Evidence supporting the use of: Green tea
For the health condition: Addictions (coffee, caffeine)

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Synopsis

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

Green tea is sometimes used to support individuals who are reducing or quitting coffee or caffeine. The rationale is based on both its lower caffeine content compared to coffee and the presence of compounds such as L-theanine, which may mitigate withdrawal symptoms or promote a sense of calm. Several small studies and reviews indicate that substituting green tea for coffee can help reduce overall caffeine intake, thereby lessening withdrawal symptoms like headache, irritability, and fatigue. L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, has been shown to promote relaxation without sedation, which may help with the mood disturbances associated with caffeine withdrawal.

However, while these mechanisms are plausible and supported by preliminary evidence, there is a lack of large-scale, controlled clinical trials specifically evaluating green tea as a treatment for caffeine or coffee addiction. Most guidelines for caffeine reduction recommend tapering intake, and switching to a lower-caffeine beverage like green tea aligns with this advice. However, green tea is not recognized as an evidence-based treatment for addiction in the medical sense, nor are its effects on withdrawal symptoms robustly characterized.

In summary, while there is some scientific rationale and limited preliminary evidence for the use of green tea to support caffeine reduction, the evidence is not strong and is rated a 2 out of 5. The use is primarily justified as a harm reduction substitute rather than a direct treatment for addiction.

More about green tea
More about Addictions (coffee, caffeine)

Other ingredients used for Addictions (coffee, caffeine)

chicory
ginseng
green tea
kudzu
l-theanine
passionflower
water
yerba mate

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