Herbal teas are not strictly speaking tea.  Only teas made with leaves from a tea tree (Camellia sinensis) can be labeled a true tea, however more recently any plant or shrub that can alter the taste of a drink through it's aroma, flavor or perhaps even therapeutic uses is often called a tea.

Unlike traditional teas, herbal teas can use many parts of the herb including: the leaves, flowers, stems and roots.  They are often processed in the same manner as green tea, drying them as quickly after picking as possible as to avoid fermentation.

Herbal teas are not strictly speaking tea.  Only teas made with leaves from a tea tree (Camellia sinensis) can be labeled a true tea, however more recently any plant or shrub that can alter the taste of a drink through it's aroma, flavor or perhaps even therapeutic uses is often called a tea.

Unlike traditional teas, herbal teas can use many parts of the herb including: the leaves, flowers, stems and roots.  They are often processed in the same manner as green tea, drying them as quickly after picking as possible as to avoid fermentation.

In today's market herbal teas are increasingly popular as alternative drinks to traditional teas and coffee due to propertied medicinal virtues and low levels of caffeine (although the caffeine content in tea can be lowered by 80% by throwing out the first pour).  Much like true tea, herbal teas can be drunk by itself or mixed with other herbs to create exciting new flavors.

Another use for herbal teas are medicinal or beauty treatments where the tea is not drunk, but bathed in, applied to the skin or the steeped plant itself is applied to the body.

Prepering Herbal Tea

Popular Herbal Teas