In the beverage wars, traditional tea such as green tea has taken the spotlight in many areas for being a drink full of antioxidants and health benefit offerings. While this remains very true, let's have a look at some other brews that sometimes go unnoticed and see what they too can do for us.
Herbal tea, which this article will focus on, is not considered a traditional tea. This is because they are made from the leaves, roots, barbs, flowers, seeds, fruits, and stems of many different plant species. Our green, white, oolong, and black teas all come from the same species of plant called Camellia sinensis, and are processed and oxidized into their four main classes.
Herbals, which are also called "tisanes" brew a very different cup that in some cases are caffeine free, and loaded with many health benefits. Below, we'll have a look at four herbal types that you may want to consider brewing...
Rooibos, which is also called Red Bush where it is native, is one of the newer herbal treats to hit the western market. With a light sweet-nutty aroma and taste, containing plentiful antioxidants, and offering zero caffeine, this bright red liquored beverage may very well be the next green tea; it certainly rivals it in the areas of health benefits!
Snapple has already started a new product line of this drink, calling it by its third popular name "red tea". This version of rooibos is chilled and comes in a small selection of flavors. For folks who rather have it in its most natural form, consider brewing it whole leaf style. Rooibos may not look like much as the leaves closely resemble saw dust, but a whole new beverage may very well open itself up to you. Brewing it for five minutes in hot (not boiling) water is a perfect way to enjoy this herbal delight.
Our next beverage definitely worth steeping is olive leaf tea. Olives in general have been studied for years for having beneficial qualities for humans as well as animals. Even olive oil is one of the better choices for baking and frying as it offers great taste and healthier consumption. So why not brew the leaves of this ancient tree?
Olive leaf tea has been shown to scavenge cancer-causing free radicals almost twice as much as green tea can. Even grape seed extract falls short compared to olive leaf teas ability. Additional benefits are lowered blood pressure, antiviral and antibacterial properties, increased energy, digestive aid, and more.
The taste of this tea is very unique, and very pleasing! It is not thick, overwhelming, or oily. The golden brew is not grassy or vegetal like some varieties of green tea either. In fact, it feels more like a weak soup than a tea. I've had it and enjoy it daily. This tisane might not be very popular as of yet, but it is highly recommended in my book!
Next is something most folks know about, and that is chamomile tea. This herbal tea is sometimes called "the mother of the gut" and provides many digestive benefits. In ancient times, the Egyptians used chamomile as an herbal remedy, and till this day studies have proven the Egyptians had it right.
Chamomile, which is closely related to the daisy, consists of tiny flowers that when brewed yields a very sweet smelling and tasting cup. However, due to allergy concerns, it is wise to consult a proper physician before consuming this tea. After having the green light, expect a very relaxing feeling after taking a few sips. This is because chamomile happens to be one of natures most powerful sedatives. Like rooibos, this beverage also contains no caffeine.
Our forth herbal tea to consider is peppermint tea. Like chamomile, peppermint tea is also great for treating upset stomachs, and can help aid with digestion also. The brew is also good for treating minor headaches, as well as providing sinus relieve.
A 2007 study has revealed that peppermint also helps calm folks suffering with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) as well.
What gives peppermint its very minty aroma and taste is the natural menthol property found in this tea. Its cousins spearmint and watermint also contain menthol too; spearmint tea offering similar benefits as well.
Peppermint is also used in candy, chewing gum, ice cream, and even non-edibles like soaps and shampoos.
If you can tolerate the minty taste, then this herbal tea should also find its way into your cupboard. Brewing it loose leaf style like the other three mentioned above is always the best way to achieve both flavor and health benefits!
So while there are many herbal teas to chose from, rooibos, olive leaf, chamomile, and peppermint remain my favorites, and provide benefits very close to, and in some cases exceeding traditional teas! They also taste great and can provide folks with many years of sipping satisfaction!
Learn Further Details About Herbal Tea And Other Tisanes
David Carloni is the creator and webmaster of The Color Of Tea.com
An online resource guide that offers information, tips, facts, varieties, and the introduction to the simple pleasures of brewing and enjoying loose leaf tea.
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