Caffeine is not all bad. In moderate quantities, caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and promotes blood circulation. It stimulates the process of elimination and acts as a diuretic promoting better kidney function. There is some evidence that regular tea drinkers have a lower incidence of kidney ailments and gallstones. Caffeine has also been shown to speed reaction time, increase alertness, and improve concentration.

REMOVING CAFFEINE FROM TEA
Caffeine is water soluble and released from tea leaves in the very first part of the brewing process. To remove most of the caffeine from tea, brew the tea as normal, then pour off the liquid, add new hot water to the wet leaves, and brew for the usual amount of time. The flavor of any second steeping is less than that of a first steeping.

AMOUNT OF CAFFEINE RELEASED DURING INFUSION
Water temperature and steeping time can result in different caffeine amount released from tea.

Water temp. (°c) Caffeine Released (%) 93.3 90 87.7 87 82.2 83 65.5 57 Percentage of caffeine released against water temperature (°c).

Steeping time (minutes) Caffeine Released (%) 1 38 2 48 4 72 6 90 Percentage of caffeine released against steeping time (minutes).

Note: As beverages vary widely according to the way they are made, all figures provided herewith are approximate.