Tea - traditional medicine

The medicinal effects of tea have a history dating back almost 5000 years in China. The use of tea in traditional Chinese medicine is well-documented and it is suggested that it could be used as a cure for over 200 illnesses and symptoms! Tea is not an important medicine in the main medical traditions of South Asia.

South Asian tea remedies

A tea plant bearing young, fresh leaves and buds.
The young, fresh leaves of the tea plant are picked, they can be used to treat a variety of disorders.

Medicinally tea has been most used as a stimulant, or as an astringent lotion which may be used as a gargle or injection. An infusion of tea leaves was once used as a remedy for insect blights. An infusion of tea has been used for some digestive problems and to reduce sweating in fevers. In Tamil Nadu, tea leaves have been used homoeopathically for mania, paralysis, nervousness, neuralgia and sleeplessness.



This information is provided for general interest only. It is not intended as guidance for medicinal use. Further information on using herbal medicines is available.