What is Theanine?

When your mother told you to have a cup of tea and relax, what she meant was to have a cup of Theanine. Theanine, one of Nature's own stress remedies, reduces stress and relieves anxiety. This herbal product is now available as a nutritional supplement.

Theanine (chemical name: r-glutamylethylamide) is one of the chemicals found in green tea, and is used to reduce stress and anxiety without the tranquilizing effects found in many other calming agents. Scientific evidence shows that Theanine stimulates the brain's production of alpha waves, making the user feel relaxed but alert and not drowsy. Theanine also helps the body produce other calming amino acids, such as dopamine, GABA, and tryptophan. As might be expected from a calming supplement, Theanine may be able to lower elevated blood pressure.[1] Theanine also appears to have many benefits for cancer patients.

This natural supplement comes from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. These leaves may be used to make an extract or brewed as a tea. Theanine is one of the major components of amino acids in Japanese green tea. In Japan, Theanine is added to chewing gum and soft drinks to provide a soothing, relaxing effect without making you drowsy or groggy like other relaxants.

Holistic health practitioners and herbalists have known for centuries that Camellia provides a relaxing and calming tea. Western scientists are only beginning to study the effects of Theanine and the benefits that this natural substance may hold.