An introduction to Herbal Tea

I’ll begin this article on this note – herbal tea that has received so much acclaim for its health benefits isn’t really a tea – at least not in the strictest sense of the word. Our traditional morning cup of tea or the high tea we have in the evening is made from leaves of Camellia sinensis, also known as the tea bush. Herbal tea, on the other hand, is actually an infusion of herbs or flowers and the correct name for it is tisane.

There are endless kinds of tisanes made from a wide variety of plants and herbs. For more than thousands of years herbal teas have been lauded for their medicinal properties. Today, more and more people are taking to drinking tisanes since it helps to relax and revive them. Also, it makes for a healthier option as compared to the caffeine high coffee or tea.

Although there are herbal teabags available quite easily in supermarkets, it’s always more fun to make your own infusion at home with leaves, berries, herbs or flowers of your choice. In case you are using leaves, take no more than 1 tablespoon per cup and make sure you tear the leaves finely. Infuse them in boiling water for about 10 minutes but if you prefer a stronger flavor, let it stand for longer.

When it comes to roots, such as liquorice or ginger or cinnamon sticks you will have to simmer them for slightly longer, about 15 minutes or so, in order to extract their flavor. Same goes for seeds such as aniseed or caraway seeds. Once you have an infusion to your liking, you can add a little honey or sugar according to taste.

Peppermint Tea

Here are some of the popular herbal teas and their benefits:

• Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea is a well known sedative and it helps relieve anxiety. Due to its sleep promoting qualities it is usually preferred by people suffering from insomnia.
• Ginger Tea: For those who suffer from car sickness, ginger tea can help. It also aids digestion, eases flatulence, and relieves nausea.
• Ginseng Tea: For several centuries, ginseng was considered some sort of a miracle herb in China. Today, various studies have revealed the rich medicinal properties of this root, making it one of the most preferred herbal teas.
• Peppermint Tea: Peppermint is more than a popular flavor for mouth fresheners. It relaxes your muscles, aids digestion, and relieves flatulence and stomach cramps. Of course, it tastes great too.
• Cinnamon Tea: Cinnamon tea is usually a seasonal drink had in winters to warm the body. It also lowers blood sugar and cholesterol. You can have cinnamon tea as a tisane or pour cinnamon-flavored water on regular teabag and allow it to infuse for a couple of minutes.

Well, time for a drink…..my favorite herbal tea is waiting for me.
What about you?

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