Tea is one of the most consumed beverages in the world and a cup of this beverage doesn’t function as a refreshment only but has a number of health benefits as well. Consuming this drink on a regular basis could be considered a general health-promoting lifestyle action, but there is even a healthier version of regular tea and that’s the renowned herbal tisane.
It has become a major part of the tea world lately, but its origins date back to 1550 BC in Egypt. It’s an infusion of decoction of herbs, barks, spices or flowers of a plant. It’s typically served either hot or cold and can be enjoyed by tea lovers in any season and region. Interestingly enough, it doesn’t have any ingredient belonging to the tea family and its origin varies, so it can be made either from a blend of plant types or from numerous parts of the same plant.
Types of Tisane Teas
They are usually categorised by what part of the plant they come from. These soothing blends can be incredibly simple or crafty and complex, so you can choose according to your mood and preferences. There is something that will appeal to all tastes and meet all needs, so you can easily find the herbal tisane that’s right for you. Here are some of the main categories you can choose from.
Source: medisite.fr
Leaf Tisane
Peppermint, chamomile lemongrass, rooibos and lemon verbena are the most typical leaf-based tisane teas and are amongst the top renowned ones. It’s made by steeping the leaves of the selected plants in hot water to release their flavour and aroma. The crisp, fresh and herbal taste is truly unique, with a slight bitterness that is sure to wake up your senses.
Flower Tisane
The flowers of hibiscus and lavender are the most commonly used ingredients for flower-based tisanes. These blends are usually very pretty visually and smell amazing due to the fragrant buds, but not like perfume. The taste is light and gentle, with a sweet aftertaste to linger on the palate.
Fruit/Berry Tisane
This type of tisane tea contains natural sweetness and includes a mixture of spices, fruits and herbs. The raspberry leaf is a famous fruit tisane and natural flavourings of cocoa and vanilla are used in making the fruit varieties as well. The end result is a delightful combination of sweet and herbal, with a hint of spice.
Seed/Spice and Bark Tisane
Cinnamon and cardamom are the main spices that bring flavour in these tisane tea blends. Each spice has its own unique taste and aroma, like the bark of a clove tree or the seeds of anise. Together they create complex flavours that are incredibly warming and comforting.
Toasted Grain Tisane
This kind of tisane has very mild tones that are distinctly flavoured. The usual whole grains include barley and its versions, blended along with lemon or lime juice or sugar to taste.
You can also find a lot of mixed blends of dried fruits, berries, herbs, flowers and roots. Even more, you can steep and drink some plain herbal tisanes or add them to other teas and give them more prominent flavours or aromas.
Benefits of Drinking Tisane
Besides being refreshing and fragrant, herbal teas are loaded with health benefits. Initially, they were used for medical purposes before they became a drink of enjoyment. And since they don’t contain tea leaves, they are caffeine-free, so you can enjoy your favourite herbal at any time, whether it’s breakfast time, mid-morning break, before or after meals, as an afternoon or bedtime tea.
Source: brewedleaflove.com
Reduces Ache
Blackberry tisane may give relief from body aches. According to some research studies, the attenuated level of anti-oxidants and anti-microbial properties in the leaf of this plant can even ward off infections. Amazing, isn’t it?
Treats Digestive Issues
Struggling with a tummy ache, indigestion or other digestive and intestinal problems? A cardamom-based tisane may help relieve symptoms as it is an amazing stimulant and an antiseptic as well.
Boosts Immunity
Cold and influenza can be really annoying and if you want to get rid of them, try ginger root tisane tea. It’s endowed with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and acts as a potent natural antibiotic. It may help against fever and sore throat and you may consider adding fresh lemon juice to it to boost immune defences.
Relaxes
When the weather turns cold, lying back on a sofa, under a warm blanket and a hot flavoursome herb tea may be all you need to warm within. Preparing and enjoying your tisane is, in itself, relaxation and a treat that can serve your own pleasure or you can share it with others whether with your partner, close friend or as a gift for your co-worker.
All gifts of nature soothe our senses in their own unique way but remember that, as with trying anything, you need to be cautious. Some teas can interact with certain medications or pre-existing health conditions, so make sure to consult your healthcare provider before including tisane tea in your daily diet to avoid any unseen negative consequences.
How to Make Tisane
The amount of time taken and the brewing proportions of herbal teas can vary anywhere between two minutes to 15 minutes. Some may need just a pinch of the ingredient for every cup of water, while some may need several teaspoons for each cup. That’s why it’s always a good idea to read the instructions on the package and follow them accordingly.