Green tea (Camellia sinensis) is from the Chinese genus of evergreen shrub whose leaves are used to make delicious tea. Camella sinensis originated from Asia, specifically southeast China, but is now cultivated across the world to produce tea and also for its medicinal benefits.
Traditional Chinese medicine use green tea to dilate the airways in asthma and to treat cardiovascular orders such as coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral artery disease and angina pectoris. Today, the use of green tea (Camellia sinensis) to treat anal fissure is becoming increasingly popular.
What is Anal Fissure?
It is a condition where cuts and tears develop in the mucosa (soft layer) of the anus, causing severe pain and minimal bleeding during and every after bowel movement. The cuts usually develop from trauma sustained by the anus due to frequent constipation, explosive diarrhea, pregnancy, difficult childbirth and other conditions that might cause injury to the pelvic and anorectal (anus and rectum) area.
The severe pain induced by the fissures is significant enough to decrease the quality of life of a person. The pain is not merely contained in the area of the cut but it extends to the lower back, thighs and buttocks. A person may fear the act of defecating (taking a poo), which just aggravates the situation.
Most fissures heal with conservative therapy such as prevention of constipation through increased fiber and water intake. Using green tea (Camellia sinensis) to treat anal fissure helps by promoting effective circulation in the affected area which hastens the healing process. Good blood flow in the area minimizes swelling, thus controlling pain.
Fissures that do not heal beyond 8 weeks will need more thorough checkup with a health care provider for there might be an underlying condition which causes the cuts such as tuberculosis, cancer and others.
Green tea (Camellia sinensis) to treat anal fissure can be taken as tea, 3 cups a day. For non-tea lovers, camellia sinensis also comes in pill form (100mg to 150mg) taken 3 times a day. If taken for long periods of time, it should not be stopped abruptly. Gradual reduction of dosage must be done in order to prevent withdrawal reactions.
Common side effects of green tea include nausea, upset stomach headache and dizziness. Green tea also decreases the absorption of folic acid. The tea is rich in caffeine, thus, excessive intake is not advised for those suffering cardiovascular diseases for it might cause irregular heartbeat, restlessness, insomnia, shakiness (tremors) and seizures. Also, be sure to report signs of allergic reaction such as development of rash, dizziness and breathing problems.
This herbal supplement should not be taken with other caffeine-containing products (migraine drugs, energy drinks, drugs to prevent sleepiness), blood thinners such as warfarin and stimulants (amphetamine, epinephrine). It is very important to check the labels and components of all other drugs you are taking for they might contain caffeine such as cough and cold medications. Green tea might also have interactions with food and drinks rich in caffeine such as coffee, tea and some soft drinks.
Children, pregnant, and breastfeeding mothers are not advised to take green tea for they are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine.
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