Tea is a decoction made from the Camellia sinensis plant. Tea is an interesting herb because it is the most widely consumed drink after water, and because it has such a well researched group of health effects. The effects of tea are complex and are thought to be related to the presence of a group of phytochemicals including flavonoids, tannins, caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine. Both black and green tea are similar, but vary slightly in their tannin to flavonoid ratio, with black tea favouring tannins over flavonoids. Tea undoubtedly has physical tiredness relieving effects and this has been demonstrated in a large number of research studies, and is supported by centuries of anecdotal data collected by those who drink tea. However, tea also has significant mind relaxing effects and it is the combination of both of these phenomena that may explain why tea is such a widely revered drink the world over. The positive mental effects of tea may make it an ideal drink to prevent the development of mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.
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