The present invention comprises an effervescent composition containing an antiseptically effective amount of phytochemicals, flavonoids, and/or antimicrobial agents comprising an effective amount of polyphenols derived from a plant selected from the group consisting of White tea, Green tea, Oolong tea, Black tea, camellia sinensis, thea sinensis, thea bohea, thea assamica, camellia thea, and combinations thereof. An effervescent powder, tablet, capsule film. Strip, or coating of effervescent powder for oral use is produced containing a pharmaceutically acceptable carbon dioxide source selected from the group consisting of a bicarbonate salt, a carbonate salt, and mixtures thereof; an organic acid and flavonoids and polyphenols derived from a plant selected from the group consisting of White tea, Green tea, Oolong tea, Black tea, camellia sinensis, thea sinensis, thea bohea, thea assamica, camellia thea, and combinations thereof. Desired profiles of catechins and the products of fermentation may be produced. The products of the present invention may be used by humans and/or their pets and other animals.