Green Tea

Published on: April 12, 2003

by Cheryl Roth and Mara Engel

The exact year is uncertain, although it is suspected that it was born out of China and later brought to Japan by monks returning from their studies at the Great Zen Monasteries of 12th century China.

We, of course, are talking about Green Tea. Green Tea is considered one of the 50 most fundamental herbs around and is the second most popular beverage consumed—taking a back seat only to water. (We also know the word “tea” comes from the Greek word, thea – which means “goddess”. As Modern Organic Divas we really dig that.)

Lots of buzz over the years about green tea and all its wonders – sure, it is a terrific beverage which comes in a variety of flavors (almost too many to count.) It has also been added to foods giving us nothing short of the exotic green tea ice cream, candy, pudding, liquor, juices and spectacularly now, even soda.

So, “what gives” exactly regarding green tea? Well, a dynamic host of health benefits-- that’s what.

Green tea is an anti- inflammatory and anti-bacterial. It detoxifies, energizes, soothes and nourishes. Some believe it possesses the most effective anti-cancer compounds ever discovered, protecting cells from free radical damage and strengthening the body’s own production of antioxidant enzymes.

Today, green tea is not limited to the likes of only consumption, either. There has been a major rise in utilizing this universally, beneficial ingredient in loads of products. In skin care products it purifies, protects from pollution, and slows the natural aging process while restoring softness, elasticity and cell renewal. In sun block products it adds extra strong antioxidant properties that protect from harmful rays and may aid in the prevention of skin cancer. In deodorants, green tea safely and effectively neutralizes odor while treating sensitive under arm skin kindly. There are terrific products worth checking out from Aubrey Organics, Derma E and Logona that offer a number of green tea options.

Green Tea also boosts your surroundings – candles and aromatherapy that contain it cleanse, purify and strengthen the atmosphere. Even cleaning products can not resist incorporating it – Caldrea’s All Purpose Cleaner with Green Tea naturally cleans and protects with this antiseptic agent. And, certainly don’t forget Fido – pets also benefit from the properties of green tea. The pets supplement, Green Tea Tabs, from agelesspet.com boosts immune function, enhances cardiac health, improves arthritis and may reduce cancer rates in the family mascot.

So, get out there and embrace some green tea goodness – and get ready… we hear its cousin, “white tea” is about to make a big debut and could wow us even more. Stay tuned!

Column Archives

For archived copies of 6 Modern Organic Divas stories, click the links below:

December 13, 2003

Acai… An Energizing Super Fruit!

October 4, 2003

An Avocado a Day

August 9, 2003

Sun Bathing

June 21, 2003

Aloe: Much More Than Just For Sunburn

May 17, 2003

Organic Pet Foods

April 12, 2003

Green Tea