The Natural History of the Tea-Tree, with Observations on the Medical Qualities of Tea, and on the Effects of Tea-Drinking

by John Coakley Lettsom

3. From these experiments the sedative and relaxing effects of Tea appear greatly to depend upon an odorous fragrant principle, which abounds most in green Tea, particularly that which is most highly flavoured[81]. This seems farther confirmed by the practice of the Chinese, who avoid using this plant, till it has been kept at least twelve months, as they find when recent it possesses a soporiferous and intoxicating quality. (Part I. Sect. IX.)

Thus often under trees supinely laid,

Whilst men enjoy the pleasure of the shade,

Whilst those their loving branches seem to spread }

To screen the sun, they noxious atoms shed, }

From which quick pains arise, and seize the head. }

Near Helicon, and round the learned hill

Grow Trees, whose blossoms with their odour kill[82].