THE EFFECT OF STIMULANTS

Southland Times, Issue 23228, 17 June 1937, Page 15

THE EFFECT OF STIMULANTS

The Tea Drinking

Habit

New Zealanders, renowned as teadrinkers, would do well to read what an eminent medical practitioner has to say about the habit Tea, he says in an article from Sydney, is the common stimulating and sedative drug of a large part of Asia and of Aussia, England, and other parts of the Empire, including Australia and New Zealand. New Zealanders and Australians drink more tea a head than any other nation, and any ill-effects due to it would be apparent in these countries. Tea consists of theein, the active principle, tannin and water, in addition to flavouring substances and the added milk and sugar. Of these, theein is a definite stimulant, and later a sedative to the nervous system. In any but very excessive amounts it is beneficial, or at least harmless. The water is beneficial, and hot tea in summer opens the pores and makes one feel cooler. Tea as usually taken is a very efficient quencher of thirst. The chief harm from tea is the tannin. This can cause serious indigestion in many people. The amount of tannin in a cup of tea depends upon the strength of the infusion and the time it has been allowed to stand. Tea should be taken relatively weak, and as freshly made as possible. The leaves should be removed as soon as the flavour and theein have been extracted. The habit of allowing tea to stew for hours is a common cause of dyspepsia. NERVE SEDATIVE Coffee is very similar in its effects. Caffein and theein are almost identical. Coffee is slightly more stimulating and exciting than tea, and causes insomnia in a proportion of people. In many cases it is taken far stronger than is tea. and black coffee contains more of tne drug than does tea. Breakfast coffee is usually weaker, and is more nourishing than tea, because it contains so much milk.

Many people in Europe and America rely on coffee as their stimulating and nerve sedative, and they do very well on it. It is only taken in Australia and New Zealand in relatively small amounts, and, on the whole, tea is a more suitable drink for general use in this climate.

Cocoa and chocolate contain the bromine, which is similar to theein and caffein. It is more nutritious than either tea or coffee, but is similar in other respects. The question of excessive drinking of cocoa does not arise in Australia, as its use is very limited. Any of the above beverages can be taken in excess with ill-effects on the nerves and digestion, and the individual capacity to absorb any of them

is variable. On the whole, their use is beneficial, but they must be taken fresh, and not in strong solution. If they cause tremors or insomnia, the quantity should be reduced. With proper care they are a benefit to mankind. ’