If you love herbal teas, you may have asked yourself “What are herbal teas?? "
There's a lot to 'ooh' and 'ahh' when it comes to herbal teas!
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Not only are they super comforting, but their incredible health benefits are great when you're feeling down.
From the calming effects of classic chamomile to the rejuvenating sensation of fragrant lavender, there is a tisane for everyone.
They are a great way to enjoy a little self-care. And they're much cheaper than a trip to the spa!
So, grab your favorite mug, sit back and drink.
What are herbal teas?
The name may sound a little fancy, but tisane is just a cool name for herbal tea.
And get this, herbal tea is not tea at all!
It is actually an infusion of herbs, spices and fruits soaked in hot water.
All those incredible aromas come together to create the most incredible flavor combination.
From classic chamomile and mint to more exotic blends like hibiscus and rosehip, there are a wide variety of herbal teas to choose from.
Not a fan of milk teas? Tisane is your new best friend!
Herbal teas have been made for centuries.
They are so good that ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Egyptians used them for their medicinal properties.
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In fact, cultures around the world still rely on herbal teas for health benefits.
They are a great natural remedy for things like the flu, insomnia, and anxiety.
So, the next time you feel bad, you know what to do.
But it's not just about the health benefits. Let's not forget that herbal teas are downright delicious too!
Plus, they're often caffeine-free, making them the perfect late-night treat. It's a win-win!
Types of herbal teas
There are five different types of herbal teas, all from different parts of the plant.
Mint herbal teas also fall into this category. They are especially popular for their wonderful calming properties.
Yerba mate or Rooibos are two herbal teas that have a flavor quite similar to tea. They come from a thick bush in South Africa.
And a fun fact: yerba mate is the only herbal tea with caffeine!
Its aroma really enhances the flavor of a herbal tea.
Raspberry leaf is also a popular fruit tisane ingredient.
You can even add citrus peels like lemon or orange to brighten the flavor.
Do you want to get really stylish? Add some herbs and roots too!
You can add lemon, sugar, or lime juice to create an agua de cebada (barley water) herbal tea.
Don't forget to roast the beans before adding them to the drink! That way, they release all their wonderful natural oils!
You can balance the spices with some crushed fennel seeds, star anise, or licorice.
This creates the most amazing and harmonious flavor.
Herbal teas vs. Tea (What's the difference?)
They may look and taste quite similar, but tisane and tea are actually two different things.
It all comes down to these two big differences:
Herbal teas, however, do not come from this family of plants. It is usually made from a mixture of different types of plants or parts of the same plant.
But real tea, made from the Camellia Sinensis plant, has between 15 and 70 micrograms of caffeine per cup.
Just for reference, one cup of coffee contains around 95 micrograms of caffeine.
So, it's not a huge amount, but it's enough to cheer you up.
But herbal teas are completely caffeine-free. Therefore, they are a great option if you are avoiding caffeine completely.
How to make herbal teas
Herbal teas are generally made as a infusion o decoction.
Don't you know the difference? Infusion is just a fancy way of saying “soaking” the plant parts (flowers, leaves, etc.) in boiling water.
Decoction, on the other hand, consists of putting the plants in boiling water and letting them sit for a while.
That way you get as much essential oils and flavor as possible.
This method is great for tough plant parts with a smaller surface area, such as the bark, root, and berry tisanes.
When it comes to brew times and ratios, things can be a little complicated.
Some herbal teas only need a couple of minutes to prepare, while others may take up to 15 minutes.
The amount of plant material you need can also vary.
Some herbal teas only need a pinch, while others may use up to several tablespoons per cup of water.
Just be sure to follow the instructions for each type of tisane and you'll be good to go.
But if for some reason your herbal tea doesn't have instructions, don't worry!
Ask your supplier or do a quick search online to find the specific herbal tea you want to make.
And once you have the basics, feel free to adjust the quantities and preparation time to suit your tastes. Happy sipping!
