Sencha Tea
Also Known As: Camellia sinensis, and Japanese green tea.
Sencha Tea is a Japanese green tea made from the Camellia sinensis tea plant that is grown and processed in the Shizuoka region of Japan.
Sencha basically translates as 'common.’ In Japan the Macha Green tea ceremony was so involved it made drinking tea a difficult and lengthy process.
In the 17th century the Japanese intelligentsia began drinking loose leaf Sencha tea in shorter, more informal ceremonies.
This meant they didn’t have to prepare in advance and could enjoy the tea with friends without taking a lot of time to set it up.
Three-quarters of the Japanese green tea production is classified as Sencha tea. The next 15 percent is a lower grade of tea made from late summer leaves called Bancha. The finer tea varieties known as Gyokuro and Matcha make up the next 10 percent.
The better Sencha teas have names taken from the shape of the tea leaf, for example there is Spider-Led or Needle-Leaf Sencha tea.
What is Sencha Tea? Sencha tea is a Japanese Green tea made from the upper parts of the tea leaf and tea buds. These leaves and buds are processed whole, or without grinding.
Sencha tea comes in loose bulk packaging, and in tea bag form. In Japan, Sencha tea is generally drank hot during cooler months, and chilled in the summer months.
Sencha Tea Preparation:
- 1 teaspoon of tea per 8 oz of water
- Heat water to 175-180 degrees, steep tea for 1 minute.
Sencha can taste different based on how hot the water is when it steeps. Warm water produces a hearty, round flavor, while making Sencha with hot water provides a bolder more bitter taste.
Home Remedies Using Sencha Tea:
Benefits of Sencha Tea:
Used today Sencha Green Tea is a great source of antioxidants which will reduce free radicals and slow down the aging process. It is used to boost the immune system, soothe the stomach and digestive system, stop the growth of certain cancers, and regulate blood sugar. Is cleans toxins from the body and lowers cholesterol.
With about 10 percent of the caffeine found in a cup of coffee, Sencha Tea offers mood enhancing amino acids, and is used to raise energy levels, fight stress and boost the metabolism which helps control body weight. Drinking tea supports healthy teeth and gums.
Sencha tea is believed to help control blood sugar and may assist in the prevention of type 1 diabetes. It will help hydrate the skin, and slow the aging process by naturally reducing fine lines that make skin look older. For both internal and external or topical use it is believed that this tea can help repair damaged and inflamed skin.
Research on green tea has shown, “Epidemiological studies have indicated that green tea may reduce the risk of some cancers, and there is evidence that breast cancer is less common in countries such as China and Japan, where green tea is widely consumed.”
Side Effects of Sencha Tea:
Any side effects with Sencha Tea are related to its caffeine content. These possible side effects are generally noted with overuse and include hypertension, anxiety, nausea, heart palpitations, frequent urination, and irritability.
It is important to note that for patients undergoing radiation therapy it is recommended that you avoid green tea. Because Green tea has anti-oxidant qualities, it can interfere with radiation therapy, which kills tumor cells via oxidation.
