Although people often use the phrase “herbal tea”, herbal blends are plants other than the tea plant. The technically-correct term for these drinks is “herbal infusion”.
All tea is made from the Camellia sinensis plant, a species of evergreen shrub or small tree which naturally produces caffeine. The plants use caffeine to paralyze and kill predator insects feeding on them. Thankfully the effects are different on humans!
Caffeine is a psychoactive drug that prevents drowsiness by reversibly blocking adenosine from its receptors. It also stimulates certain portions of the autonomic nervous system.
Caffeine can be used to stay alert, and can even protect against some diseases, including Parkinson’s. However in some people it can disrupt sleep and cause anxiety. You may need to limit your intake depending on your health needs. Be sure to ask your doctor about whether caffeine is right for your body.
Whether you’re switching to a caffeine-free alternative for health reasons or simply finding something tasty to drink in the evenings, we have several naturally caffeine-free infusions to suit your fancy.
Herbal Blends: Healthy Harmony Series
Herbal infusions can contain one or more plants. We like to blend several in our Healthy Harmony herbal infusions to balance flavors and maximize health benefits.
- Calming Harmony blends vanilla and chamomile with lemon balm, lemongrass and passionflower for a flavor reminiscent of a lemon dreamscicle.
- Healthy Harmony mixes immune-boosting echinacea with the robust flavors of elderberry, ginger, and lemonbalm, and the mellowing sweetness of licorice root.
- Restoring Harmony helps you detox using a subtle note of peppermint with floral tones of calendula and lavender over the vegetal quality of dandelion and nettles.
Rooibos
This plant, also known as red tea or red bush tea, has been consumed for centuries in southern Africa and is slowly becoming a staple in North America. Rooibos and its cousin honeybush have a sweet taste and contain powerful antioxidants that may protect against cancer, heart disease and stroke.
Like the tea plant, rooibos leaves are often fermented, which turns them and their liquor a reddish-brown color. Unfermented rooibos is called green rooibos, and has a lighter, grassier flavor. Either red or green rooibos will provide numerous health benefits.
Tisanes and More
A sweet alternative to herbal infusions are fruit tisanes, which contain bits of dried fruit that lend their tastes and micronutrients to your brew. Our Bright Berry, Pina Colada, and Ginger Sweet Orange go over ice well, too.
In the evenings when it’s time to wind down, Eastern Chamomile or Lavender Flower Infusion can help you relax and get to sleep. They are both distinct in taste but share a similar light, soothing sweetness.
It’s easy to make herbal infusions part of a healthy daily routine. Let us know how you incorporate them.