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Herbal Tea
What is herbal tea?
Herbal tea, sometimes called "tisane," is not tea, per se. Rather than tea, herbal
tea is the name of most beverages made from a plant other than the tea plant.
Herbal tea is typically made by pouring boiling water over leaves, seeds, flowers
or other plant parts and letting it sit, or steep, a few minutes until the water
retains the flavor of whatever plant(s) is (or are) used for the herbal tea. The
plant parts are then removed from the liquid, usually by straining it. In some
cases, herbal tea is made with tea bags, which some people may find easier to use.
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Real tea leaves are sometimes mixed with other plants to create variations, or varieties,
of teas. Herbal teas and the numerous varieties of teas are enjoyed worldwide and
many of these teas are said to possess health benefits.
"There is a subtle charm in the taste of tea which makes it
irresistible and capable of idealisation." Okakura Kakuzo,
Japanese scholar, The Book of Tea
History of tea and herbal tea
Tea itself, as a beverage, is believed to be about 5,000 years old. China appears to
be the place where tea originated, as the tea plant--Camellia sinensis--is
native to parts of Asia.
More tea and herbal tea history >>
Varieties of Tea and Herbal Tea
There are numerous varieties of "real" teas and herbal teas. As mentioned previously,
tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, while herbal teas are made with
parts from other plants. Tea blends are usually made by mixing tea and other plants
for a unique, flavorful brew.
More on varieties of tea and herbal tea >>
Believed Health Benefits of Tea and Herbal Tea
Tea and herbal teas have historically been believed to have a wide variety of health
benefits. Tea naturally contains caffeine, a known stimulant. Certain herbal teas
have been said to calm down, or soothe, the person imbibing such teas.
More on the believed health benefits of tea and herbal tea >>
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