the eyes. Green tea is good for healthy teeth because of its high content of fluoride and is useful in preventing dental cavities. Japanese call powdered green tea "Matcha" and is part of an ingredient used in preserving delicacies.
"Kombucha” or “Tea cider" is the Japanese herb fermented from leaf extracts. To relieve colic and bloating, brew the tea for 3-5 minutes and drink. The essential oils of this botanical are used in perfumery and as a muscle relaxation in some bath preparations. The fixed oil of tea is used in paint products.
|
