31 Therapeutic Functions of Tea
The therapeutic effects of tea were recognized by ancient Chinese. For instance, the "Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing," compiled during the Warring States period, described tea's medicinal properties and functions: "Tea tastes bitter; drinking it enhances thinking, reduces drowsiness, lightens the body, and improves eyesight." The Tang Dynasty's "Ben Cao Shi Yi" also recorded: "Long-term tea consumption causes weight loss and removes body fat." Today, tea’s slimming, beautifying, and cosmetic benefits are widely known worldwide.
In the section titled "Modern Medical Understanding and Application of Tea,"
31 functions of tea are listed:
1. Aid digestion. 2. Stimulate alertness. 3. Promote longevity. 4. Lower lipids and aid weight loss. 5. Improve eyesight. 6. Diuretic and reduce swelling. 7. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. 8. Prevent arteriosclerosis. 9. Lower blood pressure and prevent hypertension. 10. Prevent and treat coronary heart disease. 11. Resist radiation—for example, TV radiation. 12. Calm the mind, soothe nerves, and cultivate temperament. 13. Nutritional supplement. 14. Treat diabetes. 15. Beautify skin. 16. Prevent and treat anemia. 17. Combat fatigue and relieve exhaustion. 18. Sober up and detoxify after drinking. 19. Quench thirst and refresh. 20. Prevent and fight cancer. 21. Boost energy and strength. 22. Antibacterial and stop diarrhea. 23. Detoxify. 24. Enhance the body’s adaptability. 25. Fight tuberculosis. 26. Eliminate bad odors and freshen breath. 27. Increase white blood cells and treat leukopenia. 28. Antiviral. 29. Protect teeth. 30. Regulate the body’s acid-base balance. 31. Used externally for anti-inflammatory and antibacterial purposes