Green Tea and Anxiety

Any situation, which does not provide security, causes anxiety. The effects and duration of anxiety depend on the type of person as well as the situation. For some, it may only last for a few minutes while others may experience the anxiety can last for hours. An anxious individual may exhibit one or more of the following signs: increased heart rate, profuse sweating or having trouble breathing.

Several natural and synthetic methods of eliminating or reducing the effects of anxiety attacks have been devised. A number of drugs have been promoted and sold for the alleviating stress and anxiety. However, using drugs for long periods of time can cause side effects such as damage to the liver or dependence on the drug. As such, individuals try to look for natural remedies to alleviate their anxiety. Although natural alternatives have become popular with their promise of being safer in comparison to prescription drugs, they also have their own risks. With herbs such as the Valerian Root, Chamomile and Kava Kava, it is worth considering the side effects caused by consuming these herbal plants such as minor digestive disorders and headaches. These may also produce other unwanted effects when consumed in addition to other medication so great care must be taken before considering taking these alternative remedies.

Another natural remedy suggested is green tea. Historical documents state that various races have been consuming and drinking tea leaves for as long as half a million years ago. Countries such as India and China were one of the first to grow tea. Now, with increased number of supporters, drinking green tea has been discovered that consuming tea, more importantly green tea, can produce a number of advantages for the individual’s health. There are three types of tea: green, black and oolong, differentiated by how they are handled. Green tea has the highest amount of antioxidants, as it is unfermented.

Because of their use over several generations, green tea has now been included in various medications as well as food. It is known to contain substances, which are said to be good for the health and wellbeing of the individual who consumes it. More recently, the relationship between green tea and anxiety have been researched, to find out whether it is an effective remedy to treat this condition

There are contradicting studies regarding the benefits with green tea and anxiety, whether it is beneficial or dangerous for one’s health. Long term stress, as well as anxiety, are said to lower the body’s ability to ward off common sickness and diseases such as colds, as well can lead to eventual depression. L-Theanine, a relaxing substance, is said to be found in green tea and anxiety is said to be reduced because of this.

On the other hand, some researches discourage consuming large amounts of green tea. It is stated that green tea and anxiety do not mix, as the former can cause the emergence of the latter. Consumption of green tea is also discouraged with individuals having problems in the heart or liver, as well as pregnant or breast-feeding women.

As the relationship between green tea and anxiety needs further research, great care is encouraged before taking them in large quantities or as medication. Consult with a specialist in botanical medicine or in other related medical fields prior to consuming any types of medication.