Herbal tea

Herbal teas, also called herb teas or tisanes, are drinks made by soaking herbs, spices, or other plant materials in water. Unlike true teas such as black, green, or oolong tea, which come from the tea plant (Camellia sinensis), herbal teas do not use this plant. Because of this, most herbal teas do not contain caffeine, making them a good choice for people who want a warm, soothing drink without the stimulating effects of caffeine.

Many of the herbs used in these teas have been used for centuries in herbal medicine and folk medicine. They can help relax the body, aid digestion, or provide other health benefits. Some herbal teas even come from plants that naturally contain stimulants, though these are less common.

Herbal teas have many flavors and uses. For example, mate (yerba mate) and rooibos (red bush) are well-known types of herbal infusions, each with its own unique taste and tradition. Whether enjoyed warm on a cold day or as a calming bedtime drink, herbal teas offer a variety of options for everyone to explore.

Etymology

The word tea is often used for drinks made from plants other than the tea plant. The term herbal tea is commonly used for these drinks, and it is more popular than the word tisane.

The word tisane came into use in its modern meaning in the 20th century, borrowed from French. It originally meant a "medicinal drink" in Middle English, coming from Old French and Latin, and finally from an Ancient Greek word for a type of barley.

Composition and usage

See also: List of plants used in herbalism and List of culinary herbs and spices

Herbal teas are made from different parts of plants, such as flowers, fruit, leaves, stems, seeds, or roots. These plant parts can be used fresh or dried, and they might be processed in various ways before being steeped in hot or boiling water. The time and temperature for steeping depend on the type of plant material.

Some herbal teas are mixed with several herbs or plant parts. They can also be sweetened, spiced, or mixed with other ingredients like milk or lemon juice. For example, one mixture might contain rooibos, coconut, ginger, cinnamon, apple, cardamom, black pepper, and almond. Other examples include apple, rose hips, orange zest, papaya, peppermint, liquorice root, lemon grass, cinnamon, blackcurrants, rose, and mallows blossoms.

Varieties

Herbal teas are drinks made from plants, flowers, roots, or other parts of plants steeped in hot water. Unlike regular tea, they do not come from the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). Many herbal teas are made from single herbs, but some are blends that include several different plants and even flavorings.

Some herbal teas contain natural stimulants like caffeine or other compounds that can affect how you feel. Examples include cacao bean tea, coffee-leaf tea, and yerba mate tea. Other herbal teas come from plants that have been used for centuries in traditional medicine around the world. There are also many mild and soothing herbal teas, like chamomile or peppermint, that people enjoy for their relaxing flavors.

Health risks

See also: List of herbs with known adverse effects and Tea bag § Plastics

Most herbal teas are safe to drink, but some herbs can cause problems. For example, comfrey can harm the liver if used for a long time and should not be used during pregnancy or with certain prescription drugs. Lobelia may cause nausea or dizziness in large amounts.

Herbal teas can also vary in effects depending on the person, and sometimes people might accidentally use the wrong plant. For instance, foxglove can be mistaken for comfrey and is poisonous. It's important to be careful when choosing herbs.

Some herbal teas may also contain pesticides or heavy metals depending on where the plants come from.

Adverse herb–drug interactions

See also: Grapefruit–drug interactions and Cytochrome P450 (CYP)

Some herbs can interact with medicines. For example, grapefruit and St John's wort can change how the body processes certain drugs, like Paxlovid and oral contraceptives. This can make medicines less effective or cause harmful side effects. Other herbs can also affect how medicines work in the body.

Contamination

See also: Health effects of pesticides

Herbal teas, like any food, can sometimes contain harmful chemicals like pesticides or heavy metals, depending on where the plants are grown. It's important to choose trusted brands to make sure the teas are safe.