Tisanes

What are Tisanes?

True teas (white tea, oolong tea, matcha, green tea, black tea, etc.) are prepared from the leaves of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis while Tisanes or Herbal teas are infusions or decoctions made from a plant other than the tea plant. The word tisane is derived from the Greek word, ptisanē, originally referring to a drink made from crushed barley. Tisanes are soothing and rejuvenating, do not naturally contain caffeine, and could be served hot or cold. Tisanes are a popular alternative to traditional tea and are packed with oodles of health benefits.

Types of Tisanes

Tisanes are prepared from different parts of a plant as flowers, fruits, leaves, bark, roots, etc., and are usually categorized by the part of a plant used to prepare tisanes. A few examples of major types of tisanes include -

• Leaf tisanes: Mint, Holy basil, Lemon grass, and Moringa  
• Flower tisanes: Hibiscus, Lavender, Jasmine, Chamomile, and Butterfly pea
• Bark tisanes: Cinnamon
• Root tisanes: Turmeric, Licorice, and Ginger  
• Fruit tisanes: Peach, and Apple
• Spice tisanes: Cardamom, and Fennel

Tisanes are also prepared from a blend of different plants or from multiple parts of the same plant.

Brewing the perfect cup of Tisanes

Tisanes are prepared as infusions or as decoctions.  Infusions are prepared by pouring nearly boiling water over the tea blend and allowing the ingredients to steep. Decoction is the method of placing the ingredients in boiling water.  Steeping time varies for each type of tisanes depending on the part of the plant used. It may range from as brief as two minutes or as long as 15 minutes.

Health Benefits

Herbal blends brew to yield a soothing cup that is loaded with health benefits. Health benefits of common tisanes:

Ginger Tea - Ginger, Zingiber officinale, is a popular spice that is added to tea blends for the zing and zest. Ginger gives a slightly sweet and spicy flavour. For centuries, ginger has been used to treat a wide variety of ailments, as common cold, sore throat, nausea, upset stomach etc. Ginger is rich in antioxidants and also has antibacterial properties. Ginger can help boost the immunity and has been shown to improve cognitive function.

Peppermint Tea – It is a popular herbal tea that is packed with health benefits. Peppermint tea can be brewed on its own as a stimulating, soothing herbal infusion, and can also be added to other herbal and caffeinated blends. Peppermint is rich in antioxidants, increases alertness, improves memory, reduces stress, aids in digestion, calms an upset stomach, etc.

Chamomile Tea- Chamomile has been used in herbal medicine for centuries for its soothing, therapeutic properties. This herbal tea ingredient has a light, floral flavor with a hint of natural sweetness. It is shown to help reduce stress and anxiety. A cup of chamomile tea helps to relax and sleep better. Chamomile tea has been found to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Licorice Tea- Licorice root is a popular tea ingredient that gives a sweet taste to tea blends. Licorice root is packed with health benefits. Licorice aids in digestion boosts immune system, and reduces inflammation.  

Our tea blends with licorice -

Cinnamon Tea- Cinnamon, a spice of every household is used to add a touch of slightly sweetish-spicy notes to the teas. Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants and other bioactive compounds that exert immense health benefits such as – anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.  It has been found to soothe a sore throat and aid in overall wellness.