Kukicha Tea

What is kukicha tea

A well-known Japanese tea, kukicha tea is a creamy sweet-flavored blend of twigs, stems, and stalks of Camellia sinensis having a mild nutty aroma. Available in several variations, kukicha green tea is the most popular one. Included often as a healthy addition to a macrobiotic diet, the herbal decoction that’s also referred to as twig tea, has low caffeine content.

History and origin

It was discovered for the first time in the tea gardens of Uji, situated between Nara and Kyoto. While the tea farmers sold the leaves and buds, the herbal infusion was made from the twigs and stalks through a process newly invented by them and was named as “peasant’s tea”.

Kukicha tea health benefits

For skin protection

A good source of catechins, epigallocatechin present in the tea exhibits a strong antioxidant effect, neutralizing the free radicals, preventing the skin cells from getting damaged that particularly occurs as a result of prolonged sun exposure, and thus reduces the risk of skin cancer. With abundant vitamins and minerals, its intake helps in removing the dead cells, moisturizing and rejuvenating the skin, and thereby improving several skin-related conditions such as rash, acne, and psoriasis, and delaying the aging of the skin as well.

Bone health

Along with high calcium diet, having a cup of the herbal drink on a regular basis might aid in building strong bones as it’s calcium content is believed to be six times more than a glass of milk. Besides, some studies have shown it containing two and a half times the vitamin C of oranges that play a role in improving the bone mineral density as well as curbing the risk of fracture.

Weight management

A potent remedy for improving digestion, it has been shown to improve the production of bile acids that help in breaking down the fats, preventing unnecessary weight gain, and also lowering the cholesterol levels.

For dental health

There are have been several research studies showing a strong link between consumption of kukicha green tea and a low occurrence of dental plaques and caries that’s possibly due to its fluoride content and the presence of tannins as well, responsible for preventing bacterial infections.

For diabetes

Some of the ingredients in its green tea variation might assist in regulating glucose metabolism, helping in maintaining the blood sugar levels.

Detoxification

In addition to antioxidants, it acts as a potential detoxifier promoting the function of the kidneys and liver by eliminating the harmful waste products from the body.

Useful for stress and anxiety

Sipping a warm cup of the herbal infusion can provide relief from anxiety, stress, mood swings and depression as its caffeine has a soothing effect on the nervous system.

Apart from being beneficial for edema, its diuretic properties aid in enhancing the urine output that might be effective for getting rid of a bladder infection. The tea is also effective in controlling the blood pressure levels and reducing fatigue.

How to make kukicha tea

• Pour 5 cups of water into a teapot and bring to boil
• Add 2 tablespoon of the dried twigs in the pot and lower the flame
• Simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes
• Strain the mixture
• Make it sweet by adding honey, sugar, citrus fruit slices, or syrup, and serve

Enjoy a cup of kukicha iced tea by cooling the tea in the refrigerator and adding some ice cubes.

Safety and Precautions

Side effects

Having the health-boosting drink is probably not going to cause any adverse effects as it contains a lower amount of oxalate and caffeine though its overconsumption may lead to abdominal distress and interference with the absorption of iron.

During pregnancy

Limited intake of warm kukicha twig tea is considered to be good for constipation relief in pregnant women. However, it should never be taken in excess and also, make sure you speak to your doctor before drinking. Breastfeeding mothers are advised to avoid the tea.

Where to buy

Organic kukicha twig loose tea and tea bags and its other variations are available at any herbal tea selling shop or could be purchased from an online store.