Types of Tea

Herbal Tea

Herbal Tea

Herbal tea, also known as tisane, can be made from mixture of any herbs. This tea is not a product of the camellia sinensis leaves; hence it is not a tea per se. Herbal teas have been consumed for centuries for their various ailments and medicinal values.

Tisanes can be made from fruits, fresh or dried flowers, seeds, roots, barks, stems, and spices. Generally, tisanes are brewed by pouring boiled water over the plant parts and letting them steep for some time. The tea is then strained, sweetened (if desired), and served. Herbal tea can be served hot or cold. It is sold as lose-leaf tea and in tea bags.

PREPARING HERBAL TEA
Herbal tea can be made using two methods, infusion and decoction.

Infusion: Steep the lighter plant parts such as flowers, leaves, light stems in boiled water for 10-15 minutes. Infusion is used to preserve the delicate oils from the plant parts. Cover the infusion to preserve the steam.
Decoction: Roots, seeds, or barks are decocted to release their properties. Cut the root or bark into small pieces, break the seeds using a mortar and pestle. Place the herbs and water in a pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, and strain.

To make herbal tea using both seeds/roots/barks and leaves/flowers follow the decoction method for seeds/roots/barks. Pour the strained decoction over the leaves/flowers mixture and then infuse.

Herbal iced teas can be prepared using the above two methods but need to be strongly brewed. Chill the tea for 30 minutes after straining and pour over a glass of ice.

VARIOUS TYPES OF HERBAL TEA
Herbs are added to the four types of natural tea; black, green, white, and oolong, to produce tea blends. However, these preparations are just tea varieties and not herbal teas. Earl Grey tea is a famous blend of black tea and bergamot.

Famous varieties of herbal tea include:
- Anise tea
- Roasted barley
- Jasmine
- Mint
- Rooibos tea
- Chamomile
- Ginseng
- Kava
- Hibiscus
- Lemon grass
- Lime blossom
- Neem tea
- Basil or tulsi
- Valerian root
- Ayurvedic tea
- Weight loss herbal tea
- Chinese herbal tea

Organic herbal tea is made from blend of herbs grown organically. These teas are rich in antioxidants. Organic Bedtime tea is a famous organic herbal tea that contains valerian, chamomile, and skullcap. This tea promotes a good nightˇs sleep without the morning hangover.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF HERBAL TEA
Herbal teas offer several medicinal and health benefits. It acts as a stimulant, relaxant, and sedative. Most of the herbal teas contain no caffeine, are rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C, and low in calories. Herbal teas are known to cure digestive problems, headaches, and nausea. They improve the concentration, provide a calming effect, and boost your immune system. Herbal teas promote restful sleep. Each herb has its own unique medicinal properties. Here is a list of famous herbal teas and their medicinal benefits:

- Cinnamon: common cold
- Ginger: stomach disorder
- Peppermint: fever
- Rosehip: cold
- Fennel: increases appetite and cures sore throat
- Lemon balm: eases digestive system disorders
- Rosemary: cleanses toxins from the body
- Valerian: an effective stress reducer

Be careful while choosing the herbs for your tea. Some herbs may have toxic or allergic effects. These include:
- Comfrey: contains alkaloids that can cause permanent liver damage.
- Lobelia: contains toxins
- Pineapple weed: can cause violent allergic reactions. It can also cause shock and death.

Make a cup of herbal tea a part of your daily diet and enjoy its medical benefits.