Use Herbal Blends Loose Leaf Tea

By David Stewart


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, stimulation may be the last thing you want. Calming herbs include chamomile, passionflower, valerian, lemon balm, and kava kava. Add ginger to help you digest dinner or to warm you up nicely before bed.

Buying teabags may be a habit, and it is more convenient. However, those in the know prefer the loose-leaf product. Experts say that loose varieties are fresher, with much more flavor and aroma. This is because the pieces of leaf are larger, retaining more of the essential oils that carry the essence of the plant. These blended collections of leaf, root, berry, bark, and blossom have more antioxidant value, as well.

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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