Comparisons
Green Tea or Black Tea?
Green tea and black tea come from the same plant (Camellia sinensis); the difference lies in how much the leaves are oxidised. The table is built from the sourced cards of both teas.
| Aspect | Green TeaCamellia sinensis | Black TeaCamellia sinensis |
|---|---|---|
| Strongest evidence | T Traditional use | A Strong clinical evidence |
| Needs | Energy & Focus | Energy & Focus, Heart & Circulation |
| Form | Dried Herb & Tea | Dried Herb & Tea |
| How to use | Pour 100–150 ml of boiling water over 1.8–2.2 g of green tea leaf. | Steep in a teapot for 5–10 minutes; avoid very strong and very hot tea. |
| Pregnancy | Avoid | Caution |
| Breastfeeding | Avoid | Caution |
| Recommended minimum age | From age 18 | Not stated |
| Drug interactions | Interactions reported | Interactions reported |
| Duration limit | See a doctor if no better within 1 week | Not stated |
Which one, when?
Green Tea
Traditionally used as an infusion for fatigue and weakness. Concentrated extracts require caution regarding liver safety.
Full card →Black Tea
Drunk daily as a beverage whose caffeine content can support alertness; excess intake may cause palpitations and insomnia.
Full card →Good to know
- Both teas can reduce non-haem iron absorption when drunk with meals; drinking them an hour apart from meals is advised.
- Because of their caffeine content, both can disturb sleep in the evening and count toward daily caffeine limits in pregnancy.