Herbal Infusions
What is herbal tea?
Herbal teas, also known as herbal infusions, blends or tisanes are beverages made from infusing herbs, spices, flowers, and other plants in hot water. These infusions do not contain any ‘true tea’ from the Camellia sinensis, although they can be blended with tea.
There are numerous varieties of herbal infusions and herbal blends such as Peppermint, Chamomile and Dandelion. Herbal blends combine more than one ingredient; Liquorice and Peppermint or Lemongrass and Ginger are a couple of examples.
How does herbal tea taste?
It very much depends on the type of herbal tea, Hibiscus is tart and fruity, Chamomile is floral, Moringa has a similar taste to green tea.
What are the different types of herbal tea?
There are too many to list here, but some popular herbal infusions are Hibiscus, Chamomile, Turmeric, Peppermint, Lavender, Spearmint, Nettle, Ginger Root, and Moringa.
What is an herbal blend?
As mentioned earlier, herbal blends are combinations of herbs, spices, flowers, and other plants. Some blends will have only two or three herbs or spices in the mix, whilst others will contain numerous ingredients.
We stock many herbal blends such as ‘Sleepyhead’, ‘Good Mood Tea’, ‘Turmeric Gold’ and ‘Rise & Shine’.
Sleepyhead is a blend of flower buds, petals, roots and green leaf. It contains Chamomile, Lemon balm, Hawthorn, Valerian root, Lavender, and Rose petals. Naturally caffeine free, this blend is a good night-time tea or for whenever you need to reduce stress.
Good Mood Tea is a blend of mood boosting Tulsi, calming Lemon Balm and uplifting Peppermint.
Turmeric Gold combines turmeric, cocoa peel, ginger root, fennel, aniseed and blackberry leaf. Turmeric may help with joint pain and inflammation.
Our Rise & Shine blends Yerba Mate, Lemongrass, Ginger, Peppermint, Lemon peel, and Cardamom. Yerba Mate naturally contains caffeine and can help to increase energy levels and boost mental focus.
What are the health benefits of herbal tea?
Each type of herbal infusion may have varying health benefits. Chamomile and Lavender teas are believed to aid sleep and relaxation. Peppermint and Ginger teas are thought to be good for easing stomach cramps, and nausea. Hibiscus may help to lower blood pressure. Echinacea could help to alleviate colds and flu, and Mullein may aid respiratory conditions. Tulsi or Holy Basil is good for reducing stress.
Herbal teas may help with weight loss as they contain very low calories and are a healthy alternative to consuming fizzy drinks. Unlike, tea and coffee, no sugar or milk is added so drinking them plain or with a touch of honey could be a good addition to a balanced diet.
Rooibos or Red Bush from South Africa is thought to aid weight loss. It contains Aspalathin, an antioxidant, found only in Rooibos. Aspalathin is believed to increase leptin levels, which regulate appetite. Research is ongoing.
If you are considering drinking herbal teas on a regular basis, it is important to do your own research and consult your doctor for advice, especially if you are taking any medications or have any specific health issues.
How do you brew herbal tea?
To make herbal tea Infuse the herbs in boiling water, use roughly one teaspoon per cup and steep for 4-5 minutes. Serve with honey to sweeten, if desired.
Is there caffeine in herbal tea?
Unlike true teas, most herbal infusions are naturally caffeine free. There are exceptions such as Yerba Mate, which, like tea has caffeine in the plant. Yerba Mate is a good option if you are looking for an energy boost. Caffeine free infusions are ideal for drinking in the evening, or anytime you want to relax, or you may be sensitive to caffeine and want to avoid it all together.
