What we eat and drink has a special relevance in Ayurveda. Today, we look at a globally popular drink from an Ayurvedic perspective: green tea.
Green tea from an Ayurvedic perspective
Green tea - that is, unfermented tea made from the leaves or stems of the tea plant Camellia sinensis - is a popular drink not only in Asia. The consumption of green tea is also increasing worldwide. People are not only fascinated by the pleasure aspect.
The effect of green tea and the research on it
If you believe the media, green tea is quite an all-rounder for health and beauty. Indeed, green tea leaves are full of antioxidants, which have been proven in various studies to be beneficial to health.
The substances caffeine, various amino acids and, of course, catechins such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) are the focus of research into the effects of green tea. For example, EGCG is being investigated for its ability to prevent degenerative brain diseases.
But green tea is also interesting from an Ayurvedic point of view. Its taste can be described as tart, sometimes bitter; its effect (by the way, also in TCM) is cool, also mobile and dry. Consequently, people with a lot of Pitta can find a pleasant cooling in green tea. Kapha is also curbed with green tea.
Green tea for the doshas
With a lot of Vata, warmth is needed, which is why Ayurvedic tea blends for this dosha contain hot and warming spices such as pepper, ginger, clove or cinnamon. Here, green tea would fit well, especially in the morning; it can also be lightly sweetened.
EXTRA TEA TIP: A spiced matcha latte also gently awakens the spirits in the morning. Spice your organic Matcha with a little cinnamon and cardamom and garnish it with your favourite (alternative) milk.
People with a lot of pitta, on the other hand, can enjoy different types of green tea and soothe their inner fire. Chilled green tea is particularly suitable here. If you don't want to consume too much caffeine without giving up green tea, go for low-caffeine varieties - Bancha or Hojicha, for example.
EXTRA TEA TIP: To do without fire altogether, pitta types can also try the method of green tea preparation known as cold brew. This involves brewing loose green tea with water at room temperature and letting it steep for at least half an hour. Some varieties can also steep overnight, but this depends very much on the tea.
Kapha can also drink green tea to harmonise, but better without added sweetness. Nice warm green tea, spiced with chilli, lemon, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon is good for the Kapha constitution.
EXTRA TEA TIP: Loose green tea can be refined with an Ayurvedic tea blend.
And if you would like to read more about green tea, the different varieties and, of course, how to prepare it, you will find this green tea guide from Tee Oase helpful.
