Herbal teas, less commonly known as tisanes, have a significant role in the tea world. Do you have an idea that herbal teas are not actual teas, they are infusions obtained by steeping different parts of plants in water. True teas are prepared from the leaves of a tea plant known as Camellia sinensis and include green tea, black, white, oolong, yellow, and Pu-erh tea. For this reason, herbal teas are known as tisanes'' (pronounced as Tea zenh), ''organic” “botanical” and “herbal infusions”. Tisanes do not contain caffeine and can be brewed either hot or cold. The history of herbal teas dates back to Egypt and China where they were enjoyed for pleasure and therapeutic purposes.
This article details herbal teas or tisanes, their types, flavor profile, and potential benefits of cold-brewed herbal teas.
Types of Herbal Teas/Tisanes
Tisanes are usually classified by the part of the plant they are obtained such as leaves, fruits, flowers, seeds, barks, and roots.
Floral Tisanes: These tisanes are prepared by steeping flowers or petals in water and include chamomile, lavender, rose, and hibiscus tea.
Leaf Tisanes: These herbal teas come from leaves of herbs or spices such as lemongrass, French verbena, lemon balm, and mint.
Fruit Tisanes: Fruit tisanes are obtained by steeping fruits or berries from plants like apple, peach, raspberry, and blueberry.
Bark Tisanes: Cinnamon and black cherry bark are common examples of tisanes prepared from the bark of plants.
Root Tisanes: Root tisanes include ginger, chicory, and echinacea tea.
Seed Tisanes: These tisanes are prepared by steeping the seeds of plants in water and include fennel, caraway, and cardamom.
Flavor Profile of Tisanes
Tisanes or herbal teas come in a variety of tastes and flavors ranging from sweet to citrusy, warm, delicate, earthy, and spicy. Every tea contains its unique flavor and characteristics of that specific plant which it comes from. Cold-brewed teas are tempting alter
natives to sugary beverages and are the best invigorating and refreshing beverages in hot summer. Tisanes are sometimes blended with other tea like green or black tea which results in a vibrant flavor. For instance, chai tea is obtained by blending black tea with herbal teas (herbs and spices) and comes with a different and unique flavor profile. Tisanes vary in flavor depending on the type of tea. Some of the examples of flavor profiles of the most commonly used cold-brewed teas are discussed here.
Blueberry tea (cold brew) results in a deep reddish brew with a sweet blueberry flavor. When brewed hot, it results in a delicious and flavorful beverage while cold brew with a tint of zesty oranges creates a great vibe.
Just peachy tisane when brewed cold with a combination of other fruits like apples and other herbal ingredients results in peach flavor notes encompassed by a tart tint with a wonderful fruity aroma.
Hibiscus organic Tea is an ideal infusion to invite the hot summer and the cold brew results in fruity, sweet, and slightly tart astringent notes.
Raspberry smash organic tea is a refreshing beverage that comes with a characteristic color and vibrant flavor of raspberries.
Strawberry tisane with a sweet, sharp, and inciting flavor is a perfect summertime treat.
Benefits of Tisanes
Herbal teas have been enjoyed around the world for centuries due to their delicious taste, diversity, and therapeutic properties. Besides unique flavor and taste, tisanes are packed with healthful nutrients that help you calm, boost mood, improve sleep quality, protect your heart, brain, and digestive health, and uplift your spirit.
Herbal Teas are Caffeine Free
All types of true teas contain some quantities of caffeine which is much less than a cup of coffee but is sufficient to affect the people with caffeine sensitivity. Herbal teas or infusions obtained from different plants are caffeine-free and are an ideal choice to enjoy a refreshing cup of beverage in cold winter or hot summer. However, there are some exceptions. It does not mean that all tisane-type teas are caffeine-free just because they are known as herbal teas. Here is an example of yerba mate which is prepared from the leaves of Ilex paraguariensis, and contains caffeine content as much as a cup of coffee. [1]
Source of Great Pleasure
Tisane teas are more than just a cup of tea, they are beverages of choice to serve in various ceremonies and events due to their refreshing and energizing properties. In Japan, people tend to consume a 4 hours ceremony of consuming tea which brings love, tranquility, and harmony. It helps people take a break from a hectic routine and enjoy some time with friends.
Possess Therapeutic Properties
Herbal teas aka tisanes have long been used as a natural remedy to treat a variety of illnesses. They are loaded with antioxidants, phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals essential for optimal functioning of the body.
Help Detoxify Body
Herbal teas such as dandelion tea, milk thistle, lemongrass, fennel, and turmeric ginger teas have powerful antioxidant properties. They help the liver remove toxins from the body and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
Promote Brain Health
Tisanes are packed with compounds having the potential to calm the mind, reduce oxidative stress, prevent cellular damage and protect from neurodegenerative diseases. Ginger tea, lemon balm, ashwagandha, clary sage, turmeric, and ginseng tea are the most commonly used herbal teas to promote brain health. [2]
Fight Cold and Boost Immunity
Herbal teas have a respectable history of use as an effective remedy to treat colds and sickness. They possess powerful antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties which protect the body from infections and boost immune health. Ginger, chamomile, lemon balm, echinacea, hibiscus, licorice, and elderberry teas are considered the best teas to combat infections and boost immunity. [3] [4]
Aid Healthy Digestion
Tisanes can promote digestion, boost metabolism, burn calories, and increase weight loss. Tisanes like fennel, peppermint, ginger, senna leaf, and angelica root tea aid digestion and reduce gastrointestinal problems like nausea, constipation, and abdominal bloating. [5] [6] [7]
Increase Relaxation
Herbal teas have been used as an effective remedy to relieve stress and anxiety and promote relaxation. They regulate brain chemicals, reduce stress hormones, improve sleep quality, boost mood and happiness and improve focus and concentration. Chamomile, ginseng, valerian, St. John worts, and passionflower teas are the best teas to promote relaxation and brain health. [8]
Promote Skin Health
In addition to vibrant flavor and refreshing taste, tisanes hydrate and nourish the skin and prevent early aging. Due to antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, herbal teas help prevent acne breakouts, protect from sun damage and help treat other skin conditions like dermatitis and eczema. Peppermint, jasmine, rooibos, and chamomile tea are best known to improve skin health. [9]
How are Tisanes brewed?
Tisanes are prepared as infusion or decoction and can be served both hot or cold. Infusions are prepared by steeping the leaves, flowers, or seeds in hot water, and decoction is made by steeping roots, barks, or fruits (plant’s parts with tougher surfaces) in boiling water. Steeping time can vary depending on the plant’s part and required strength and ranges from 2-15 minutes.
For cold brewing, loose tea or tea bags are placed in water and kept in the refrigerator to steep for a specific time until the required taste and flavor are attained. Tisanes or herbal teas are prepared from different parts of plants other than Camellia sinensis. Tisanes are prepared both hot and cold and are ideal to enjoy in hot summer to clear the heat. They are caffeine-free and the best choice for people suffering from caffeine sensitivity.
* Blog Disclaimer: All content on this blog, including medical opinion and any other health-related information, is for informational purposes only and should not be a specific diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual.
Tuk Tea Company, LLC is not a medical organization, and we can’t give you medical advice or diagnosis. Nothing contained in this blog should be construed as such advice or diagnosis. The information and links to sources should not be interpreted as a substitute for physician consultation, evaluation, or treatment.
We urge and advise you to seek the advice of a physician before beginning any medical regimen. This blog is for the use of healthy adult individuals. This blog is not intended for the use by minors, pregnant women, or individuals with any type of health condition. Such individuals are specifically warned to seek professional medical advice prior to initiating any form of weight loss or regimen related to the information provided.
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