What is GABA tea

GABA tea (Gabaron, Jia Wu Long cha, Jing Bai Long cha, 佳叶龙茶)

This rather young group of teas has been ascending the peak of popularity in the world today. GABA tea is a frequent choice not only among tea lovers, but also among those who interested in natural organic sources of health and beauty. There is noticeable high gamma-aminobutyric acid content in gabarons. According to technological standards, the minimum concentration of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is 150 mg/100 g (the maximum limit is 300 mg/100 g). GABA is the unique substance, which increases brain activity of human. Unlike synthetic drugs, gamma-aminobutyric acid from tea is well absorbed by our body. GABA tea has a significant restorative and healing action. There were nootropic, sedative, vasodilating, spasmolytic, antihypertensive, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticholesterol effects.

GABA tea is mainly produced in Japan and in Taiwan. A small amount is imported from China, but because in the Mainland very often they just sprayed the prepared tea with GABA drugs, such product is not considered as sterling. There were attempts to establish GABA tea manufacturing in Kenya. The Taiwanese gabaron is a natural tea of organic production, made from high quality whole leaves that naturally rich in glutamic acid, which is the basis for GABA.

GABA tea gained popularity in the Far East countries, America and Europe among those people who care about their health. In Japan they especially like this tea and called it “business tea”, as in stress conditions GABA tea drinking contributes efficient cerebration both with peace of mind maintaining and the nervous system preservation. In Japan, due to the high stress agent, GABA tea became the conventional part of the daily diet. GABA tea is an example of contemporary development of ancient tea culture. A high technology is used for GABA tea manufacturing. This is the product of newest scientific and medical researches.

In 1987 Japanese Dr Tojiro Tsushida (Japanese Tea Examination Centre of Agricultural Ministry), engaged in tea biochemistry as part of research in organic methods of food preservation, discovered that in particular tea treatment gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA, γ－Aminobutyric acid). is formed there. It was high interest in this substance then. GABA was extensively used for a treatment, rehabilitation, health maintenance and as well as in sport medicine. Scientists have been already long looking for the method to produce GABA in natural way, but nobody could do it before the Japanese scientists’ finding. As a result of investigations the special manufacturing technology of the tea with high GABA content was developed. In addition of this substance GABA tea has high content of another significant amino acid - alanine. Alanine and gamma-aminobutyric acid are naturally formed in tea leaves even during conventional tea processing methods. The higher is the grade of tea, the more is the content of these paramount substances. GABA technology allows significantly increase the level of such amino acids in tea. GABA and alanine produced in tea in natural way, not by chemical treatment. It is just the natural product. That is why Chinese Mainland replicas, coated with chemical preparations, can not be named as GABA tea.

The GABA tea manufacturing technology is as follows: the almost ready tea just before baking (fixing the achieved degree of oxidation) undergoes further processing. The tea was placed on 8-10 hours in a special sealed metal container, where in anaerobic conditions saturated with nitrogen, under high temperature and pressure, where gamma-aminobutyric acid is formed from glutaminic acid, found in tea leaves, and also alanine is formed from aspartic acid. As a result, the final product contained from 150 mg. to 300 mg. per 100 g. of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). A few years after the detection of GABA in a tea the gabarons have become quite popular in Japan and then in other countries as an organic source of one of the most important substances of our body.

In Taiwan this tea has been produced for more than twenty years. All tea production is under the strict state control. Taiwanese Tea Research and Extension Station check both the quality of the raw material and the processing. The tea cost depends on the raw grade and on the GABA content in the tea too. The higher the content, the more expensive is the tea.

GABA tea has a peculiar enjoyable taste. For GABA tea making you may choose any way of brewing. Use the water with a temperature of 25-95°C. When it steeped with a temperature of 25-50°C, you will get a complete set of nutrients specific to a tea (flavonoids, catechins, phenols, theanine and gamma-aminobutyric acid). When it steeped with water at a higher temperature, 75-95°C, there will be the higher GABA concentration in a tea infusion, as well as more essential oils.

Historical information

The most important steps in GABA tea research

- In 1883 gamma-aminobutyric acid was synthesized first.

- In the beginning of 1950s the importance of GABA was proved.

- In 1955 Dr Takahashi first established that GABA has blood pressure lowering effect.

- In 1982 Dr Billingsley in “Brain Research Bulletin” proved that GABA involved in the transmission of data via presynaptic nerve terminals.

- In 1987 a team of scientists led by Dr Tsushida (Tsushida, Murai, Omori and Okamoto) based on researches of the National Tea Examination Center Tianjin Zhi discovered a GABA tea producing method.

- In 1987-1988 a team of Japanese scientists led by Dr Omori conducted clinical tests of GABA tea on animals and humans. These studies confirmed that even a few cups of GABA tea a day help patients with hypertension. Also it was separately found that such tea has an excellent sobering effect.

- In 1989 GABA tea was put into the mass production in Japan.

- In 1995 Dr Yasuhiko in “American Journal of Hypertension” confirmed once again the direct influence of GABA tea on blood pressure reduction.

- In 1997-1998 Japanese Agricultural Forestry and Fisheries examination center with Kanagawa Prefectural Agricultural Research Institute develop an improved method of GABA tea processing.

- In 2000 Dr Omori and other scientists discovered the protective action of GABA tea on renal function.

- In 2001 Tea Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in cooperation with Japanese Otsuma Women’s University established that GABA tea at intercellular and extracellular level can inhibit the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme, thus the production of ACE, which leads to high blood pressure, is restrained. The tests proved once again that GABA tea can lower blood pressure effectively.

- In the same 2001 Chinese Hunan Provincial Tea Research Institute with Chinese Hunan Geriatric Citizen Hospital conducted clinical tests to reduce blood pressure as a result of GABA tea drinking. There were 50 samples, 25 control groups of subjects. During numerous researches the ability of GABA tea to reduce blood pressure was repeatedly confirmed.

What is GABA

γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an amino acid and the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system of human and other mammals. This is a biogenic substance. It is found in the central nervous system and take part in neurotransmitting and metabolic processes in the brain. Gamma-aminobutyric acid acts as inhibitory transmitter of the central nervous system of our body. GABA drugs regarded as a possible treatment for the different central nervous system disorders and other mental and behavioral disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, sleep disorders (narcolepsy, sleeplessness), epilepsy.

It was found that GABA is the important neurotransmitter involved in inhibitory signal transduction. GABA and glutamate are competing substances produced by neurons. With a change in the level of glutamate and GABA content there are global changes in the body. For example, while decreasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid and increasing the amount of glutamate the convulsions are possible. Fortunately, it is very hard to break the balance of neurotransmitters to a diseased state. Under the influence of GABA the energetic processes of the brain are activated also, the respirative activity of tissues is increased, the glucose uptake in the brain is enhanced, the blood circulation is improved. GABA plays the key role in the action of a number of major psychoactive drugs (hypnotics, anticonvulsants etc.).

The presence of gamma-aminobutyric acid in the central nervous system was identified in the mid of 1950s. Soon the synthesis of GABA was made. In the end of 1960s GABA was proposed to use as a medicine. From the experimental data when injected into the body GABA penetrates the blood-brain barrier poorly. When GABA used for therapeutic purposes in the presence of cerebral pathology, it was established that gamma-aminobutyric acid improves the brain neural processes movement, the thought, the memory and it has a mild stimulatory effect on the psyche.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid is one of the neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. Working as an inhibitor in the signal transduction mechanism, GABA prevents the overexcitation of the nervous system. One of the GABA advantages is that it supports the brain alpha waves. This brain frequency is related to a sleep, rest, meditation, imagination, creation state. With the high GABA level the human attention is developed and the feeling of well-being is maintained. Many drugs, which ordered to relieve stress and anxiety, stimulate the GABA receptors actually to provide relaxation. Decreasing of GABA level in the human brain is well described in medical researches conducted in the field of study of psychological and psychiatric disorders and nervous system diseases. GABA influence on the endocrine system also. During researches it was found that there is a correlation between the increase of gamma-aminobutyric acid level in the blood and the natural growth of HGH secretion. That is why GABA used in sports. The effects of GABA on the visual perception are not investigated entirely. It was found that in the retina, as well in the nervous system, there is a lot of such neurotransmitter.

In high-grade tea there is the high content of L-theanine too, which as known, also affects on GABA receptors, increasing the level of GABA production by the brain itself. That is one of the reasons why the tea does not effect so powerfully, such as the coffee.

A diet rich in foods with the high GABA content gives many benefits. That is why in the same Japan GABA teas and foodstuff enriched with GABA sales in conventional stores. You can buy there soft drinks, cookies, even chocolates with GABA and other products containing GABA. Exactly the GABA teas owing to their natural, organic production and relatively moderate cost have an exclusive popularity. For about twenty years GABA tea became the major product of Japanese diet. In America, Russia and Europe most people have not heard about GABA tea yet, which is pretty weird, because such tea is suitable for the fight with high blood pressure, the main medical condition of modern citizens.

GABA tea effect

Unlike the synthetical gamma-aminobutyric acid, which cross the protective blood-brain barrier extremely bad, GABA contained in natural tea is well absorbed. GABA tea has a huge range of effects on our body. It gradually equalizes, balances and rearranges almost all body functions, because GABA feeds and maintains nervous system. This tea is essential for stress and for strong physical and mental activities. Remember that gabarons combine themselves not just the advantages of high concentration of GABA, but also all the qualities of high level organic tea.

The researches of the influence of GABA tea to a human body have been conducted for decades. Currently some scopes are identified:

The cardiovascular system:

- Blood pressure equalization. During clinical trials it was found that patients with hypertension should drink just three cups of GABA tea a day (the concentration is 3 g of dry tea per 150 ml) to lowering blood pressure effect manifested sufficiently;

- Relieving symptoms of arteriosclerosis and essential hypertension.

The nervous system. The following gabaron properties related to GABA availability and high-grade tea properties are studied:

- Reducing intracranial pressure;

- Relieving brain vessels spasms. Reducing headache and ear noise;

- Increasing locomotor and mental activity of patients after a stroke or brain injury;

- Providing memory improvement;

- Clarifying your mind;

- Relieving depression and bipolar disorder symptoms;


- Relieving alcohol intoxication condition. GABA drugs included in detoxification course for patients with alcoholism. During clinical tests it was found that GABA tea drinking essentially assists to prevent major manifestations of hangover symptoms;

- Reducing the state of anxiety. Helping in stress relief;

- Balancing sleep-wake arrangements. Regular use of gabarons not only assists a falling asleep process, but also significantly enhances the sleep quality that allows you to sleep for a short time;

- Strengthening of the vestibular system. Decreasing the motion sickness expressions;

- Decreasing the abnormal excitatory activity of brain neurons in the epileptic syndrome.

The endocrine system:

- Increasing the speed of metabolism processes;

- Raising the growth hormone (HGH) secretion;

- Lowering the blood sugar level by stimulating of insulin production;

Health and beauty:

- Promoting the weight loss process;

- Supporting to maintain skin elasticity, in that GABA tea has a high antioxidant index;

- Increasing the energy level of our body;

- Improving the endurance.

Among other actions of gabarons the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect, which is proper to such tea, is observed. It is known that GABA teas help to increase sexual function. Also these teas have diuretic and cholagogic effects due to vascular dilatation. GABA teas can also relieve the premenstrual syndrome and improve the general state of the body during menopause.

Being that the effect of GABA teas is noticeably higher than general therapeutic effect of high quality teas, physicians recommend drinking GABA teas with caution for patients with sugar disease escalation, kidneys disease and hypotension. Because there is not enough information about all of GABA tea effects, such tea is not recommended to keen on in first trimester of pregnancy.

Always remember that the tea is not a medicine and has no strongly pronounced effect. To achieve significant results allows the way to drink a good tea.

All of the GABA teas benefits are well studied by research institutes, and for a long time no adverse effects were detected. The most remarkable thing in GABA teas is that it is natural organic product with the characteristics described above and attributes of high-grade teas, which positive health effects is known for thousands of years. This combination makes organic GABA tea a great choice for all who care about their health.

GABA Ju Shan broken leaf

Bamboo Mountain Oolong broken leaf tea with the high content of GABA

Medium-fermented, medium-baked, broken leaf oolong tea. Grown and manufactured at Jhu Shan mountain tea farm. The GABA content is 150 mg. per 100 g.

GABA Oolong not rolled

Oolong tea with the high content of GABA

Lightly fermented, poorly baked, strip-rolled oolong tea. Grown and manufactured at Lu Gu tea farm, Nantou County. The GABA content is 150 mg. per 100 g.

GABA Oolong rolled

Oolong tea with the high content of GABA

Lightly fermented, poorly baked, half-sphere rolled oolong tea. Grown and manufactured at Lu Gu tea farm, Nantou County. The GABA content is 150 mg. per 100 g.

GABA Ju Shan

Bamboo Mountain Oolong tea with the high content of GABA

Medium-fermented, medium-baked, half-sphere rolled oolong tea. Grown and manufactured at Jhu Shan mountain tea farm. The GABA content is 150 mg. per 100 g.

GABA Ali Shan

Ali Mountain Oolong tea with the high content of GABA

Medium-fermented, medium-baked, half-sphere rolled oolong tea. Grown and manufactured at Ali Shan mountain tea farm. The GABA content is 200 mg. per 100 g.

GABA Hehuan Shan

Hehuan Mountain Oolong tea with the high content of GABA

Medium-fermented, medium-baked, half-sphere rolled oolong tea. Grown and manufactured at Hehuan Shan high mountain tea farm. The GABA content is 200 mg. per 100 g.

Hehuan Shan is one of the highest mountain areas of Taiwan, together with Da Yu Ling, Li Shan and Fushou Shan. This means that for the manufacturing of GABA Hehuan Shan tea the leafs of exceptional quality were taken, including its biochemical properties.

GABA tea was invented by the Japanese, and it is manufactured in Taiwan at the strict supervision of Tea Research and Extension Station. The main difference in tea processing is that tea leafs are oxidized for a certain period in anaerobic condition. As a result, the prepared tea leaf has a high content of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), compared to the conventional tea.

GABA is the unique natural, and not artificial, compound. It is synthesized in the brain while sleeping. It serves as an excellent natural antidepressant. It is indispensable under severe stress, increased mental activity, mood swings and chronic fatigue. It is bracing and relaxing at the same time. It is concentrating and tranquillizing simultaneously. It is not addictive. In medicine GABA is a pharmaceutical drug, but as many of chemically synthesized vitamins, 90% of them does not absorbed when taken, and they just clog an organism. In its natural form, in tea infusion, it has a remarkable effect really.

GABA tea usually is oolong, in fact. A tea can named GABA, when it has GABA content not less than 150 mg. per 100 g. of tea. Accordingly, the higher is the GABA content, the stronger is the action and greater is the cost.

GABA tea has quite peculiar taste, different from familiar taste of oolong. It has sour and fruit tones and herbs. Even for those people, who do not like green tea and oolong, GABA tea hits the spot often.

Because of the high demand for the GABA tea, such product began produced in the Mainland China, but these teas do not pass an independent testing. Thereby, the true content of GABA in such teas is unknown and whether is any GABA there or it is just GABA flavor or GABA chemical addition.

GABA Shan Lin Xi Red Water

GABA Li Shan