MEDICINAL PLANTS

Tea is a plant that usually measures between one and seven feet high. It is an upright shrub that withstands cold well, and is covered with many branches. Its leaves, which resemble those of camellia, are distributed alternately throughout the plant are dark green, rather fleshy and rather oval shape. He is originally from China, where it grows wild as a shrub spontaneously in the mountains. Occasionally cultivated in areas suitable for further marketing. This plant is not located on the Peninsula, being the rock tea which is known more in Spain.

FLOWERING

It blooms in winter, extending the flowering to early spring in some areas. Its flowers are white and have a fairly open corolla composed of usually six petals. They are usually found singly or in small groups of two or three at most. Born next to the leaves, are crestfallen and exude a pleasant aroma. The fruit is a kind of capsule and seeds are isolated and are oval or circular. The part that is harvested the leaves, which are then used to make tea.

APPLICATIONS

Among the active components that make up this shrub can highlight the protein or caffeine, which is present in varying amounts, depending on how the quality of tea, so whenever is good, its presence is approximately 2%. Other substances such as tannin, acid quercitánico, etc.. The main utility that gives the tea is the completion of infusions, which are used for different applications such as exhaustion and fever. It's a stimulant drink, sudorific and diuretic properties. It is widely used as a home remedy in their properties and highlights its use in case of indigestion. Its use is fairly common and widespread throughout the world, being exceeded only by coffee.

ADMINISTRATION

Infusion. Add 4 grams. Leaves per 350 gr. Boiling water, then allowed to stand 3 or 4 minutes. This preparation can be used as a stimulant, although in some areas is considered very soothing, which contradicts the presence of the protein between its components. If the taste is not pleasant you can add sugar or sweetener. It takes a cup after meals.
Cook. She puts the kettle on for 10 minutes and add tea leaves. Exceeding the cooking time may suffer its effects and taste. Drinking three cups a day.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Teac
HABITAT: China and India
FLOWERING: Winter
PART USED: Sheets

USES

Stimulant Moderate, Astringency, Moderate anorectic.