Tea Party Diva - Life & Craft

Herbal teas are also known as herb teas, infusions or tisanes. They are simply herbs, flowers, roots or spices infused in boiling water. You can also buy fruit teas, which are usually an infusion of dried fruit and boiling water.

Herb teas can be made at home, or you can purchase them in packets from health shops and supermarkets.

Consult your doctor or naturopath for more information. This information is for interest only, and is provided as a starting point for your own research. It should not be substituted for medical or health advice.

It is thought that different herbs have specific benefits, building resistance to illness. There may also be some negative effects. A knowledge of the specific herb, its benefits and associated side effects is important.

Chamomile, for example, has sedative properties. It is widely used as a relaxant tea infusion before going to bed, but is not recommended for pregnant women or nursing mothers. Using comfrey long term is thought to be harmful to the liver.

Among the most well known herb teas are lavender, peppermint, lemongrass, camomile and rosehip.

The teas, or more correctly, the infusions, can be served hot or cold. Adding some fruit juice or mineral water and a sprig of peppermint to iced teas, adds extra colour and flavour.

Herbal teas are not usually served with milk. Sugar, honey or lemon can be added if desired. Iced tea can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for use throughout the day.

Basic Herb Tea Recipe
Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon fresh herbs. Cover and allow to settle. Strain the tea. Vary quantities and times for a weaker or stronger infusion. You can also experiment with mixing different herbs and with steeping times.

For more information and recipes for specific herbal tea infusions, I can recommend Jane Pettigrew’s book Tea and Infusions - A Connoisseur’s Guide.

Herbal Tea