Herbal Teas
What are Herbal Teas?
The term ‘herbal tea’ refers to any tea that is not made from the leaves of the tea bush. Peppermint, chamomile, rooibos and rosehip are all examples of herbal teas, also known as tisanes. Herbal teas can be made from the roots, leaves and berries of different plants and many are drunk for their stimulant or sedative properties. The actual medicinal properties of many herbal teas are controversial due to anecdotal evidence comprising the main body of evidence in favour of medicinal usage. However, this may be due to a lack of research dedicated to herbal teas rather than any medicinal deficit on behalf of the herbal tea.
What Herbal Teas are Good?
Herbal teas known for their relaxant or sedative properties include valerian, chamomile, aniseed, bee balm, catnip and orange blossom. Of course, the whole ritual of tea making in itself has been reported to relax some people. Sure, that’s some anecdotal evidence for you right there, but if you think something is relaxing for you then do you really need a scientist to measure all the logistics and confirm your suspicions? Go with it!
Popular stimulating herbal tea varieties include basil, fennel, ginger, rosemary and lavender blossom. There are also teas for nervous headaches, digestive complaints, tummy upsets and the like. Many herbal teas are rich in certain vitamins. Catnip and parsley are rich in vitamin C and rosehip contains a good hit of vitamins C and A. What’s an added bonus? Herbal teas taste delicious and are a pure luxury treat that won’t break the bank or the diet.
Choosing the Herbal Tea for Me?
There really is no way to tell whether you’ll prefer one tisane over another…you’re just going to have to try them out. As a general rule, if you love spicy foods you’ll probably enjoy ginger, aniseed and rooibos flavours, which go well with curries and other spice-laden dishes. Those with a sweet tooth will most likely go for peppermint, fruit teas such as blackcurrant and peach, as well as teas with a hint of cinnamon.
If you are selecting teas for their medicinal properties, such as valerian for its sedative and relaxing properties, you may find the taste quite frankly revolting on first sip. Many people report becoming accustomed to these flavours, however, so stick it out and you may be pleasantly surprised. In the case of valerian, the relaxant effects are quite strong so any adverse taste experiences may be worth it!
Overall, herbal teas present us with a variety of luxurious and intriguing options for which plain tea and coffee just don’t cater for. Let your taste buds explore!
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