🌿Western Herbalism

Green Tea

beverage

Green Tea

Green tea is a type of tea made from the leaves and buds of the Camellia sinensis that have not undergone the withering and oxidation process that creates oolong teas and black teas. Green tea originated in China in the late 1st millennium BC, and since then its production and manufacture has spread to other countries in East Asia.

Conditions addressed

Cancer PreventionWeight LossBrain FogHeart HealthAging

How to use

1–2 cups daily
  • Prepare and drink 1–2 cups daily, warm or at room temperature.
  • Avoid excessive amounts.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children

Pregnancy

Use Caution

Moderate amounts (1-2 cups/day) are generally considered acceptable, counted toward total pregnancy caffeine limits (under ~200mg/day); green tea can also reduce folic acid absorption, so it's best not taken alongside prenatal vitamins.

Breastfeeding

Likely Safe

Moderate caffeine intake is considered compatible with breastfeeding; watch for infant jitteriness or poor sleep with heavy intake.

Children

Avoid

Caffeine content means green tea is generally not recommended for young children.

Interactions & contraindications

Warfarin

Vitamin K content can reduce warfarin's effectiveness.

Stimulant medications

Caffeine content adds to stimulant effects.