McCully Chinese Medicine Clinic Inc. Anne-Marie McCully Dr. T.C.M. R.Ac.

Teas

Oolong, Matcha green and Gynostemma 

Oolong Tea

Oolong, also sometimes spelled as Wu Long Tea, comes from the camellia sinensis plant that is the source of all true tea. However, oolong tea undergoes some degree of oxidation or fermentation that consequently places it between the green and black tea varieties. Oolong tea ranges from 10% to 70% oxidation.
Many of the health benefits of oolong tea are similar to those of green tea. Though the degree of oxidation somewhat trims down some of its health benefits, oolong tea is nevertheless still one of the healthiest beverage you can enjoy as it also contains the polyphenols that act as antioxidants against free radicals in the body.
Oolong tea burns over 157% more fat than Green Tea - and therefore becoming the most popular tea designed to accelerate weigh loss.
Oolong tea contains a large quantity of polyphenol.
Drinking two cups of Oolong tea every day not only helps shed stubborn pounds by boosting your metabolism, but also blocks the fattening effects of carbohydrates.
Some of oolong tea health benefits are as follows:
• Oolong Tea may help reduce cholesterol build-up in the bloodstream.
• Oolong Tea may help burn fat and thus, may contribute to slimming.
• Oolong Tea can help prevent heart ailments.
• Oolong Tea can be used for treatment of digestive disorders.
• Oolong Tea can promote longevity by stimulating bodily functions and strengthening the immune system.
• Oolong Tea may promote healthier and stronger bones, protecting people from such diseases as osteoporosis.
• Oolong Tea can also fight against tooth decay.

Matcha green tea

Matcha tea consist of the tea leaf that has been cured and dried with the stems and veins removed. The leaf is then powdered. 1 cup of matcha is the equivalent in nutritional values and antioxydants of 10 cups or regular green tea because the leaf is consumed not just steeped.  This tea originates from Japan, it is ordered in small quantities to assure freshness and quality. The matcha we carry is organic and the best grade available. 
Amongst its many benefits, matcha...
• Is packed with antioxidantsincluding the powerful EGCg
• Boosts metabolism and burns calories
• Detoxifies effectively and naturally
• Calms and relaxes
• Enhances mood and aids in concentration
• Provides vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium
• Fights against viruses and bacteria
• Is rich in fiber
• Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar
• Does not raise insulin levels

Gynostemma tea

What is Gynostemma pentaphyllum? - Gynostemma (also know as Jiaogulan) is an herb originating in China. This small vine grows naturally in Chinese forests but is now grown on small farms throughout Asia. Gynostemma has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. Traditional Chinese doctors consider it a Chi tonic. Chi is the Chinese word for internal energy and a Chi Tonic is any herb or combination of herbs that increases and aids the flow of Chi. Gynostemma is also considered by herbalists an adaptogen. Adaptogens are herbs that help the body self-regulate. In short, Gynostemma puts your body back in balance.What are the health benefits of Gynostemma Tea? - Gynostemma pentaphyllum first came to the attention of modern science as a result of a nationwide census in China taken in 1970. The census data revealed two small regions of China with an unusually large number of people aged over 100 years. A research team was dispatched to look for the cause. After extensive research the scientists concluded that the reason was that Gynostemma grew naturally in both these regions and was regularly consumed by locals as a less expensive alternative to tea.

This surprising finding prompted more focused research on the health benefits of Gynostemma tea. After over forty years of research the scientists and doctors on the project identified three major health benefits from drinking Gynostemma.

1)Gynostemma is an adaptogenic herb. Adaptogens are herbs that help the body self-regulate. This is normally managed by the human neuro-endocrine system. When the NE system gets out of balance many problems can happen including, diabetes, high blood pressure, weight gain or loss, insomnia, irritability, problems with thinking and memory and a host of hormone problems. Gynostemma helps return the body to balance.

2)Gynostemma improves blood flow and reduces blood pressure. Studies show that Gynostemma pentaphyllum is a natural vasodilator. Vasodilators are often recommended for people trying to decrease their blood pressure since they expand the blood vessels and improve blood flow. Additionally, even for people without blood pressure issues, the increased blood flow to the brain and other vital organs can increase energy levels and boost athletic performance.

3) Gynostemma supports your immune system. Most people do not realize that the human body produces it own antioxidant called Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD). In addition to being a key to the adaptogen benefits of Gynostemma, because our own body produces SOD, increasing SOD is far superior to consuming antioxidant foods in boosting our immune response and countering the effects of aging. Studies suggest that regular consumption of Gynostemma may aid the production of SOD.