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Tea is water plus phytochemicals including caffeine, and very little else unless you add a lot of sugar. Tea appears to be healthful and may contribute phytochemicals to your diet that you would not otherwise get. So enjoy your tea, but remember, what is beneficial in moderation may be harmful in large amounts.

Herbal teas are dried leaves of a wide variety of plants, which you steep in hot water as you would regular tea. They are generally caffeine free. Many claims are made for the phytochemicals found in herbal teas, but all we can safely say is: yes, they do contain phytochemicals, which may be beneficial or harmful, depending on the plant used and the amount you drink. If you have hay fever or other allergies, be aware that herbal teas made from plants in the family you are sensitive to can trigger the same reactions.

There are saveral major categories of tea :

#1. Green Tea.

Green tea is made from tea leaves which are steamed or pan-fried to prevent fermentation (oxidization). This gives it a delicate flavor. Green tea is very high in anti-oxidants and studies have shown it prevents tooth decay and gum disease. Antioxidants are measured by the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, or the ORAC. Green tea has an especially high ORAC, higher than both blueberries and pomegranates. This high level of antioxidants can lower cholesterol levels, improve cardiovascular health and lower the risk of some cancers. In a study involving six thousand Japanese women, those who drank five or more cups of green tea a day decreased their risk of stroke by half.

But Some people show hypersensitivity reactions with green tea. Others develop the condition after long-term use characterized by hives, swelling of ears, lips, tongue and face, difficulty breathing, closing of the throat and skin irritation. Another grave side effect that can be caused by heavy and long-term consumption of green tea is esophageal cancer. There are agents that remain and accumulate in the esophageal area leading to the development of cysts and tumors.

Too much green tea can cause a variety of side effects such as anxiety, insomnia, nervousness, irritability, mood swings, interrupted sleep, cardiac arrhythmia, headache, heartburn, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea and constipation. It can also interact with other substances thereby causing problems. Do not drink tea if you’re taking blood thinners like warfarin or Coumadin or it might cause hemorrhage or internal bleeding.

#2.  Black Tea.

Black tea, which is more common in the United States and Europe, has different benefits than green tea. Researchers found that the benefits of black teas are directly associated with certain chemical compounds that give it its characteristic fruity flavor and dark color. These compounds, called theaflavins and theaburigins are polyphenols with antioxidant properties that can help rid the body of harmful free radicals. 

In a study done at the American Heart Association in New Orleans, researchers also found that the benefits of black tea may include lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke. According to their findings, certain compounds found in the tea help relax and expand the arteries, thus increasing blood flow to the heart and minimizing clogging of the arteries. It also works wonders for fighting mouth bacteria. It helps prevent gum disease, plaque build- up, cavities and slow cancer growth.

Black tea contains too caffeine and should be taken moderately in order to avoid kidney, blood sugar and gastrointestinal problems. High amounts of it can lead to cardiac arrhythmia, insomnia, interrupted sleep, hypertension, hyponatremia, low potassium levels, urinary incontinence, liver disease, skin rash, internal bleeding or hemorrhage, kidney failure, anxiety, irritability, psychosis, delirium, seizure, muscle and joint spasm and rhabdomyolysis. A cup of black tea on the average contains about 200 to 300 milligrams of caffeine. 1000 milligrams of caffeine reportedly can be fatal.

Addiction is also expected among individuals taking it in large doses. Chronic intake can cause substance tolerance and psychological dependence. Upon discontinuation, withdrawals symptoms will also occur characterized by nausea, vomiting, headache, mood swings, tremor, dizziness, anxiety, nervousness and irritability. People suffering from psychological disorders should not take black tea as it can aggravate symptoms of mania, depression and confusion.

#3. Herbal Tea.

Herbal teas, also known as tisanes, are used to fight many specific maladies. Technically, however, they aren’t actual tea. They are usually made from various herbs, flowers and spices rather than tea leaves. One of the most popular herbal teas is chamomile. This tea has sedative properties, can be used to help induce sleep. For example, if you only have insomnia because you are sick, chamomile tea will make you sleepy as well as soothe a sore throat. If you aren’t fond of tea, chamomile can also be used in a hot bath before bed to make you more tired.

Another popular herbal tea is echinacea. It is especially useful if you are suffering from the cold or flu because it can help alleviate symptoms such as aches, sore throat, cough and grogginess. Many people choose to use this rather than over the counter drugs.

Herbal teas in general have been suggested to be contributory to the development of cancer. There seem to be carcinogenic effects that come with chronic use. Teas high in tannin may lead to iron deficiency and microcytic anemia. Other associated effects are liver and kidney failure and bronchial and respiratory problems.