True tea is made from the leaves of Camillia sinensis in some variety of black, green, white, or oolong. What we call 'herbal tea' is a tisane made from steeping the leaves, roots, or blossoms of a plant in hot water. In both cases, the hot water brings out the aroma and flavor of the plant material, and it also releases health-giving properties into the water.. There are many herbal blends loose leaf tea on the market today, and people continue the ancient practice of making their own right from their garden.
Herbs are often chosen for a brewed beverage to get away from the caffeine in true teas. Only fermented black teas contains the stimulating component prized by so many in their morning coffee. At night, instead of decaffeinated coffee, you could have a warm cup of chamomile or the stronger-smelling valerian. Many familiar bedtime products contain several calming, sedating herbs.
Herbal 'teas' are also called 'tisanes'. As with the Camillia teas, the leaves of herbs are steeped in hot water to extract their valuable properties. In addition, roots and blossoms of beneficial, flavorful, and aromatic plants are used in various combinations. For example, ginger or licorice root may be combined with spices, mint, or fruit to create unique brews.
'True' teas can be combined with herbs, spices, or fruit, if you want the stimulating effect of black or the slimming and cancer-fighting benefits of green. In the morning, black tea with cinnamon and orange is a favorite. Gotu kola is a stimulating herb, rich in caffeine, which can be used for an afternoon pick-me-up.
At night, when many need to avoid caffeine, a combination of soothing herbs can be just the thing. Passion flower, lemon balm, chamomile, hops, and kava kava are all calming. You could add ginger, which enhances digestion and is especially valuable after dinner. Ginger is also warming on a cold winter night.
Teabags are convenient but true gourmets think using bags lessens the enjoyment. Commercial bags may contain tiny pieces of leaves and even leaf dust from the manufacturing process. The larger pieces in loose teas retain more of the health-boosting properties, as well as more of the essential oils which give flavor and aroma. Loose teas are often hand-crafted instead of machine-made and are considered to be much fresher.
Buying in bulk rather than in teabags is more economical, too. If you compare the weight on a box of teabags with that of a container of a loose blend, you can see for yourself. Other tips say that teabags confine the leaves too much, keeping them from expanding to release their goodness to the hot water, and also impede the flow of water through the blend. Others reveal that the drained dregs of your first cup of loose-leaf can be reused, maybe more than once, for even more savings.
There is a whole science of teas. Go online to learn the mystique which has developed over centuries. Virtually every culture and society has brewed teas for pleasure and for health. There are many companies with teamasters working hard to create blends that you will love. You will also find a wealth of information on the health benefits of herbs.
Herbs are often chosen for a brewed beverage to get away from the caffeine in true teas. Only fermented black teas contains the stimulating component prized by so many in their morning coffee. At night, instead of decaffeinated coffee, you could have a warm cup of chamomile or the stronger-smelling valerian. Many familiar bedtime products contain several calming, sedating herbs.
Herbal 'teas' are also called 'tisanes'. As with the Camillia teas, the leaves of herbs are steeped in hot water to extract their valuable properties. In addition, roots and blossoms of beneficial, flavorful, and aromatic plants are used in various combinations. For example, ginger or licorice root may be combined with spices, mint, or fruit to create unique brews.
'True' teas can be combined with herbs, spices, or fruit, if you want the stimulating effect of black or the slimming and cancer-fighting benefits of green. In the morning, black tea with cinnamon and orange is a favorite. Gotu kola is a stimulating herb, rich in caffeine, which can be used for an afternoon pick-me-up.
At night, when many need to avoid caffeine, a combination of soothing herbs can be just the thing. Passion flower, lemon balm, chamomile, hops, and kava kava are all calming. You could add ginger, which enhances digestion and is especially valuable after dinner. Ginger is also warming on a cold winter night.
Teabags are convenient but true gourmets think using bags lessens the enjoyment. Commercial bags may contain tiny pieces of leaves and even leaf dust from the manufacturing process. The larger pieces in loose teas retain more of the health-boosting properties, as well as more of the essential oils which give flavor and aroma. Loose teas are often hand-crafted instead of machine-made and are considered to be much fresher.
Buying in bulk rather than in teabags is more economical, too. If you compare the weight on a box of teabags with that of a container of a loose blend, you can see for yourself. Other tips say that teabags confine the leaves too much, keeping them from expanding to release their goodness to the hot water, and also impede the flow of water through the blend. Others reveal that the drained dregs of your first cup of loose-leaf can be reused, maybe more than once, for even more savings.
There is a whole science of teas. Go online to learn the mystique which has developed over centuries. Virtually every culture and society has brewed teas for pleasure and for health. There are many companies with teamasters working hard to create blends that you will love. You will also find a wealth of information on the health benefits of herbs.
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