← Back to the Herb Guide A–Z

Common name: Green Tea
Latin name: Camellia sinensis
Parts commonly used: leaf

About Green Tea

Green Tea is one of the herbs Herbalist Kareem works with in the 4 Cycles of Life collection. Below you will find a short, plain-language overview of how this herb has traditionally been used, how people commonly enjoy it, and the safety points everyone should know before adding it to a daily routine.

Traditional uses

Green tea has been enjoyed in China and Japan for thousands of years. It is traditionally used to support alertness, calm focus, and overall wellness.*

Traditional use describes how people and cultures have worked with a plant over many generations. It is a valuable part of herbal knowledge, but it is not the same as medical proof, and every body responds differently.

How it is commonly enjoyed

Brewed as a hot or iced tea, or whisked as matcha. Start with small amounts, follow the directions on the product label, and pay attention to how your body responds. Herbs work best as part of a balanced lifestyle that includes whole foods, water, movement, and rest.

Safety notes

Important caution: This is an herb that calls for extra care. Please read the safety notes below carefully and speak with a qualified healthcare provider before use.

Green tea contains caffeine. Concentrated green tea extract pills have been linked to liver problems; brewed tea is the gentler choice. It may interact with some medications, including some blood pressure and blood-thinning medicines.

As with any herb: avoid it if you have a known allergy to the plant or its plant family, ask your doctor or pharmacist before use if you take prescription medications, and talk with your provider before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or giving herbs to a child. Stop use and seek medical care if you notice any unusual reaction.

What researchers are studying

Scientists continue to study Green Tea. One example from the published literature is a scientific review:

Becker LC, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, et al. (2019). Safety Assessment of Camellia sinensis-Derived Ingredients As Used in Cosmetics. International journal of toxicology.

Research like this is often early, small, or done in the lab, and it does not prove that Green Tea treats or prevents any condition. We share it so you can see that this herb is a subject of ongoing scientific interest.

Found in our products

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always talk with a qualified healthcare provider before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications, or managing a health condition.