Those who decry this craving when it takes the form of alcohol are often themselves addicted to excessive drinking of non-alcoholic stimulants.
Tea
Tea is not a food—it is a stimulant. It is made by steeping the leaves of a shrub, called Thea, which grows in the tropical regions of Asia and adjacent islands.
Green tea differs from black in the mode of its preparation. In green tea the leaves are steamed before they are dried.
The amount of tannin in green tea is greater than in black, hence green tea is regarded as not so wholesome a drink as black tea.
The young tender leaves are more delicate of flavor.
Varieties of plants differ both in the amount of tannin and the delicacy of flavor.
Tea should never be boiled or allowed to stand longer than a few minutes; standing causes the tannin to be extracted from the leaves, and this tannin disturbs digestion. It is the tannin extracted from the bark of trees which toughens animal skins into leather.
The best way to make tea is to pour on boiling water and serve within five minutes.