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A Pleasantly Relaxing Buzz
Green Tea & Ginseng
Citation:   Rushhead. "A Pleasantly Relaxing Buzz: An Experience with Green Tea & Ginseng (exp97241)". Erowid.org. Feb 3, 2020. erowid.org/exp/97241

 
DOSE:
500 ml oral Tea
BODY WEIGHT: 155 lb
I'll start out by noting that I've had a good amount of experience with psychoactive substances across the board, and that I'm a regular tea drinker, usually green and white looseleaf teas straight from China and Japan. Given my affection for tea, I'm more or less tolerated to the effects of caffeine. However, it's important to note that green teas contain a fair amount of l-theanine (a subtle yet effective relaxant), which I believe affected me the most during this particular experience.

I was in Hawaii on vacation back in June, and I had not used any drugs for about a week prior, excluding tea. I also was in a pretty good, optimistic mindset. Anyways, I brought along some green 'gunpowder' tea that I had gotten from China, but never tried before. This particular variety also was infused with ginseng root.
This particular variety also was infused with ginseng root.
Anyways, some relatives and I were watching a football/soccer match of the 2012 Euro football championships one morning, and as usual, I decided to brew a pot of tea for myself.

After the very first cup, I began to experience what can only be likened to a low dose of a mild opioid. My body began to peacefully sink into the couch, my muscles relaxed, and my mind felt at ease with the world. The stimulatory effects of the caffeine were overshadowed by the relaxant effects of the l- theanine. After 2 more cups, there was a definite buzz occuring, again like a cross between a low opioid dose and a few drags off a hookah. The effects of the caffeine were becoming apparent, well synergizing with the l-theanine, for my mind became extremely clear, with highly focused thoughts. Put simply, I was relaxingly energized.

I continued using this particular variety of tea, but never experienced the level of effects that I did during that morning. It really goes to show how people can underestimate such a beautifully subtle plant. Even common, societally acceptable substances like tea can allow for uniquely powerful experiences.

Exp Year: 2012ExpID: 97241
Gender: Male 
Age at time of experience: 19
Published: Feb 3, 2020Views: 1,434
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Tea (447) : Glowing Experiences (4), General (1), Small Group (2-9) (17)

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