Tisanes

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A tisane or herbal "tea" is a herbal infusion rather than from the leaves of the tea bush (Camellia sinensis).

Tisanes can be made with fresh or dried flowers, leaves, seeds or roots, usually by pouring boiling water over the plant parts and letting them steep for a few minutes. The tisane is then strained, sweetened if so desired, and served.

Many blends of tea are prepared by adding other plants to an actual tea (black, oolong, green or white tea); for example, Earl Grey tea is black tea with bergamot these are varieties of tea, not tisanes.

Herbal teas are often consumed for their physical or medicinal effects, especially for their stimulant, relaxant or sedative properties.

Varieties

• Anise tea, made from either the seeds or the leaves.
• Roasted barley the flavour is similar to coffee (without coffee's bitterness)
• Catnip tea is used as a relaxant, sedative, and to calm.
• Chamomile tea this tea made from chamomile flowers is consumed for its relaxing effects. It is also said to soothe the stomach and induce sleep.
• Citrus peel,
• Echinacea tea, often consumed to prevent or alleviate the cold or flu symptoms.
• Fennel
• Ginger root. Cold and flu symptoms may be alleviated with ginger herbal tea
• Hibiscus (often blended with rose hip), a popular tea alternative in the Middle East and is drunk hot or cold.
• Honeybush
• Lemon grass. A popular herbal tea for its calming properties
• Lime flower, dried flowers of the lime tree
• Mint, taken for its relaxing effects, it can also ease headaches and digestive problems.
• Nettle leaf
• Raspberry leaf
• Rooibos (Red Bush)
• Rose hip
• Rosemary, Rosemary leaves are known for relieving cold symptoms and headaches
• Sage. Herbal tea made from sage leaves have a calming effect and are touted as an effective way to improve digestion. It is also popular for alleviating coughs and congestion.
• Thyme. Popular for its antiseptic properties, thyme is used in herbal tea preparation for sore throats and coughs as well as to improve general immune system functions.
• Yarrow

About the Author

Chris McAndrew is part of the Spinney Kitchen family. He spends much of his spare time growing the herbs, fruit and spices which go into Spinney Kitchen produce.

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