Herbal Tea

Most herbal teas are not made with tea leaves from camelia sinensis in the blend. Instead, they use any number of other herbs.

Herbeal tea can be made from the leaves, flowers, roots, bark, seeds, berries, and stems of herbs. Various blends may contain chamomile, thornberry, licorice root, and any number of other herbs that are understood to contain nutrients and minerals that are good for the body in some manner.

The herbal tea industry will never stop churning out new combinations, or fusions, to try.

Depending on the combination of herbs, it is possible to buy fusions that are purported to help with insomnia, improve weakening eyesight and even aid in weight loss. A qualified herbalist can provide you with information about what herbs are best for any particular health complaint you have.

If you are making tea from leaves or flowers you will need to make an infusion. Place 2 tablespoons of dried herbs or a handful of fresh herbs into a teapot and pour in a pint of boiling water. Cover and steep for 10 to 20 minutes.

If you are using tougher herb parts, like bark, roots, seeds or berries, you’ll need to crush or chop them first.