November 18, 2022 by Margie Navarro

Ingredient Spotlight: Matcha

Matcha Magic: Traditional Powdered Green Tea & Modern Healing

The soothing world of tea has a time-honored champion revered not only for its characteristic taste but also for its powerful medicinal properties - matcha.

Derived from powdered Camellia sinensis or “green tea” leaves, the birth of matcha traces back to China. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907), where tea leaves were steamed and formed into tea bricks for storage and trade. The powdered form of tea, however, didn’t become popular until the Song Dynasty (960-1279). The process included grinding the dried leaves into a powder, which was then whisked in hot water. The idea was to consume the whole leaf, rather than just the steeped water.

It was in the late 12th century that the practice of drinking powdered tea traveled from China to Japan, introduced by the Zen Buddhist monk, Eisai. He planted the first tea seeds in Kyoto, Japan. Over the years, this unique way of preparing tea was perfected in Japan and evolved into the ceremonial-grade matcha we know today, a pivotal aspect of the Japanese tea ceremony ‘Chanoyu.’

But the beauty of matcha is not just the ceremonial aspects; this jade green powder offers an array of medicinal benefits, making it a potent beverage that promotes overall well-being.

One of the most prominent health benefits of matcha is its high antioxidant content. Matcha outdoes common antioxidant sources, like blueberries and spinach, by a considerable margin. Specifically, it is rich in a type of antioxidant called catechins, especially EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which has been linked to ameliorating heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even certain types of cancer. Furthermore, the tea has been associated with natural detoxification, owing to its high chlorophyll content.

Matcha is also known for its calming effects on the mind and body, largely due to the presence of an amino acid called L-theanine. L-theanine stimulates alpha wave activity in the brain, reducing stress, improving mood, and enhancing concentration. It’s no wonder that Zen Buddhist monks have used matcha for centuries as a means to remain calm and focused during long hours of meditation.

Finally, matcha contains a modest amount of caffeine that provides a ‘gentle alertness’ – unlike the jitters often associated with coffee. This effect, coupled with the cognitive benefits offered by L-theanine, makes matcha a favorite among those seeking a balanced and sustained energy boost.

Matcha serves as a perfect example of how time-honored practices can blend seamlessly with modern health and wellness. While it continues to be a core element of cultural rituals, its medicinal properties have found resonance in a world increasingly seeking natural, healthful solutions. In the end, whether you’re enjoying matcha for its rich history or its health benefits, one thing is for sure – each sip offers a taste of tranquility, history, and healing.

– Margie Navarro, herbalist & acupuncturist