It doesn't matter if it is brewed or not. The capsules I have are pure green tea which can be opened and prepared as tea or taken capsule form. The bottle says "Green tea contains polyphenols, which protect cells by destroying free radicals and blocking the formation of toxic compounds. Green tea provides antioxidant protection and health-enhancing properties. For adults, take one capsule daily, preferably with a meal. Capsules may be opened and prepared as tea, or dispersed in any liquid desired."