Black Tea
Black tea
Black tea is one of the most benefiting forms of tea. It is rich in anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Black tea is made using oxidized tea leaves. The oxidation process causes the formation of two compounds that gives Black tea its distinctive taste, color and health benefits. Black tea is known to reduce the risk of high cholesterol, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases[1][3-6].
What are the synonyms of Black Tea?
Camellia sinensis, Chaay, Cha, Tey, Teyaku, Chiyaa, Syamaparni
What is the source of Black Tea?
Plant Based
Benefits of Black Tea
Modern Science View
lack tea might help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Black tea has good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It prevents lipid peroxidation and plaque formation. Thus, Black tea protects the blood vessels and prevents hardening of arteries[2][9].
Modern Science View
Black tea is beneficial in reducing the risk of heart attacks. Heart attack may occur due to a number of cardiovascular problems like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, plaque formation in the arteries and stroke. Black tea helps to lower increased blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It protects the endothelial function and has antiplatelet activity. Thus, Black tea reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and heart attacks[2][9][10][11].
Modern Science View
Black Tea is beneficial in the management of osteoporosis. Black tea contains active components like alkaloids, polyphenols and fluoride. It improves the bone density and reduces the risk of osteoporotic fractures[2][12].
Ayurvedic View
Stress can usually be attributed to an imbalance of Vata dosha, and is associated with insomnia, irritation and fear. Black tea has the property of balancing Vata which helps to manage stress when taken on a regular basis.
Tips:
Black Tea (Kadha)
1. Take 1 ½ cup of water in a pan.
2. Add ¼ -½ teaspoons of Black tea or as per your requirement.
3. Bring it to a boil.
4. Let it simmer on a medium flame.
5. Take once or twice a day.
Tips:
Black Tea (Kadha)
1. Take 1 ½ cup of water in a pan.
2. Add ¼ -½ teaspoons of Black tea or as per your requirement.
3. Bring it to a boil.
4. Let it simmer on a medium flame.
5. Take once or twice a day.
Modern Science View
Black tea is beneficial in the management of ovarian cancer. Theaflavins in Black tea have anticancer, antiproliferative and antiangiogenic activities. Black tea induces apoptosis and inhibits the growth of ovarian cancer cells[2][13].
Modern Science View
Black tea is beneficial in the management of Parkinson’s disease. Black tea has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Black tea contains theanine that promotes the release of dopamine and protects the brain. Caffeine in Black tea helps to improve the motor function and movement in these patients. Flavonoids in Black tea improve blood circulation to the brain. Thus, regular consumption of Black tea lowers the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease[2][14].
Ayurvedic View
An increase in weight is due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle which leads to a weak digestive fire. This increases accumulation of Ama causing an imbalance in meda dhatu and resulting in obesity. Black tea is useful to control obesity as it helps improve metabolism and reduce Ama. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Tips:
Black Tea (Kadha)
Take 1 ½ cup of water in a pan.
Add ¼ -½ teaspoons of Black tea or as per your requirement.
Bring it to a boil.
Let it simmer on a medium flame.
Take once or twice a day.
Tips:
Black Tea (Kadha)
Take 1 ½ cup of water in a pan.
Add ¼ -½ teaspoons of Black tea or as per your requirement.
Bring it to a boil.
Let it simmer on a medium flame.
Take once or twice a day.
Modern Science View
Black tea might be beneficial in the management of diarrhea. Diarrhea is associated with increased gut motility and damage of the intestinal mucosa. This increases the release of prostaglandins. Tannins in Black tea have astringent property. It inhibits the release of prostaglandins. Thus, Black tea helps to reduce the frequency and volume of stools by decreasing the gut motility[2][16].
Ayurvedic View
Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It is due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues from the body and mixes with the stool. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Taking Black tea may help your body absorb more nutrients and control your diarrhea due to its Kashaya (astringent) property.
Tips:
Black Tea (Kadha)
1. Take 1 ½ cup of water in a pan.
2. Add ¼ -½ teaspoons of Black tea or as per your requirement.
3. Bring it to a boil.
4. Let it simmer on a medium flame.
5. Take once or twice a day.
Tips:
Black Tea (Kadha)
1. Take 1 ½ cup of water in a pan.
2. Add ¼ -½ teaspoons of Black tea or as per your requirement.
3. Bring it to a boil.
4. Let it simmer on a medium flame.
5. Take once or twice a day.
Ayurvedic View
High cholesterol is due to an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Impaired digestion at the tissue level produces excess waste products or Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This causes accumulation of bad cholesterol and blockage in the blood vessels. Black tea helps to improve Agni (digestive fire) and reduce Ama. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It also helps to remove blockage from the blood vessels by eliminating toxins.
Tips:
Black Tea (Kadha)
1. Take 1 ½ cup of water in a pan.
2. Add ¼ -½ teaspoons of Black tea or as per your requirement.
3. Bring it to a boil.
4. Let it simmer on a medium flame.
5. Take once or twice a day.
Tips:
Black Tea (Kadha)
1. Take 1 ½ cup of water in a pan.
2. Add ¼ -½ teaspoons of Black tea or as per your requirement.
3. Bring it to a boil.
4. Let it simmer on a medium flame.
5. Take once or twice a day.
How effective is Black Tea?
Likely effective
High cholesterol ABC
Likely ineffective
Atherosclerosis (plaque deposition inside the arteries), Heart attack, Kidney stone, Low blood pressure, Osteoporosis, Ovarian cancer, Parkinson's disease
Insufficient evidence
Cancer of mouth, nasopharynx and paranasal sinuses, larynx, oesophagus, Diarrhoea, Heart disease, Kidney cancer, Lung cancer, Obesity, Pancreatic cancer, Prostate cancer, Stress, Stroke, Vomiting, asdfHeadache
Precautions when using Black Tea
Advice from Experts
Important
Modern Science View
1. Avoid Black tea in case of:
a. Anaemia
b. Anxiety disorders
c. Glaucoma
d. Irritable bowel syndrome
e. Hormone sensitive condition like breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids[2].
2. Black tea may interact with the anti-coagulants. So it is generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Black tea with blood thinners[2].
a. Anaemia
b. Anxiety disorders
c. Glaucoma
d. Irritable bowel syndrome
e. Hormone sensitive condition like breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids[2].
2. Black tea may interact with the anti-coagulants. So it is generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Black tea with blood thinners[2].
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
It is advisable not to drink more than 3 cups a day of Black tea during breastfeeding[2].
Minor Medicine Interaction
Modern Science View
Black tea may decrease the absorption of antifungal drugs. So it is generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Black tea with antifungal drugs[2].
Moderate Medicine Interaction
Modern Science View
1. Black tea may interact with anti-arrhythmic drugs. So it is generally advisable to monitor your heart rhythm while taking Black tea with anti-arrhythmic drugs[2].
2. Black tea may interact with antibiotics. So it is generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Black tea with antibiotics[2].
3. Black tea may interact with antacids. So it is generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Black tea with antacids[2].
4. Black tea may decrease the effect of antipsychotic drugs. So it is generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Black tea with antipsychotic drugs[2].
5. Black tea may interact with antidepressant drugs. So it is generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Black tea with antidepressant drugs[2].
6. Black tea may interact with sedatives. So it is generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Black tea with sedatives[2].
7. Black tea may interact with anti-allergic drugs. So it is generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Black tea with anti-allergic drugs[2].
8. Black tea may interact with calcium channel blockers. So it is generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Black tea with calcium channel blockers[2].
2. Black tea may interact with antibiotics. So it is generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Black tea with antibiotics[2].
3. Black tea may interact with antacids. So it is generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Black tea with antacids[2].
4. Black tea may decrease the effect of antipsychotic drugs. So it is generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Black tea with antipsychotic drugs[2].
5. Black tea may interact with antidepressant drugs. So it is generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Black tea with antidepressant drugs[2].
6. Black tea may interact with sedatives. So it is generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Black tea with sedatives[2].
7. Black tea may interact with anti-allergic drugs. So it is generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Black tea with anti-allergic drugs[2].
8. Black tea may interact with calcium channel blockers. So it is generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Black tea with calcium channel blockers[2].
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Consult your doctor while taking Black tea if you have diabetes[2].
Patients with heart disease
Modern Science View
Caffeine in Black tea can cause irregular heartbeat in certain people.Consult your doctor while taking Black tea if you have a heart condition[2].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
It is advisable not to drink more than 3 cups a day of Black tea during pregnancy[2].
Side Effects
Important
Modern Science View
1. Sleep problems
2. Vomiting
3. Diarrhea
4. Irritability
5. Heartburn
6. Dizziness[2].
2. Vomiting
3. Diarrhea
4. Irritability
5. Heartburn
6. Dizziness[2].
FAQs about Black Tea precautions
Recommended Dosage of Black Tea
- Black Tea Capsule - 1-2 capsule twice a day.
How to use Black Tea
1. Black Tea with Milk
a. Take 1 ½ cup of water in a pan.
b. Add ¼- ½ teaspoons of Black tea or as per requirement.
c. Bring it to a boil.
d. Add 1 cup of milk to it.
e. Let it simmer on a medium flame and serve hot.
2. Black Tea capsule
a. Take 1-2 Black Tea capsule.
b. Swallow it with water 1-2 times a day.
3. Black Tea (Kadha)
a. Take 1 ½ cup of water in a pan.
b. Add ¼ -½ teaspoons of Black tea or as per your requirement.
c. Bring it to a boil.
d. Let it simmer on a medium flame and serve hot.
a. Take 1 ½ cup of water in a pan.
b. Add ¼- ½ teaspoons of Black tea or as per requirement.
c. Bring it to a boil.
d. Add 1 cup of milk to it.
e. Let it simmer on a medium flame and serve hot.
2. Black Tea capsule
a. Take 1-2 Black Tea capsule.
b. Swallow it with water 1-2 times a day.
3. Black Tea (Kadha)
a. Take 1 ½ cup of water in a pan.
b. Add ¼ -½ teaspoons of Black tea or as per your requirement.
c. Bring it to a boil.
d. Let it simmer on a medium flame and serve hot.
Benefits of Black Tea
Modern Science View
Black tea might be beneficial in the management of stress. Under stressful conditions, an increased in salivary Chromogranin-A (CgA) protein has been observed. Aromatherapy with Black tea shows anti-stress activity. It directly affects the central nervous system and decreases the level of Chromogranin-A (CgA) protein[2][18].
How effective is Black Tea?
Insufficient evidence
Stress
How to use Black Tea
1. Black tea leaves scrub
a. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of Black tea leaves.
b. Add honey to it.
c. Gently massage on the face and neck for 4-5 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Use this remedy 1-2 week to get rid of blackheads.
2. Black Tea Powder with water
a. Take 1 teaspoon of Black tea powder.
b. Add hot water.
c. Soak it for 15 minutes.
d. Strain and dip a soft cloth into the tea.
e. Squeeze out the cloth.
f. Leave it onto your face for 20 minutes.
g. After that rinse your face with lukewarm water.
h. Repeat it once a week to get rid of acne.
a. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of Black tea leaves.
b. Add honey to it.
c. Gently massage on the face and neck for 4-5 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Use this remedy 1-2 week to get rid of blackheads.
2. Black Tea Powder with water
a. Take 1 teaspoon of Black tea powder.
b. Add hot water.
c. Soak it for 15 minutes.
d. Strain and dip a soft cloth into the tea.
e. Squeeze out the cloth.
f. Leave it onto your face for 20 minutes.
g. After that rinse your face with lukewarm water.
h. Repeat it once a week to get rid of acne.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Black tea is loaded with multiple health benefits. Studies shows the presence of catechins (antioxidants) in the tea extract that increases the body's ability to burn fat. It also boost immunity and improves physical stamina.
Modern Science View
Drinking 3-4 cups of Black tea a day is said to be good for health. Black tea can rehydrate the body and helps to manage heart disease, cancer and high cholesterol. But it is advisable not to drink more than 3-4 cups of Black tea in a day.
Modern Science View
The amount of Black tea consumed in a day varies from one individual to another. However it is advisable not to drink more than 3-4 cups of Black tea in a day.
Ayurvedic View
Drinking Black tea on an empty stomach or in excess amount can cause acidity. This is because Black tea has Ushna (hot) property. It increases Pitta dosha which can lead to acidity.
Ayurvedic View
Black tea might affect your sleep by aggravating your Vata dosha. This is because sleep is governed by the Vata dosha. Drinking Black tea in excess amount or before going to bed can aggravate Vata causing insomnia or sleeping disorders.
Modern Science View
Yes, Black tea helps in the management of diabetes. Black tea has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in the formation of new pancreatic β cells and protects the existing cells. In this way, Black tea helps to promote insulin secretion[2][15].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Black tea can be used on the skin. This is because it helps to reduce acne and gives a clear skin. It also removes dead skin and reduces excess oil from the skin due to its Kashaya (astringent) nature.
References
- Khan N, Mukhtar H.Tea and Health: Studies in Humans.Curr Pharm Des. 2013; 19(34): 6141–6147.
- WebMD.Black-tea: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Rock W, Rosenblat M, Borochov-Neori H, et al.Effects of date ( Phoenix dactylifera L., Medjool or Hallawi Variety) consumption by healthy subjects on serum glucose and lipid levels and on serum oxidative status: a pilot study.J Agric Food Chem. 2009;57(17):8010-7.
- Luczaj W, Skrzydlewska E.Antioxidative properties of black tea.Preventive Medicine.2005; 40(6):910-918.
- Imran A, Butt MS, Arshad MS, et al.Exploring the potential of black tea based flavonoids against hyperlipidemia related disorders.Lipids Health Dis.2018;17(1):57.
- Gardner EJ, Ruxton CH, Leeds AR.Black tea--helpful or harmful? A review of the evidence.Eur J Clin Nutr. 2007 Jan;61(1):3-18.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.