Herbal teas or tisanes are beverages made by infusing plant material (other than that of Camellia sinensis–true tea or Coffea–coffee) in hot water. As indicated by the name, many of the most popular herbal teas are made from culinary herbs like rosemary or medicinal herbs like chamomile. But many “herbal” teas are in fact not made from a herb (the leaves of a plant) but rather are made from spices (the seeds, bark or roots of a plant) like fennel seeds, or plant material that isn’t really a herb or a spice, like rose hip.
In practice, “herbal tea” encompasses all plant infusions that aren’t true tea (including black tea, green tea and oolong) or coffee.
Catnip tea is made from the dried leaves and flowers of the plant Nepeta cataria. It has a yellow-green color and a light, minty, floral flavor. It’s a delicious and refreshing alternative to peppermint or spearmint tea
Dandelion leaf tea is made from the dried leaves of the common dandelion Taraxacum officinale. It has a light yellow color and a bitter flavor.
Dandelion root tea is made from the dried and roasted roots of the common dandelion Taraxacum officinale. It has a dark reddish-brown color and a deep, bitter, earthy flavor. It’s often used as a coffee substitute. There is some very preliminary research suggesting it may have a wide range of medical benefits.
Echinacea tea is made from plants in the Echinacea genus such as Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea pallida. It has a yellow-green color and a soft, piney flavor. There is some evidence to suggest it can lower the incidence and duration of the common cold
Elderflower tea is made from dried Sambucus nigra (black elderberry) flowers. It has a golden brown color and rich, fruity, dry flavor. It’s a popular drink across Europe.
Hibiscus tea is made from dried Hibiscus sabdariffa flowers. It has a deep, intense red color and a powerfully sour, astringent taste with deep floral notes. It’s commonly drunk with sugar, honey or other sweeteners, or prepared with other flavorings and spices in the traditional cuisine of Jamaica, Latin America and Africa.
Lemon verbena tea is made from the dried leaves of the herb Aloysia citrodora. It has delicious, light lemony aroma and flavor, similar to lemongrass and lemon balm.
Mugwort tea is made from the dried leaves of the plant Artemisia vulgaris. It has a dark amber color and a sweet, well-rounded flavor. Mugwort is a relative of wormwood, the herb used to make absinthe.
Passion flower tea is made from the dried herb Passiflora incarnata. It has a savory, grassy flavor with complex spiced undertones and a delightful toasted taste. Passion flower is a traditional food in Europe and South America and there’s some evidence to suggest passion flower can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.
Red clover tea is made from dried Trifolium pratense flowers. It takes a long time to infuse properly, but it’s well worth it. The tea has a deep amber color and a light, honeyed flavor with some serious savoriness lurking in the background. Red clover tea has become popular for treating the symptoms of the menopause.
Valerian tea is made from dried Valeriana officinalis roots. It has a rich, deep amber color and an earthy, bitter, funky flavor. It has a long history being used to aid sleep and fight anxiety.