Possible anti-obesity effects of white tea have been demonstrated in a series of experiments on human fat cells (adipocytes). Researchers writing in BioMed Central’s open access journal Nutrition and Metabolism have shown that an extract of the herbal brew effectively inhibits the generation of new adipocytes and stimulates fat mobilization from mature fat cells.


Marc Winnefeld led a team of researchers from Beiersdorf AG, Germany, who studied the biological effects of an extract of white tea – the least processed version of the tea plant Camellia sinensis. He said, "In the industrialized countries, the rising incidence of obesity-associated disorders including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes constitutes a growing problem. We’ve shown that white tea may be an ideal natural source of slimming substances".

After treating lab-cultured human pre-adipocytes with the tea extract, the authors found that fat incorporation during the genesis of new adipocytes was reduced. According to Winnefeld, "The extract solution induced a decrease in the expression of genes associated with the growth of new fat cells, while also prompting existing adipocytes to break down the fat they contain".

White tea is made from the buds and first leaves of the plant used to make green tea and the black tea most commonly drunk in Western countries. It is less processed than the other teas and contains more of the ingredients thought to be active on human cells, such as methylxanthines (like caffeine) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) – which the authors believe to be responsible for many of the anti-adipogenic effects demonstrated in their study.

Article Source: WebWire

"Lung cancer is the leading cause of all cancer deaths in Taiwan. Tea, particularly green tea, has received a great deal of attention because tea polyphenols are strong antioxidants, and tea preparations have shown inhibitory activity against tumorigenesis," said I-Hsin Lin, a student at Chung Shan Medical University in Taiwan. But, previous studies of green tea were inhibited owing to the flaws of the epidemiologic model with its inherent biases.

The researchers enrolled 170 patients with lung cancer and 340 healthy patients as controls.
They then administered questionnaires to obtain demographic characteristics, cigarette smoking habits, green tea consumption, dietary intake of fruits and vegetables, cooking practices and family history of lung cancer. They also performed genotyping on insulin-like growth factors as polymorphisms on the following insulin-like growth factors- IGF1, IGF2 and IGFBP3, which have all been reported to be associated with cancer risk.

Among smokers and non-smokers, those who did not drink green tea had a 5.16-fold increased risk of lung cancer as compared with those who drank at least one cup of green tea per day. And among smokers, those who did not drink green tea at all had a 12.71-fold increased risk of lung cancer compared with those who drank at least one cup of green tea per day.

The researchers suspected that genetics might play a role in this risk differential. Green tea drinkers with non-susceptible IGF1 (CA)19/(CA)19 and (CA)19/X genotypes reported a 66 percent reduction in lung cancer risk as compared with green tea drinkers carrying the IGF1 X/X genotype. Heavy smokers carrying susceptible IGF1, IGF2 and IGFBP3 genotypes also had a higher risk of lung cancer compared with nonsmokers carrying non-susceptible IGF1, IGF2 and IGFBP3 genotypes.

"Our study may represent a clue that in the case of lung cancer, smoking-induced carcinogenesis could be modulated by green tea consumption and the growth factor environment," said Lin.

Article Source: The Times of India

Research has linked Chinese tea to weight loss. Drinking Chinese tea may help you burn fat and calories thereby assisting with weight loss.

Recent studies support claims that green tea helps to burn fat and increase metabolism. According to this research, the catechin polyphenols in green tea extract alters the body's use of norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is a chemical used within the brain to transmit information between the brain and the body.

The stimulation that green tea does to norepinephrine causes an increase in metabolism, meaning the rate the body burns calories is sped up. These studies showed the thermogenic properties of green tea promote fat oxidation that cannot be explained by caffeine content alone. It is unclear if green tea is helping to control body composition by thermogenesis or fat oxidation or if it is a combination of the two.

Growing evidence links Chinese green tea to weight loss. With all of the information available on weight loss that has been sparked by green tea consumption it comes as no surprise that Chinese slimming tea has become widely available to the general public no matter which country you live in. There are many different combinations of Chinese teas using many different traditional Chinese herbs to assist those people who wish to lose weight.

Some of the more popular Chinese slimming teas available on the market are:

This Chinese tea is made of a traditional combination of Chinese herbs. Triple leaf brand teas of the finest qualities are used for maximum freshness and flavor. The herb combination is thought to produce the most satisfaction from an all natural beverage. It is suggested that you include fresh vegetables, fruits, and water in your weight loss eating plan.

Made of natural Chinese herbs reinforced with Panax Ginseng this dietary supplement harmonizes your need to lose weight with your need to maintain good health. The gentle diuretic and laxative effect and enhanced appetite control make this Chinese herbal slimming tea an excellent choice of beverage to sip while relaxing in the evening. Some of the side effects may be annoying for the first couple days, these include increased bowel movements. Shortening the time you steep the tea will lower the herb content and reduce these symptoms.

Triple Leaf-Tea.com recently introduced their Super Slimming Tea. This combination of traditional Chinese herbs are used to help promote body cleansing and detoxification. Another benefit is improvement to digestion. Licorice root is used in this tea. The licorice root will not only give it a robust flavor but it also detoxifies as well. Orange peel is also used to assist with digestion as well. The Triple Leaf Tea company claims this product is their most potent Chinese slimming tea.

Other brands are available on the market. It is important to keep in mind there is no miracle cure for obesity. You will have to diet, exercise, and eat right if you want your body to recover and return to your former thin self.

Discuss the addition of Chinese green tea to your diet when you see your physician next. It is important to let your health care professional know when you make life changes like dieting, or increasing your physical exercise.

Article written by Drew Jackson. For additional information on Green tea visit Discovering Green Tea

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Drew_Jackson

Lemon balm tea is considered to be one of Natures wonders. This aromatic tea is brewed by placing the leaves of the lemon balm herb into boiling water and steeping it for as long as the individual wants. The length of the brewing determines the strength of the tea.
Proponents of lemon balm tea attest to it’s abilities to fight insomnia and other sleep difficulties. They also say that it can combat nerve pain. Others tout it’s abilities to alleviate gas and other disorders of the digestive system. The tea is also said to help with memory and other brain functions.

There are also folks that attest to this teas propensity for anti-herpes and thyroid regulating abilities. A number of aficionados believe that lemon balm tea can help to elevate their mood.

The botanical name for lemon balm is Melissa Officinalis and it is also known as the bee plant, because Roman beekeepers would place sprigs from this herb inside their hives to attract swarms of bees. The name Melissa comes from the Greek word for bee.

Arab physicians promoted the therapeutic uses of the lemon balm herb and praised it’s ability to reduce swelling and close wounds. The leaves are also used to treat bites and stings and the ointment is also said to repel insects. It also produces perspiration and therefore is used in the treatment of feverish patients especially those with influenza.

Throughout history lemon balm tea was reputed as being able to “renew”, therefore it was used as an “elixir of youth”. For this reason it is believed to be an herb that adds to longevity.

 This herb should be cut when it begins to bloom. Adding it to foods along with other spices adds wonderful flavor to culinary dishes. It will combine well with rosemary and thyme, bay leaves, allspice, mint and pepper. It can also be added to fruit and green salads, fruit drinks, herb butters, and sorbets.

Adding lemon balm to egg dishes, soups, casseroles, and custards gives an added subtle flavor that will impress the most finicky palate. It is also an herb that can be added to meat dishes such as lamb, poultry and pork.

The many ways that this herb can be used adds to it’s popularity, but the most beneficial use is as lemon balm tea, if only for it’s promise to increase the length of time we can enjoy it’s benefits.
Article Source: HerbalTeaBoutique

By Mark Ramos

What is the answer to the long debated question as to whether coffee or tea is better for you? Find out which drink offers a surprising amount of health benefits! Recently, many Americans have started drinking tea because of its wealth of health benefits. However, if you are a coffee lover, then do not despair! Recent studies have proven that coffee is full of healthy compounds and antioxidants to prevent disease and reduce premature aging. What wonderful news!

America has always been a country devoted to coffee, and it started out as an obsession with plain black coffee, perhaps with cream and sugar. Nowadays, you can walk to any city corner in the United States to find one or even two Starbucks coffee shops as part of the growing commercial coffee industry. This was something that became popularized in Seattle, and gourmet coffee drinks have become a staple in the US today. Coffee itself is actually a largely growing industry, and it is the second largest exported commodity worldwide, next to oil.

Coffee's reputation took a little bit of a hit several years ago when studies claimed that coffee was bad for you. However, what those studies also did not reveal was that the coffee drinkers within the studies were also smokers, so all of the health issues researched could actually be attributed to smoking. Now that that rumors have been cleared up, coffee is again being researched, only to find that it is full of healthy benefits and potential for disease prevention!

Many people started drinking tea because it is full of antioxidants, but did you know that Java actually contains more antioxidants than a cup of tea? Coffee also has the potential to protect against liver disease and cancer, and it lowers the risk of developing type II diabetes. The reason for this is that regular coffee consumption will lower blood sugar levels in the body and regulate the metabolism, which can often contribute to type II diabetes.

Many people rely upon tea for weight loss benefits, especially since green tea can be found in many diet products. However, if you drink coffee in moderation, then you can also experience the benefits of boosting metabolism and suppressing the appetite due to the caffeine content, also offering you the ability to lose extra pounds. If you're hoping to lose weight, the best way to drink coffee is black, and also to split it up throughout the day. Splitting up your coffee consumption will prevent you from having a caffeine crash, and it will also keep your metabolism high all day long.

When it comes to the debate as to whether coffee or tea is better, keep in mind that coffee is currently the number one beverage source of antioxidants being consumed in the United States today. Tea comes in second, but it is a less popular drink for consumption. It has also been disproven that coffee contributes to heart disease, and it will protect against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

The bottom line is that both beverages provide health benefits, but coffee's list of wellness payoffs is growing longer and longer every day, so why not drink to your health?

Another popular accessory for coffee is the commercial coffee maker! For a great selection, check out Mark Ramos' website, The Coffee Bump.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?Is-Coffee-Or-Tea-Better-For-You?&id=3556979

Green tea is used by the Chinese as a traditional medicine to treat many ailments including acne and to improve the general welfare. But providing an effective herbal alternative to modern medicine?

The answer is: Yes. There are only two herbal treatments that are known to be effective in combating acne and green tea is one of them.
In a recent study, a creamy green tea green was combined resolving a benzoyl peroxide 4% in people who suffer with a moderate acne. The results of this research study showed that green tea was so good in treating acne such as benzoyl peroxide.

But benzoyl peroxide dry the skin that cause allergic reactions or irritations older. Unlike green tea that has the advantages of being a perfect natural antibacterial antioxidant.

Green tea also helps reduce inflammation, hormonal activity and aid in detoxification, that good news for those suffering from diseases of acne.

The green tea extract is an extremely versatile herbal supplement, can be administered topically, is also sometimes used orally, taken in the form of a pill or incorporated into your diet and drunk as tea.

This last method is very popular. Green tea is also known as "shin tea" in many cities in china. When used after a meal, it helps digestion and helps to detoxify our system, achieving in this way a release of toxins that can cause acne. Caution: do not have to drink it with sugar, thus neutralize the effects of the successful tea.

It is said that green tea for acne is a win-win disease. It has many beneficial characteristics that will give us good health with little or no known side effects so far. Green tea is without doubt an herbal treatment that is worthy of trying.

article source: acneproblem.ca

Chrysanthemum tea is made form chrysanthemum flowers, belonging to the Chrysanthemum morifolium or Chrysanthemum indicum species, which is extremely popular in East Asia, specifically China. Chrysanthemum flowers are usually dried and boiled in hot water in a teapot, cup or glass, to prepare this tea. Rock sugar or honey is also added to chrysanthemum tea and occasionally, wolfberries are included. The tea that is prepared is transparent and can be bright yellow or pale in color, exuding a floral aroma. In China, after a pot of chrysanthemum tea is emptied, hot water is again added to the flowers. This produces a tea that is less strong than the previous one. The process is repeated several times, until the flowers lose their aroma completely. Traditional Chinese medicine practices still use chrysanthemum tisane for treating conditions such as sore throat and fever.


Nutrition & Health Benefits Of Chrysanthemum Tea

• Chrysanthemum tea detoxifies the blood, helps with sinus congestion and regulates high blood pressure. It can also help to calm the nerves.
• Modern researches on the tea have established that it contains choline, vitamin A, vitamin B1, glycosides, adenine, amino acids, flavonoid, volatile oil, and other nutrients.
• Chrysanthemum tea restrains the growth of bacteria in the body, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus hemolyticus B, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella dysenteriae, tubercle bacillus and dermatomycosis.
• The Chinese medicine prescribes this tea for relief against influenza and it is also used in treating heatstroke, due to its cooling effect.
• When chrysanthemum tea is drunk with meals, it facilitates digestion, more so of greasy and oily foods. The tea is also consumed to strengthen the lungs and relieve head congestion.
• The tea is also believed to improve vision and hearing. It can be safely recommended for obese people, as it contains zero calories, when consumed without adding sugar or honey. It also doesn’t contain any caffeine.

Caution

Some individuals can experience an adverse reaction on consuming chrysanthemum and even handling chrysanthemum flowers. Mild skin irritation may result on physical handling and mild to moderate stomach upset can be experienced on consumption. Though most people do not suffer from any adverse reactions from chrysanthemum tea, it is advisable to consult a doctor before its consumption, as some herbal solutions can interact with other prescribed medications.

article source: iloveindia.com

4 Effective and Safe Herbal Treatments for Asthma

Herbs have been used by our ancestors to cure various illnesses including asthma. Although anywhere you might ask, doctors and clinicians will always warn you of the possible dangers that herbs can have and for some this might be true, the fact that some herbal treatments have already been proven safe and effective for asthma cannot be denied.

Using the right combination of herbal remedies can prove beneficial not only for your asthma but also for your total wellbeing since herbs have been known to aid the body’s immunity making you more resilient to any underlying causes that might worsen the condition. If you are looking for alternative safe herbal asthma treatments here are a few that you can start with:

Chamomile: Chamomile extract contains terpenoids that acts as anti-inflammatory, and anti spasmodic preventing onset of attacks. Not only that, chamomile also contains anti-oxidants that prevent oxygen free-radicals from accumulating inside the body causing the condition to worsen. Usually bought in tea form, chamomile is one of the easiest, cheapest and safest herbal treatments for asthma. For those who are taking warfarin though, avoid chamomile at all costs as it may have contradicting effects.

Ginger: Not only a food ingredient, ginger is one of the most common and readily available herbal treatments for asthma. A tropical perennial plant growing mostly in some parts of Asia, more and more people are discovering the benefits of this humble plant to care for their condition. Serving mostly as an expectorant in short term use, the natural chemicals contained in ginger breaks up mucus making it easier to expel. Long term use of ginger has been shown to ease dyspneic attacks and nocturnal coughing in patients. Found in many forms, including dried, fresh and powdered, ginger can prove to be one of your best weapon against asthma.

Nettle: Urtica Dioica in particular has been used to treat many  illnesses aside from asthma. Taking nettle in tea form can be very beneficial for the whole system as it contains high amounts of iron, chlorophyll and vitamin C. Preparation of nettle root can also be beneficial since it can stimulate production of T-Cells within the body, increasing immunity to allergic reactions.

Ephedra: Ephedra has been used for centuries even before the advent of conventional and more advanced asthma medication. Ephedra has been recently under fire due the various side effects that may arise from its ingestion. One reason for this may be because of improper preparation and experimentation with other chemicals. Traditional preparations for ephedra have been very effective and only a few isolated cases of side effects have been reported. This plant contains ephedrine which helps the lungs in opening the airways by stimulating the release of norepinephrine.

As always, before trying anything out be sure that you ask for expert help from herbalists which will be able to help you with preparations and thereby maximize the concoctions effectivity and assure safety.

Article written by Tomato on December 29th, 2009
Article Source: Allergy-remedy.org

A common and popular herbal remedy may be able to help diabetics control their blood sugar and prevent serious complications, according to a study conducted by researchers from Aberystwyth University in Wales and the University of Toyama in Japan, and published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

"These results clearly suggested that daily consumption of chamomile tea with meals could contribute to the prevention of the progress of hyperglycemia and diabetic complications", the researchers wrote.

Researchers fed rats with Type 2 diabetes a chamomile-mimicking extract every day for three weeks, and observed a subsequent 25 percent drop in the animals' blood sugar levels. Based on these findings, the researchers believe that taking chamomile tea with meals might lead to similar benefits in humans.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body loses sensitivity to the sugar-regulating hormone insulin, leading to a dangerous rise in blood sugar levels. Over time, elevated blood sugar can destroy bodily tissues, leading to complications like diabetic neuropathy, blindness, and damage to the kidneys or circulatory system.

The researchers found that chamomile appeared to reduce the activity of an enzyme called aldose reductase, which plays an important role in sugar metabolism. Aldose reductase helps turn glucose into sorbitol, a different sugar. In diabetics, the buildup of sorbitol has been directly linked to neuropathy and blindness, as this sugar moves across cell membranes less freely than glucose and thus has a tendency to build up in nerve and eye tissue.

Chamomile, also known as manzanilla, has long been used as a home remedy to reduce stress, improve sleep, and alleviate complaints from colds to digestive upset to menstrual cramps. It is believed to contain more antioxidants than nearly any other natural dietary source.

"It is quite fascinating", lead researcher Robert Nash said. "It seems to be doing a lot of different things all at once".

Article Source: RuggedElegantMovie

Chamomile tea has been used as a healing drink for centuries so it’s no wonder that it is estimated that over 1 million cups are ingested every day. The medicinal properties of this tea are wide and many, but perhaps the best known is it’s ability to help you relax. Many people like to drink it before bedtime as a sleep inducer and one herbal medicine guide claims that drinking chamomile tea before bed will stop nightmares.
Chamomile tea can be purchased from almost any health food or grocery store. You can make your own by pouring one cup of boiling water over four or five fresh flower heads. Let the tea steep for 5 minutes and strain.

Some natural medicine books recommend using chamomile tea for children and the does should be half of the adult dose. Make sure you let your childs doctor know before you give him chamomile tea.

Although this tea is fairly safe, some can have severe allergic reactions. If you suffer allergies such as ragweed or hayfever, it might be best to avoid drinking chamomile tea. People with Asthma should drink chamomile tea with caution. Although it is said chamomile tea can help relieve the pain of labor, it is not advisable to drink a lot of it during pregnancy as it may cause uterine contractions.

 
Healing Uses Of Chamomile Tea

- Add several cups chamomile tea, to a cool bath and have a relaxing soak.

- Use chamomile tea to relieve anxiety or put a handful of chamomile flowers in a bowl of hot water and inhale the scent.

- Use a poultice of cool chamomile tea for burns.

- To relieve insomnia, drink a cup of chamomile tea at bedtime

- Drink a cup of hot chamomile tea to soothe an upset stomach.

- Add chamomile oil or tea to a hot bath to help soothe dry skin.

- Use chamomile tea and powdered milk as an exfoliating paste for sensitive skin.

- Cooled chamomile tea can be made into a compress to soothe irritated and strained eyes and is reputed to help treat conjunctivitis.

- Chamomile is an anti-fungal, therefore a tea can help treat fungal infections by dipping into a cotton ball and applying to the area.

- Chamomile tea is also said to help relieve menstrual cramps in women due to it’s ability of relaxing the uterus.

Chamomile tea has been a common beverage for eons and its safety can be regarded as well proven. The calming effects of this tea are rather mild, so they may not be experienced by everyone.

Article written by Lee Dobbins of Herbs and Home Remedies - where you can learn more about herbs and natural healing. To view the original post, click here.

Acid Reflux – What to Drink

There are a number of drinks you may want to try for acid reflux. Most fall under the category of folk remedy, but many people get relief with them. This information is for educational purposes only, of course. Please seek advice from your physician before drinking any of these.

1. Slippery Elm Bark Tea: Health food stores usually have slippery elm bark tea. Drink the bark tea with your meal to avoid acid reflux. Bark tea coats the esophagus lining, reducing its sensitivity to acid. If you want to make the tea at home, try to purchase the shredded bark. Use the inner part of the bark, and steep it in hot water for your acid reflux tea. This makes a thick beverage, with a consistency similar to runny gelatin. If it is too thick for you, simply add more hot water.

2. Ginger Tea: Ginger tea also is available in health food stores, and is helpful for acid reflux when used either with the meal or immediately following the meal. It is easily made at home. Use 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger root, or 1,000 mg of ginger powder. If neither is available, use ground ginger from the spice rack. Steep the ginger in 1 cup boiling water for 5 minutes, and then sip. Ginger is helpful for indigestion and acid reflux, especially if caused by spicy foods.
3. Licorice Tea: Licorice tea is also effective in the battle against acid reflux. Purchase your tea, or make it by placing 1 teaspoon of licorice root in 1 1/4 cups of boiling water. Turn the heat low, and simmer the tea for 10 to 15 minutes in a covered pan. Remove from heat, and stir in 2 teaspoons of dried chamomile. Cover and allow your acid reflux tea to steep for 10 minutes. Strain it before drinking.

CAUTION: NEVER use licorice tea for acid reflux if you have high blood pressure (hypertension).

4. Clove-Ade: If you prefer a cold drink rather than tea, you may get relief from acid reflux by drinking a glass of clove-ade. Simply add a few drops of clove oil to a glass of cold water. Stir, and sip the clove-ade slowly to offset acid reflux.

5. Banana Milk-less Smoothies: Bananas seem to be very effective as an acid reflux fighter. Bananas become a natural antacid in the body. Banana milk-less smoothies are a cool way to use the banana’s ability to fight acid reflux. Start smoothies the night before by placing 1 banana, peeled and cut in pieces, into a freezer container. The next day, put the frozen banana chunks in a blender with 3 cups of soy milk, 1 cup of frozen strawberries, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Add sugar or other sweetener to taste, and blend until smooth. Sip slowly to relieve acid reflux.

Heartburn, acid reflux, GERD, or indigestion: people have found relief for all of them by abstaining from drinking certain beverages, making a point of drinking other beverages.

Article written by Anna Hart. To view the article source, click here