Herbal tea is a generic term for tea made from herbs instead of tea leaves from the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). Herbal tea can be made from just about any herb in existence.
Herbal tea is also known as tisane. The name notes that the tea is not made from tea leaves.
Herbal tea can be made from fresh or dried flowers, leaves, seeds or roots. The tea is usually made by pouring warm to boiling water over the plant parts and allowing the mixture to brew for several minutes. If seeds or roots are used, they are often boiled separately on a stove before being used to make the tea.
The majority of herbal teas have medicinal properties.
Varieties of herbal tea
There are many varieties of herbal tea. Some of these include:
- Blackberry Tea
Made from the blackberry bushes that grow in parts of Europe and North America, Blackberry Tea has many health benefits, including use as a treatment for diarrhea.- Colon Cleansing Tea
Amongst other things, Colon Cleansing Tea is said to reduce food intolerance, weight and cellulite, improve skin appearance and energy, and enhance the immune system.- Dandelion Tea
Made from the leaves of the dandelion plant, this tea can improve liver function, remove gall stones and alleviate skin complaints. Learn about the properties, health benefits and preparation of Dandelion Tea.- Essiac Tea
Originally invented as a herbal cancer treatment, learn about the history and ingredients of Essiac Tea.- Fruit Tea
Fruit juices can be combined with tea to create new and unique flavors. Learn about the varieties and preparation of Fruit Tea.- Ginseng Tea
The root of the ginseng plant is noted for its ability to strengthen the body's resistance against stress. Learn all about Ginseng Tea - from its appearance and taste, to its varieties and health benefits.- Kombucha Tea
Made from sweet tea and the Kombucha mushroom, learn about the properties and heath issues surrounding Kombucha Tea.- Mormon Tea
One of the world's oldest medicines and a well known folk remedy for a number of ailments, learn about the characteristics and health benefits of Mormon Tea, otherwise known as Ma Huang.- Mushroom Tea
Often taken for its hallucinogenic effects, learn about the properties, effects and preparation of Mushroom Tea.- Pennyroyal Tea
Renowned as a folk medicine most famously used to induce abortions, learn about the properties, medicinal uses and health warnings of using Pennyroyal Tea.- Poppy Tea
An ancient remedy that has been used for thousands of years as a pain reliever and relaxant, learn about the properties and uses of Poppy Tea.- Rooibos Tea (Red Tea)
A very popular variety of caffeine-free tea with a unique red appearance, learn about the properties and health benefits of Rooibos Tea.- Wiccan Tea
Followers of the Wiccan belief use these herb mixtures in cleansing and blessing rituals. Learn about the properties and rituals of Wiccan Tea.
Other varieties of herbal tea include:
- Blueberry tea: Dried leaves from the blueberry plant are used to make this variety of herbal tea. Blueberry tea is used to help inflamed kidneys and increase the flow of urine.
- Kava: The root of the plant, from the South Pacific, is used for relaxation purposes. It is also known to promote talkativeness in drinkers.
- Persimmon tea: Dried, crushed leaves are used to make a strongly-tasting tea, rich in Vitamin C.
- Peppermint tea: Fresh or dried leaves can be used to make a refreshing-tasting tea, recommended for after-dinner consumption.
- Rosehip tea: A handful of rosehips, brewed for 10 minutes, is said to be beneficial for colds and influenza. The tea has a tart taste, and the rosehips can be used fresh or dried.
