What is an herbal tea?

An herbal tea is a beverage made from steeping or boiling herbs. Unlike actual teas, herbal teas are not made from the leaves of the tea bush (Camellia sinensis). The making of herbal tea is an ancient technology shared by all of the world’s healing traditions. It is the most basic way of extracting active constituents from the plant, thus making them available to the body.

To achieve the best results, herbal preparations must be absorbed efficiently by the body. There is strong evidence demonstrating that herbal extracts in a liquid form, such as teas, are more readily absorbed into the body than if they are in a solid-dosage form such as tablets.  Most of the major compounds occurring in plants are either soluble in boiling water or will release into the water in time.
There are two main varieties of herbal tea, known as infusions and decoctions.

An infusion is the outcome of steeping plants in water. It is used with herbs that consist of non-woody leaves, flowers or stems. It is also used for herbs containing aromatic oils. Boiling water is poured over the herb and allowed to steep, usually 10 to 15 minutes or until the mix cools. A common proportion used is one ounce of herb to one pint of liquid.

A decoction uses boiling water to extract denser herbal material, such as roots, bark and rhizomes. Water is poured over the herb and brought to boil, simmer for 10-15 minutes, strain while still hot. Again a common proportion used is one ounce of herb to one pint of liquid.

Not every health condition requires the use of prescription medications for relief.  Many herb teas are suitable for self care of common, non-serious, self-limiting conditions. This might include minor respiratory problems as the aches and pains of the common cold, and the symptoms of a runny nose or sore throat. Other common health challenges that respond well to herbal teas include occasional constipation, occasional indigestion, fatigue or nervousness, and sleeplessness.

An herbal tea is an herb or plant infusion and usually not made from the tealeaves of the plant species Camellia sinensis. Herbal tea is simply the combination of boiling water and dried fruits, flowers or herbs.