I bet a lot of you are wondering exactly how much EGCG there is in a cup of green tea… Well, the answer varies, depending on the tea. It’s actually ranging from about 20 mg to 100 mg. 

In case you didn’t know, EGCG are the healthy antioxidants in green tea that works all the wonders on your body, with things such as weight loss, and can actually help fight cancer and tumors like angiogenesis and so on.

Well, now I bet you’re wondering where you can get the strongest green tea with the most EGCG in it, right?

And the answer is… you make it yourself! It’s really easy once you know how.

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Health Benefits Of Green Tea

Green Tea is beneficial for Alzheimer’s disease, arthrosclerosis, blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, cancer, cholesterol, diabetes, heart, liver diseases, skin care, viral infection, and flu. Green tea does not have many side effects.

Enlarge Image Health benefits of Green tea are astounding. In traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, green tea has been used for centuries as a stimulant, astringent and to improve heart health. It is an effective remedy for rheumatoid arthritis, and certain immune deficiencies. Research by the scientific world first confirmed green tea’s health benefits only about a decade ago.

One main advantage of green tea is that it comes cheaper than many medicines and it is herbal. Green tea has been researched a lot. Research shows that the most powerful antioxidant compounds are the polyphenols in green tea. They are flavonoids (catechin, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate(EGCG), and proanthocyanidins). Catechins in it are over 200 times more powerful than vitamin E and helps in neutralizing the pro-oxidants and free radicals that attack lipids in the brain. Catechins are also more potent than vitamin C. Green tea is rich in vitamin C. EGCG is said to be brain permeable, and it protects the brain.

Green tea and alzheimers

EGCG decreased production of beta-amyloid, a protein that forms the plaques that clog the brains of Alzheimer’s victims. Drinking more than two cups of green tea a day could cut the risk of dementia by half, had a 50 per cent lower chance of having cognitive impairment, compared to those who drank less than three cups a week. A British study found that drinking green tea inhibited three important brain-harming chemicals: acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and beta-secretase. they are associated with breaking down chemical messengers and forming plaques and protein deposits in the noggin’s gray matter which hinders clear thinking.

Green tea and arthrosclerosis

Atherscloerosis will initiate heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. Green tea has been extensively tested and been found to be highly beneficial in the reduction of blood pressure and aiding the recovery of heart attack victims. It also inhibits the unnatural formation of blood clots which have been known to cause thrombosis and stroke. Drinking green tea represses angiotensin II which leads to high blood pressure.

Green tea and autoimmune disorder

It protects from autoimmune disorders like xerostamina. Green tea helps in reducing auto antigen levels in healthy cells while not in tumor cells and thus protecting the healthy cells.

Green tea and cancer

Green tea helps in fighting as well as preventing cancer. Cancer is lower in countries where they drink lots of green tea. EGCG inhibit cancer by blocking the formation of cancer-causing compounds and suppressing the activation of carcinogens. It also inhibits cancer cells from growing. It binds to a specific enzyme called dihydrofolate reductase, in the body. Egcg helps in killing cancerous cells and stops its progression without attacking normal cells. There have been many studies that have shown that green tea catechins are effective at preventing cancer. Green tea helps in fighting bladder cancer, breast cancer, esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer and colorectal cancer,

Green tea and cholesterol

Green tea helps to keep cholesterol on a healthy level by its inhibitory effect on the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and promote its excretion from the body. It also helps against clot related strokes. At least 5 cups a day are recommended.

Green tea and diabetes

People who drink lots of green tea or coffee every day could lower their risk of diabetes by 33 percent. Green tea polyphenols and polysaccharides are good in the reduction of blood sugar. The researchers who conducted test on rat concluded that results clearly show green tea intervention can significantly decrease visceral fat deposit and increase insulin sensitivity.

Green tea and liver disease

Those who drink green tea are less likely to get disorders in the liver. Green tea also appears to protect the liver from the damaging effects of toxic substances such as alcohol. Green tea may help treat inflammation of the liver. , protecting fatty livers from injury while reducing liver fat content by about 55 percent protect patients recovering from liver transplant. It can be a useful supplement in the treatment of liver disease and should be considered for liver conditions in which pro inflammatory and oxidant stress responses are dominant.

Green tea and skin care

It is anti-bacterial and helps in fighting acne and reduces inflammation. It protects the skin from the damage caused by ionizing radiation and aids in detoxification.

Green tea and weight loss

It helps in boosting metabolism and burn fat. It has thermogenic attributes which helps to raise the body temperature and burn calories up to 80 calorie daily. It also helps in fat oxidation. It helps in weight loss without raising heart beat. The thermogenic compound in green tea is caffeine. Other similar components in green tea that boost metabolism are theobromine and theophylline even though they are found in only small quantities in green tea.5 cups daily

Green tea and viral infection

EGCG strongly inhibited the replication of the HIV virus by blocking the binding of HIV envelope glycoprotein to human CD4 molecules on human T cells. Since this is, the first step in HIV infection it helps in preventing the first step in HIV infection. L-theanine in green tea triggers our body to produce 10 times their normal output of virus-battling interferon. Even gargling with green tea is effective when you have flu . They have strong antibacterial qualities.

Green tea side effects

Green tea extract has shown to be non-toxic but excessive amounts of caffeine from green tea may cause irritability, insomnia, heart palpitation, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache, loss of appetite, dizziness and nausea. . It has been in use for 5000 years and not much side effects noted other than caffeine content in it. If you are wary of caffeine you can take a decaffeinated green tea.

Anita cherry is a health enthusiast who offers informative tips on different alternatives for health conditions. For more information on health visit Health benefits of Green tea

By Anita Cherry Published: 11/8/2006

 Click Here To Find Out How To Make The Strongest Green Tea In The World Quickly And Easily

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 "Green Tea Vitamins Can Save Your Life…"

Green Tea: the Antioxidant of Antioxidants

Tea has been taken by humans since prehistory, and the popularity of green tea has been boosted by the realisation that it combats free radicals enabling it to fight viruses, slow aging, and, generally, have a beneficial effect on health. Furthermore there is growing evidence that a component of gr

Archaeological evidence suggests that tea leaves steeped in boiling water were consumed as many as 500,000 years ago. Botanical evidence indicates that India and China were among the first countries to cultivate tea

Green tea contains polyphenols which protect against certain cancers, and are also potent antioxidants. These antioxidants have been shown to be highly beneficial to the heart by helping prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.

There are four primary polyphenols in green tea, often collectively referred to as catechins. They are powerful antioxidants, and have been shown in recent studies to fight viruses, slow aging, and have a beneficial effect on health.

Much of the initial evidence that green tea is anti-carcinogenic is based on epidemiological studies which show lower rates of many types of cancer among populations such as Japan and China that drink green tea as part of a daily cultural habit.

Clinical tests have demonstrated that the catechins in green tea destroy free radicals which are highly reactive molecules and fragments of molecules that can damage the body at the cellular level leaving it susceptible to cancer, heart disease, and many other degenerative diseases More recently, controlled studies on green tea extract have yielded impressive results, identifying the polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) as the responsible component. EGCG is able to force certain cancer cells into a situation in which they must die or be killed in a process called ”apoptosis”. Further evidence shows that EGCG has an inhibitory effect on the enzyme, urokinase, which is required for tumor formation, thus preventing the formation of tumors.

It has been shown that (EGCG), an antioxidant found in green tea, is at least 100 more times more effective than vitamin C and 25 times more effective than vitamin E at protecting cells and DNA from damage believed to be linked to cancer, heart disease and other serious illnesses. This antioxidant has twice the benefits of resveratrol, found in red wine.

The only possible negative side effect from green tea is possible insomnia because it contains some caffeine. Its caffeine content is, however, much lower than coffee.

Ian Finlayson is author of The Herb Spiral and several other web sites dealing with the properties of specific herbs, and is a regular writer of articles and reviews on medicinal herbs and herbal products. For information specifically dealing with women’s herbs and formulas go to this page on The Herb Spiral site.

By Ian Finlayson Published: 10/16/2007

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Oolong Tea-contribution To Health And Wellness

From time immemorial, the health benefits of tea have been acclaimed across countries. Most is the tea types fall under the category of Camellia Sinensis plant and has its own unique features and properties. Some of the most popular ones include Green tea, Black tea, Oolong tea, and more.

Oolong tea happens to be an interesting tea variety that exhibits traits of both Green tea and Black tea. The leaves are large in appearance and its sweet aroma makes a delicious connoisseur when brewed with proper ingredients. Oolong comes in all varieties including White Tip Oolong tea to Formosa Oolong variety with amber streaks. Oolong tea goes though a shorter oxidation process unlike its counterparts and thus is capable of retaining most health properties.

The tea is recognized as a beneficial health drink and acts as an anti-obesity agent. During the process of oxidation, the level of Catechins is reduced. During the fermentation process, the level of Polyphenols and Flavanoids are increased. Polyphenol augments the process of fat-metabolism in human bodies. Foods rich in carbohydrate when consumed synthesize together to form Triglyceride, which flows through blood veins and capillaries of human bodies and release energies for sustaining life. However, excess deposition of Triglyceride is counterproductive to human health and form fat tissues. Polyphenol reacts directly with Triglycerides and dissolves them smoothly and thus helps in encountering obesity to a large extent.

Apart from its function as a cure to obesity, strong antibacterial and antiviral properties develops a strong immune system in the body which is capable of encountering harmful diseases. It acts as a relief to allergies, diabetes, Eczema, Cancer and also acts as an anti aging agent. Oolong tea can never cure cancer. But it certainly prevents formation of some cancer causing agents. The antioxidant properties of Polyphenol coupled with Epigallo Catechin Gallate (EGCC), a substance contained in Oolong tea can prevent unwanted DNA mutation from cells. While buying Oolong tea, it is recommended to go for the organic variety available in loose tea bags. The variety is cultivated without using pesticides and the intermingling of chemicals is far less.

The health benefits of Oolong tea have made it one of the most popular connoisseurs cross the globe. Few centuries back, some religious groups in China believed that Oolong tea carries with itself some potions of immorality. It goes without saying that this belief was inculcated mainly due to its one of kind contribution in the area of health and medication. Till today, Oolong tea is regarded as one of the most accredited health drink that runs parallel with conventional science and its significance remains intact in the annals of medicine.

By: cupoftea

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Kate Prescott is a professional cook and likes to experiment on various cuisines, recipe and refreshment drinks. She has been engaged doing research on gourmet tea types like Black tea, Rooibos and Oolong tea that adds flavor to different connoisseur and contributes to maintain sound health conditions.

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Chinese Green Tea - How An Oriental Beverage Conquer The World

By now we have all heard about the amazing health benefits of chinese green tea. Long used medicinally in China, it has become increasingly popular around the world. Is there a difference between tea grown in China, and tea from other places? What are the origins of tea, and how did it become so popular?

How Tea Begin

Tea is thought to have originated in China at least 2,000 years ago. Because of the time that has passed since then, mystery surrounds the actual beginning of tea-drinking.

A legend says that an early Buddhist Master discovered tea. Another legend has it that the Chinese agricultural god Shenong invented it by chewing the leaves and spitting them into a cup of hot water, in order to test the toxicity of the leaves. Still another variation of the same legend says that one day a tea leaf blew into his cup, he looked at, then sipped it, and the result was tea!

China Versus India

Biologists have determined that there are two slightly different tea plants. One is native to India, Burma, and the Yunan province of China. The other is found in eastern and southeastern China. The plants are similar enough that they surely have a common ancestor, and the tea they produce is the same.

Tea was cultivated on a massive scale under British rule. Mechanization was introduced, and tea was grown and handled with an eye toward export. From this time on, tea traveled to the corners of the world.

Chinese Green Tea Health Benefits

The purported health benefits of this beverage are almost endless. High levels of antioxidants have led to studies showing that green tea may be a cancer fighter of the first magnitude.

Other benefits of daily consumption of green tea include: lower cholesterol, weight loss aid, soothing, lessening the effects of diabetes.

Green tea is even used in wrinkle creams and moisturizers. The antioxidants it contains are thought to fight aging in the skin.

Chinese Green Tea Versus Others?

In reality, it is most important to drink tea that is grown, picked and processed carefully. Loose tea is always preferable to tea in bags. Tea that has been picked during the right time of year, and has been sun-dried and withered to achieve the proper amount of fermentation, will be your best bet. The Chinese have been doing this longer than anyone else!

Why are Americans switching from tea bags to loose green tea? What does a fascinating 2004 scientific study say about the ingredients that set the best green tea apart?

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Where to Buy Quality Tea

For over 5,000 years tea drinkers have enjoyed the taste and health benefits of high quality loose leaf tea. Those individuals that included tea in a lifestyle of exercise and diet have come to learn that teapot only tastes good, but tea also creates a feeling of well being and life satisfaction.

No product has had more false starts than that of loose leaf tea however. Nor has any product had a more devoted, patient following than the proponents of loose leaf tea. These long suffering supporters were waiting for the day that loose leaf tea would come into its own. Now, it seems, even tea vendors and tea connoisseurs will finally have their wish.

The irony, of course, is that tea, next to water is still the most popular beverage in the world but that in much of North America, Western Europe and the U.K., loose leaf tea has had little more than a cult following

But all that is changing now as new tea rooms are emerging and selling more and more tea and tea-based beverages and they are expanding their tea lines and selling more expensive teas.

Tea, from green to black, has been getting great notices on its health-giving attributes and people have been reading these headlines and basing buying decisions on them.

There are well over 1,000 tea rooms in the U.S. today, and the number is probably closer to 1,500. More and more tea-related products are being developed and sold. Better tea brewers are being placed on the market and more grocery store shelf space is being devoted to tea.

Loose leaf tea is seeping through a surprising number of packaging formats and distribution channels and enlivening a rapidly growing and receptive customer base.

Historical examination of comparable “natural” consumer products industries shows the emerging loose leaf tea segment exhibiting many of the same characteristics that existed within natural food and specialty coffee channels as they climbed from niche to mainstream markets.

Of special note is the predominance of small, entrepreneurial companies opening up the category, while larger players playing it ultra-cautious as they test ‘niche’ markets. Fueling this growth is the media’s huge appetite for positive tea stories.

The latest development in the distribution of high quality loose leaf tea is e-commerce and the potential is enormous. E-commerce leverages the power of the internet to reach a broad audience and allows smaller players the ability to penetrate new markets and expand their customer base.

The benefit of e-commerce is the convenience offered to the consumer. Orders can be placed at the customer’s convenience, the e-commerce site describes the product and advises availability and delivery schedule and deliveries are mad to the customer’s home or office.

With the advent of search engines like Google, Yahoo and MSN, tea producers and distributors can broaden their retail selling activities and reach a vastly larger market of tea drinking prospects. Accessing this market through e-commerce techniques is the wave of the future.

Jon M. Stout is Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. For more information about tea, green tea and black tea go to

http://www.goldenmoontea.com

By Jon Stout Published: 3/18/200

Benefits of Green Tea For Dieting

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How To Make Long Island Ice Tea Mix Recipe: Best Recipe For Long Island Tea

Long Island Ice Tea - Amazing Assortment Of Ingredients

Long island iced tea has become a perennial favorite in the United States in recent years. However, are you aware that there is a unique history to where this exotic drink actually came from. Read on to learn more.

Iced tea is a beverage that is very common, and has been with society since the ancient times. Yet there is another type of iced tea that has been rising in popularity lately, and that tea is known as long island iced tea.

Despite the fact that this drink really has only little in common with the typical ice tea, the identity is derived and attributable to the well liked variation of mixes, one of which is the ice tea itself.

It began nearly thirty years past, when a bartender at the Oak Beach Inn waterfront nightclub, Chris Bendicksen, tried an experiment with a mixture of unique cocktails. The reason why this drink was labeled long island ice tea was due to the fact that the waterfront nightclub was situated in Babylon on Long Island, New York.

How is it Made?

This well liked mixture is derived from the variation of rum, vodka, tequila, gin, triple sec, and specific amounts of sour mix with a splash of cola or other mixtures, such as lemon juice of the primary ice tea itself. The majority of the time, this type of drink is served up with a slice of lemon so that it will heighten the likeness of a non-alcoholic drink, which was an additional reason this beverage was supposedly invented in various civilizations. Additionally, Long island ice tea is likened to ice tea because it also has in common the corresponding smooth taste of the tea itself.

One element that sets apart this beverage from different types of cocktails is that of the amount of alcohol, which is much greater in this beverage compared to numerous other types. The majority of long island ice tea variations contain at a minimum 28 percent alcohol within them, and this is because of the proportionally minor quantity of mixer that is applied to the beverage.

It needs to be recognized nonetheless that this situation is not a similar case in all regions. In spite of most expectations, numerous countries alter this alcohol level, and the majority of them have a varied mixture as well. In addition, numerous regions simply use liquors and cola by itself, without the sour mix so that they can make this long island ice tea drink, and on specific social occasions, lemon or lime juice or even lime liqueur can be supplemented to it.

Professional long island ice tea manufacturers, when inquired on the matter, will ordinarily tell you that the mixture is one of the simplest to mix up, as long as you recall from memory the right proportion of the mixture and the right mixture ingredients as well. There are only a few basic steps, which would be “to pour all the ingredients or mixture in to a highball glass filled with ice, and add cola for the color. For decorative purpose, add a slice of lemon to it”.

Listen to Korbin Newlyn as he shares his insights as an expert author and an avid writer in the field of food and drink. If you would like to learn more go to Tea Brands advice and at Green Tea tips.

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Green Tea And Weight Loss
 by: Kathryn O’Neill 7eb

  There’s recently been a LOT in the weight loss news concerning green tea.

Green tea’s weight loss effects have been causing more and more people to start sipping the ancient Japanese brew.

But just how does green tea help you lose weight? And does it really work or is it all just hype? This article gives you the real facts about drinking green tea to lose weight.

Advantages of Drinking Green Tea for Weight Loss:

1) Green tea revs up your metabolism

A study reported on in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that green tea extract resulted in a significant increase in energy expenditure (a metabolism ‘boost’).

The researchers also concluded that that over a 24-hour period, green tea extract increases the metabolic rate by 4%. These effects are probably due to the high concentrations of catechin polyphenols found in green tea. These work to help intensify levels of fat oxidation and thermogenesis (the rate at which your body burns calories).

2) Green tea inhibits fat absorption and helps glucose regulation

Experts tell us that the catechins in green tea help to inhibit the movement of glucose into fat cells. Green tea may also act as al glucose regulator. It helps to slow the rise in blood sugar after a meal. This prevents high insulin spikes (lots of insulin promotes fat storage) and the subsequent fat storage.

3) Green tea may help reduce appetite

Scientists at the University of Chicago found that green tea caused rats to lose up to 21 percent of their body weight. Rats injected with a green tea extract lost their appetites and consumed up to 60 percent less food after seven days of daily injections. This may have something to do with the blood sugar regulating effects of green tea.

4) Green tea can help you save calories on your morning brew.

We are a nation hooked on our java. Be it the regular double-cream, double-sugar standard or that mocha, dappa, frappucinno, the calories we ingest just to get our morning caffeine is wreaking havoc on our waistlines.

If you want to save mega-calories in the morning but still get your caffeine fix, try substituting green tea for coffee. Or have a green tea in the afternoon instead of that 700 calorie mocha-chillate dream. You’ll definitely notice the difference in your waistline after a few weeks.

 So there are 4 ways that green tea can help you with weight loss. But how much do you actually have to drink to get these amazing metabolism boosting effects?

Experts vary but the general consensus seems to be that 3 - 5 cups of green tea per day is optimal. Doing this can help you burn an extra 70 calories per day which amounts to 7 pounds per year. Pretty good for not exercising or cutting calories, right?

However, 3 - 5 cups can be a lot for some people, so you might also want to consider green tea extract, green tea pills or a green tea patch.

Disadvantages of Drinking Green Tea For Weight Loss:

#1) Green tea is not a magic bullet

While some people will tell you that green tea is the be-all-end-all for weight loss success, I think the keyword here is balance. You’re not going to eat 5000 calories a day, drink a cup of green tea and make it all go away - it just isn’t going to happen. A healthy diet and increased exercise will go a long way in helping you lose weight and keep it off.

#2) Be cautious of the caffeine if you have health problems

For some people that have heart troubles, high blood pressure or stimulant sensitivities, the caffeine in green tea may not be the best idea. If you’re worried about the caffeine from green tea, try taking green tea extract. Most green tea extract is made from decaffeinated green tea so you can still get the weight loss benefits without the caffeine.

If you think the caffeine may be a problem, make sure to consult your doctor before starting green tea for weight loss. Also make sure to consult your doctor before starting green tea if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Bottom Line: Green tea helps you with weight loss by boosting your metabolic rate, regulating your blood sugar, suppressing your appetite and giving you something else besides that high calorie, high sugar coffee beverage to drink in the morning. While it’s not the magic bullet, it can definitely give you a boost in weight loss and in your overall health!

About The Author

Kathryn O’Neill is a contributing writer to Diet and Weight Loss Reviews: http://www.FreeToBeThin.com.

For more free weight loss tips and articles, visit: http://www.FreeToBeThin.com/Articles.html.

Reprint Rights: All Links MUST BE CLICKABLE. Copyright Kathryn O’Neill

freetobethin@sympatico.ca

What’s the difference between Diet Lipton Green Tea to Natural …

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You don’t need to posses any psychic ability to read tea leaves; all that’s really required is patience to understand the various symbols and their meanings.

The ancient art of reading tea leaves in a cup is quite simple, and can be learned in a very short time. Although psychics throughout the ages have used it as a system of divination, any one can learn to master the techniques involved. Before long you will be making predictions about the future for friends and family. You don’t need to posses any psychic ability; all that’s really required is patience to understand the various symbols and their meanings. However, as with all divinatory systems constant use can have the effect of developing and stimulating your natural intuitive ability. Adding clairvoyancy to the skill will give you a deeper insight into the metaphysical energy surrounding the process. Reading tealeaves is a fun way of stimulating the imagination and tapping into the unconscious mind and listening to your inner self for answers to problems or dilemmas that you may have. The process also links in with Carl Jung’s theory of the ‘Collective uconsciousness’, where by ones intuition isn’t limited by the constraints of space or time. It’s through this that tealeaf readers can look into a persons past, present or future.

The ancient practice of interpreting patterns made by tealeaves in the cup is called Tasseography, otherwise known as tasseomancy or tassology. “Tasse” or “tass” is an Arab word, meaning small cup or goblet. The art also includes the reading of coffee grounds and wine sediments. In China and Japan tea drinking had a ceremonial use and an aid to meditation. A reader would watch for omens in the patterns and shapes left after drinking the tea. Although tealeaf reading is associated with Gypsy fortune-tellers and Victorian parlour games it’s roots began in Asia, ancient Greece and the Middle East. In recent history it has close ties with Scottish, and Irish tradition as well as throughout Eastern Europe.

Historically, a psychic often had a special cup that he or she would use for readings. Likewise a special spoon may be used to give it a sense of ritual. The cup, saucer and spoon should be first washed or cleansed by immersing it in hot soap and water and rinsing it with cold. Modern day psychics use cups with astrological markings printed on the inside. This not only gives a reading from the tealeaves but also provides information based on the astrological signs. The cup should have a wide brim and should be plain inside as any pattern would conflict with the interpretation of the leaves

Part of the ritual of reading tea leaves is in the act of sitting down and enjoying the tea in the company of fellow drinkers as this allows you to relax and gather your thoughts. Typically psychics choose not to use small commercially produced tealeaves but opt for the larger type i.e. Jasmin or Erl Grey etc. The person having the reading would be asked to spoon a measure of tea into a heated pot or directly into a china cup. Some psychics ask that the person receiving the reading stir the dried leaves before spooning them into the teacup or pot. This is seen as being similar to shuffling tarot cards before a reading. Boiling water is poured over the tea as the person receiving the reading stirs the pot or cup. At the same time he or she should concentrate on the particular question that they would like an answer to. The teapot is swirled and the tea poured into the cup.

When the tea is cool enough to drink the person receiving the reading sips the liquid whilst continuing to concentrate on the question. The person having his or hers tealeaf read should leave about a quarter of an inch of tea at the bottom of the cup. The cup should then be swirled around with the left hand three times in a clockwise direction so that the tealeaves are in a state of suspension. It is then flipped quickly facedown onto a napkin, which has been placed on the saucer thus leaving the tealeaves on the bottom and sides of the cup.

In order to interpret the images it may help if you slightly squint your eyes as you look at the leaves and allow your imagination to roam. Making a mental note of what you see; begin reading the cup clockwise, the handle representing the day of the teacup reading should be facing the reader The rest of the cup is divided into twelve months with the six month position being directly facing the handle. The leaves near the brim of the cup have more importance than those near the bottom. Some psychics say that images facing anticlockwise represent the significance is departing, whilst images facing clockwise mean the person requesting the reading is moving towards the occurrence.

Iterpretation of the symbols can be either exactly as they appear, for example a house, may mean contentment and home, or symbolically ie combined with a bell may mean good news or an invitation on it’s way. Contradicting images imply indecision in the person’s mind. Sometimes the top of the cup is seen as lucky and the bottom is seen as unlucky, but you should use your intuition and common sense when deciding this. The size of the symbol may give you clue to its importance. The rim represents the present or things that may happen within a few days or weeks. The sides predict the future. The bottom predicts the very distant future.

Like learning most things the more you practice the better you will get. The same applies to the art of tealeaf reading the more proficient you will become at it. The secrete is to trust your instinct, try and not allow your logic to interfere with what you see. At first you may only be able to see vague shapes, but with perseverance your competence and confidence will grow. The list of symbols and meanings below is far from complete but will help you get started. It would also be helpful to purchase a book with a more comprehensive list of interpretations or alternatively, there are many resources available on the Internet. Ultimately, the interpretation should be left up to the reader, and no two readers are the same. The main thing about interpreting what you see is to learn to trust your intuition and gut feelings. You may find that certain symbols have a particular meaning for you alone and vary from the meanings listed below

Symbols and Interpretations :

Aeroplane : Travel, going up in the world
Anchor : A journey ends.
Angel : A blessing from your guides
Bell : Good news i.e. wedding etc
Bird : Good fortune on its way
Book : Look for further information
Bottle : Allurement, good social life
Butterfly : None serious about a relationship
Clock : Act now, a meeting soon to happen
Moon : Changes
Cross : Problems but outcome positive
Cobweb : something guarded or secure
Dagger : Fallout or plotting ahead
Dog : A faithful friend
Flag : Stay fast for good fortune
Fish : Spiritual progress
Gate : Change of circumstance, confidently proceed
Heart : Happy emotional things
Key : Solutions revealed soon
Ladder : promotion, improvement
Mountain : Problems, but conquerable
Ring : Changes for the better
Scales : Decisions need to balance things
Trees : A new start.
Teapot : Warm-loving friends

By Paula Haworth Published: 9/19/2006 Reading a Tea Leaf in the Take-Two Saga - Bits Blog - NYTimes.com Reading a Tea Leaf in t…   Read more…

Green tea really does a lot of things for you… like, losing weight for example, so check out these Benefits of Green Tea for Dieting

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