Camellia sinensis | Tea Plant

Botanical Overview:

• Family: Theaceae (Tea family)

• Common Names: Tea plant, Chinese tea, Green tea, Black tea (processed forms)

• Plant Type: Evergreen shrub or small tree

• Native Range: Southeast Asia, including China, India, and Myanmar

• Key Identifiers:

  • Small, dark green, serrated leaves

  • Fragrant, white flowers with yellow stamens

  • Can grow up to 5 meters tall if unpruned

Properties:

• Active Compounds: Caffeine, theanine, catechins, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins

• Pharmacological Actions: Antioxidant, stimulant, astringent, thermogenic, and calming

• Flavor Profile: Depends on processing (green tea: grassy; black tea: malty; oolong tea: floral; white tea: delicate)

Distribution and Habitat:

• Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates with well-drained, acidic soils

• Grows in regions with high humidity and significant rainfall

• Cultivated extensively in China, India, Japan, Sri Lanka, and Kenya

Medicinal Uses:

• Cognitive Function: Improves mental alertness and focus due to caffeine and theanine

• Antioxidant Properties: Protects cells from oxidative stress and supports cardiovascular health

• Metabolism Support: Assists in weight management by promoting fat oxidation

• Digestive Health: Astringent properties soothe digestive issues and reduce bloating

• Immune System: Strengthens immunity with polyphenols and catechins

• Relaxation and Stress: Theanine promotes calmness without drowsiness

Psychoactive Properties and Effects:

• Psychoactive Nature:

  • Stimulates the nervous system, enhancing focus and reducing fatigue

  • Theanine induces a calm, relaxed state, balancing caffeine’s stimulant effects

  • May improve mood and cognitive performance

• Not Psychedelic: Does not alter perception, cognition, or consciousness in a hallucinogenic way

Magical Correspondences and Uses:

• Element: Water

• Planetary Association: Mercury

• Magical Uses:

  • Symbolizes clarity, focus, and spiritual growth

  • Used in rituals to enhance concentration and meditation practices

  • Associated with purification and grounding; tea infusions are used to cleanse spaces or objects

  • Drinking tea is incorporated into rituals for harmony, balance, and insight

Folklore and Mythology:

• In Chinese legend, tea was discovered by Emperor Shen Nong around 2737 BCE when leaves from a tea plant fell into his boiling water.

• Revered in Zen Buddhism as a companion to meditation, promoting mindfulness and awareness.

• Tea ceremonies in Japan and China are considered spiritual acts of harmony, respect, and tranquility.

• In many cultures, tea is seen as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms, fostering connection and balance.