Over the last few years new light has been shed on the condition known as sepsis.  Sepsis is the term used when someone dies from an overwhelming blood infection.  It is extremely common and seen often in the hospital.  We previously thought that it was related to toxins produced by the infecting organisms.  But new evidence suggest that it is actually caused by an immune response from the body against the invaders.  Like an autoimmune disease.  Sepsis is hallmarked by blood pressure and cardiac collapse.
This interesting study suggest that a compound in green tea may actually reduce the risk of Sepsis occurring in infected people.  This is exciting because to date we have little to nothing to truly treat sepsis. 
This is only a study on mice so much more study is needed but I'm encouraged by this.

Green Tea Proves Powerful Medicine Against Sepsis