A plant record

Tea plant (Green/Black tea) (Te (Te vèt / Te nwa))

Camellia sinensis

EnglishTea plant (Green/Black tea)

KreyòlTe (Te vèt / Te nwa)

FrançaisThéier

BotanicalCamellia sinensis

Tea plant (Green/Black tea) (Te (Te vèt / Te nwa)) — Camellia sinensis, used in Haitian and Caribbean herbal tradition

Traditionally used

Fatigue (caffeine stimulant). Antioxidant (polyphenols). Diarrhea (tannins). Cardiovascular support (catechins). Weight management. Antimicrobial (mouth infections). Anti-inflammatory.

Prepared as

Leaves (unoxidized = green tea; oxidized = black tea)

Chemistry

Catechins (EGCG main — antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, thermogenic). Caffeine + L-theanine (alert calm). Tannins (astringent, antidiarrheal). Fluoride (dental).

In three languages

Kreyòl — Fatig (kafeyinn). Antioxidan. Dyare (tannin). Sipò kadyovaskilè. Jestyon pwa. Antimikwòb. Te (te vèt ak te nwa) kòn toupatou ann Ayiti ak nan Karayib la. Enfizyon fèy itilize pou fatig, dyare (ten), ak sipò iminitè. Kòn kòm bwason jwi ak medikal nan menm tan.

Français — Fatigue (stimulant caféine). Antioxydant (polyphénols). Diarrhée (tanins). Soutien cardiovasculaire (catéchines). Gestion du poids. Antimicrobien. Anti-inflammatoire. Le thé (vert et noir) est universellement connu en Haïti et dans les Caraïbes; infusion de feuilles pour la fatigue, la diarrhée (tanins) et le soutien immunitaire; connu comme boisson de plaisir et médicinal.

Safety

Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.

Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.

Kept alongside

LicoricePineapplePeacock flowerCalotropePapayaRingworm senna

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