[Orange_Julius_Seizure]

Hmmm.  Tea contains the amino acid L-Theanine, which is responsible for tea's reputation of "calming the nerves."  In Japan, they add L-Theanine to all kinds of products such as chewing gum and it is considered very safe for all but small children.  I have a bottle of L-Theanine capsules from the local alternative health supplements store (in U.S.A.); each contains 100 mg Suntheanine brand L-Theanine and 100 mg decaffeinated green tea leaf.

[george]

How does it work then ?

[chris]

I found this link, which includes the chemical structure, if you're interested in a bit more info on L-theanine

http://www.gettingwell.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/lth_0296.shtml

Chris

"I never forget a face, but in your case I'll make an exception"
 - Groucho Marx

[Ians Daddy]

Hmmmm. Can it be used as a sedative like the velarian? Or would it be more like a calming drug to put you on even keel?

[Donnah]

"Recently, L-theanine, previously shown to penetrate the blood-brain barrier through the leucine-preferring transport system, has been demonstrated to produce significant increases in serotonin and/or dopamine concentrations in the brain, principally in the striatum, hypothalamus and hippocampus."

Based on this quote from the excellent source Chris cited above, I would say that it puts you on an even keel, which should also contribute to getting a good night's sleep.

Chris, looks like you've revealed a gassless anti-depressant alternative to St. John's Wort.

[puddintame]

When my grandmother made tea she used the leavings on a fern that was growing in an urn in the living room.  It grew huge and had to be transplanted into larger, taller pot.  It grew so huge and reached about 3 to 4 feet to the floor.  We kids used to play hide and seek under the fern!  So today, I, too, use tea leaves on my indoor plants and on outside plants as well.  Other than that tea makes a wonderful dye for fabric.  And a cup of tea is a fine place for lemon and honey - soothing to the throat with winter's onset.