Evidence supporting the use of: Green tea
For the health condition: Contagious Diseases

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) has been traditionally consumed across Asia and is increasingly popular worldwide for its purported health benefits. Its use for supporting or treating contagious diseases is primarily supported by scientific, albeit preliminary, evidence rather than deep-rooted traditional medical practice for this specific indication.

Green tea is rich in polyphenolic compounds, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has demonstrated antiviral and antibacterial properties in in vitro and some animal studies. EGCG has been shown to inhibit the replication of various viruses, such as influenza, hepatitis B and C, herpes simplex, and even coronaviruses in laboratory settings. The mechanisms proposed include interference with viral entry into host cells and disruption of viral replication. Additionally, green tea catechins can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, including those responsible for respiratory or gastrointestinal infections.

However, the majority of evidence comes from laboratory or animal studies. There are few high-quality clinical trials in humans directly assessing green tea's efficacy in preventing or treating contagious diseases. Some observational studies suggest that green tea drinkers may have a slightly lower risk of influenza or respiratory tract infections, but these findings are not conclusive and could be influenced by confounding factors.

In summary, while there is scientific interest and some promising laboratory data, robust clinical evidence supporting green tea's use for contagious diseases is limited. Thus, it may be used as a supportive measure, but should not replace established medical treatments.

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Other health conditions supported by green tea

Abdominal Pain
Abscesses
Acne
Addictions (coffee, caffeine)
Age Spots
Aging (prevention)
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Appetite (excessive)
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Autoimmune Disorders
Belching
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (internal)
Blood in Urine
Bloodshot Eyes
Body Odor
Breast Lumps
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Cellulite
Cervical Dysplasia
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chicken Pox
Cholesterol (high)
Cholesterol (low)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (children)
Colitis
Colon (atonic)
Colon (spastic)
Concentration (poor)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Constipation (adults)
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cramps (menstrual)
Crohn's Disease
Cuts
Cystic Breast Disease
Cystic Fibrosis
Cytomealovirus
Dandruff
Debility
Dementia
Denture Sores
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Down Syndrome
Endometriosis
Epstein Barr Virus
Eye Infections
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Fatigue
Fibroids (uterine)
Free Radical Damage
Fungal Infections
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glaucoma
Hair (loss or thinning)
Headache (general)
Hemochromatosis
Hypertension
Inflammation
Influenza
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function
Oral Surgery
Parkinson's Disease
Perspiration (excessive)
PMS (general)
Polyps
Psoriasis
Rosacea
Skin (oily)
Stress
Triglycerides (high)
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wrinkles