green tea

Generic Name: green tea (GREEN TEE)

Brand Names:

What is green tea?

The use of green tea in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

Green tea is also known as Camellia sinensis.

Green tea has been used for stomach disorders, vomiting, diarrhea, to prevent dental cavities, to lower cholesterol levels, as an antioxidant, to reduce cancer, and as a stimulant.

Green tea has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of green tea may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Green tea may also have uses other than those listed in this product guide.

What is the most important information I should know about green tea?

Green tea has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of green tea may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using green tea?

Do not use green tea without first talking to your doctor if you have

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  heart problems or high blood pressure,

  
  


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  kidney disease,

  
  


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  an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism),

  
  


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  an anxiety or nervous disorder, or

  
  


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  a bleeding or blood clotting disorder or if you take a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).

  
  

Green tea contains a large amount of caffeine and may be problematic if used by people with any of the conditions listed above. You may not be able to use green tea, or your doctor or health care provider may recommend a lower dose or special monitoring.

Before taking green tea, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have allergies (especially to plants), have any medical condition, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Green tea may not be recommended in some situations.

Do not take green tea without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. Green tea contains a large amount of caffeine. Do not take green tea without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Green tea contains a large amount of caffeine, which may cause restlessness, sleep disorders, and other effects in breast-feeding infants. There is no information available regarding the use of green tea by children. Green tea contains a large amount of caffeine, which may cause anemia and other problems in children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.

How should I take green tea?

The use of green tea in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

If you choose to take green tea, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Standardized formulations of herbal/health supplements may provide a more reliable dose of the product.

Store green tea as directed on the package. In general, green tea should be protected from light and moisture.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra green tea to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Symptoms of a green tea overdose are not well known but might include restlessness, tremor, vomiting, and abdominal spasms.

What should I avoid while taking green tea?

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Green tea side effects

Although rare, allergic reactions to green tea may occur. Stop taking green tea and seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.

Heavy and prolonged consumption of green tea may be associated with esophageal cancer.

Other less serious side effects have also been reported with the use of green tea. Talk to your doctor or health care provider if you experience

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  heartburn;

  
  


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  upset stomach;

  
  


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  loss of appetite;

  
  


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  constipation or diarrhea;

  
  


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  nervousness, irritability, or anxiety;

  
  


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  sleeplessness;

  
  


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  irregular heartbeats; or

  
  


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  headache.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect green tea?

Do not use green tea without first talking to your doctor if you are taking a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).

Interactions between green tea and other prescription or over-the-counter medicines or herbal/health supplements may also occur. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional before taking green tea if you are taking any other medicines or supplements.

More green tea resources

• Green tea Side Effects (in more detail)
• Green tea Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Green tea Drug Interactions
• Green tea Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Green tea - Add your own review/rating

• Green Tea Natural MedFacts for Professionals (Wolters Kluwer)


• Green Tea Natural MedFacts for Consumers (Wolters Kluwer)


• Green Tea MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare green tea with other medications

• Diarrhea
• Herbal Supplementation
• High Cholesterol
• Infectious Gastroenteritis
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Vomiting

Where can I get more information?

• Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments.

See also: green tea side effects (in more detail)