Green Tea: Uses, Indian Traditions and Caffeine
Also known as Hari chai, Green chai, Green tea extract · Camellia sinensis
Green tea comes from the same plant as everyday chai. Here is how it differs from black tea, how India enjoys it, from kahwa to tulsi blends, and how to brew it well.
Green tea comes from the same plant as the everyday chai most Indians drink: Camellia sinensis. The difference lies in processing. Green tea leaves are heated soon after plucking, by steaming or pan-firing, so they are not oxidised and keep their pale colour and fresh, grassy taste.
India grows tea in Assam, Darjeeling, the Nilgiris and beyond, and green tea has found a place in many homes alongside the morning cup of chai. This guide explains what green tea is, how it is enjoyed, and where green tea extract appears in our formulas.
What is green tea?
Black tea, the base of most Indian chai, is rolled and left to oxidise, which darkens the leaf and deepens its flavour. Green tea skips that step. Both contain natural caffeine and plant compounds called catechins, though the amounts vary with the leaf and how it is brewed.
- Hindi: hari chai
- Grown in: Darjeeling, Assam, the Nilgiris and Kangra
- Forms: loose leaf, tea bags, powders and extracts
Green tea in Indian traditions
Tea is not part of the classical Ayurvedic texts, which predate its spread across India. Yet green tea has its own Indian traditions. Kashmiri kahwa brews green tea leaves with saffron, cardamom and cinnamon, often finished with almonds, and is served through the cold Kashmiri winter.
Many people also enjoy green tea with tulsi, ginger or a squeeze of lemon, keeping it light and without milk.
How to brew green tea
- Heat water until just off the boil and let it rest for a minute or two.
- Add the leaves or a tea bag to your cup or pot.
- Steep for two to three minutes, then strain.
- Add lemon, tulsi or a little honey once it has cooled slightly, if you like.
Green tea extract in our formulas
Green tea extract is one of five ingredients in Aayu Slim, our capsule formula alongside garcinia cambogia, triphala, ajwain and jeera. Because it comes from tea leaves, it contains some natural caffeine. If you choose to take Aayu Slim, follow the pack directions, alongside a balanced diet and regular activity.
Safety notes
- Green tea contains caffeine. If you are sensitive to it, count other tea, coffee and caffeinated drinks in your day and avoid it late in the evening.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a doctor about caffeine and green tea extract.
- Concentrated extracts differ from a cup of tea. Follow the label dose, and if you take regular medication or have a health condition, consult a doctor or qualified Ayurvedic practitioner first.
- Green tea is not a substitute for medical care.
Questions people ask
Yes. Green tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, the same as black tea, so it naturally contains caffeine. The amount varies with the leaf, the water temperature and how long you steep it. If you are sensitive to caffeine, pregnant or breastfeeding, keep an eye on your total intake from tea, coffee and other drinks.
Both come from the same plant. Black tea leaves are rolled and left to oxidise, which darkens them and gives the strong flavour used in Indian chai. Green tea leaves are steamed or pan-fired soon after plucking, so they stay green, taste lighter and are usually brewed without milk or sugar.
Kahwa is a traditional Kashmiri drink made by brewing green tea leaves with saffron, cardamom and cinnamon, often finished with sliced almonds and sometimes honey. It is served hot, especially in winter, and is traditionally offered to guests. It is a good example of green tea's long place in Indian food culture.
Many people enjoy green tea in the morning or between meals. Because it contains caffeine, it is best avoided close to bedtime if you are sensitive to it, and some people prefer not to drink it on an empty stomach. Notice how you feel and keep your overall caffeine intake moderate.
The Wellness Journal is for general education and inspiration only. It isn’t medical advice — please speak to a doctor or qualified Ayurvedic practitioner about any health concern, and patch test new products before use.
Formulas with green tea
Read each pack’s ingredients and directions before use.
