What is a tisane? The real difference between tea & tisane
Isn’t it amazing to know that tea is the second most consumed beverage globally, second just to water! The refreshing cup of tea that you love to sip on, doesn’t function as a refreshment alone, studies show that they have numerous health benefits as well. Habitually consuming tea could be considered as a complete general health-promoting lifestyle action.
But, did you know a healthier version of your regular tea is the renowned Tisane Tea? Herbal teas or tisane teas have now become a major part of the tea world. Would you want to know more about this healthier tea version? Then keep reading on, first, we’ll discuss what exactly is tea and then we shall talk in detail about tisane tea and also the difference between the regular tea and tisane tea.
Contents
What is Tea?
According to a Chinese folk tale, in 2737 B.C.E. Emperor Shen Nong accidentally discovered tea when a leaf from an overhanging tree strayed and fell into his pot of boiling water. He cherished drinking the infused water and from there the research on the tea plant and its benefits began.
Basically, tea refers to the leaves of a single plant. The original tea is an aromatic beverage prepared by pouring hot water over the fresh or processed leaves of Camellia Sinensis. It is an evergreen shrub belonging to the Asian region.
Did you know different types of tea ranging from black tea, Chinese and Japanese green tea could be derived from this plant-based on, how the leaves are processed? Next, let us understand about the lesser-known but highly nutrient Tisane tea.
What is Tisane?
Tisane teas pronounced as tee-zahn is technically a herbal tea. Numerous tisanes have their origin in Egypt during 1550 BC. Tisane tea that is commonly referred to as herbal tea, is an infusion or decoction of fragrant herbs, barks, spices, or flowers of a plant. They are free from caffeine and are also stated to be a healthier and currently popular alternative to regular or original tea. Tisane teas are soothing and rejuvenating, typically served either hot or cold. It could be enjoyed in any season and region.
Now, as we have understood about Tisane tea, let’s understand the difference between regular tea and tisane tea.
The real difference between Tea & Tisane
Even though both the beverages are thoroughly enjoyed by tea lovers worldwide, there is a difference between regular tea and Tisane teas, these differences set apart both the tea variants. The following two criteria would speak about the differences these beverages hold!
1. Plant origin
The regular true tea is brewed from the leaves of Camellia Sinensis plant of the Theaceae or tea family as it is commonly known, whereas, the Tisane tea does not have any ingredient belonging to the Theaceae family. As tisane teas do not come from the tea family their origin varies, they could be made from a blend of plant types or also from numerous parts of the same plant.
2. Caffeine content
Caffeine is a stimulant, considered to be the most widely consumed psychoactive drug. The content of caffeine present in regular tea would differ based on the origin and type of tea. However, did you know every true tea made from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant would approximately contain almost 15- 70mg caffeine for every 8-ounce cup? On the other hand, Tisane teas are free from caffeine and are preferred especially for their zero level caffeine content.
Now, would you want to know the health advantages Tisane tea would bestow? Keep reading to find about the health benefits of Tisane.
7 Health benefits of different types of tisane
1. Reduces ache
Tisane tea derived from the Blackberry leaves could give relief from body aches and is even said to ease labour pains. Other than this, Blackberry herbal tea can soothe a sore throat and even reduce tooth-ache. Did you know that research studies state the attenuated level of anti-oxidants and anti-microbial properties present in the leaf of this plant can even ward off infections?
2. Treats digestive issues
Are you prone to indigestion and flatulence? If so then, Cardamom Tisane tea can give you relief from the same. Cardamom is famously referred to as the “Queen of Spices”. It has a pleasing flavour and also a long history of usage in India.
The freshness of this spice makes it a suitable ingredient as a breath freshener and some studies even reveal that it could prevent the occurrence of cavities. The antimicrobial effects of this spice can combat oral pathogenic bacteria such as Streptococcus Mutans and even Candida Albicans.
3. Anti-inflammatory properties
The Chamomile tisane tea contains anti-inflammatory properties. It even has a tremendous medicinal value which is pretty vast and well documented as well. Other than anti-inflammatory ability it even contains wound-healing components. Being a mild analgesic and a gentle sedative, this herbal tea makes a perfect bed-time blend.
Are you looking for a goodnight’s rest? Then this concoction of Chamomile tisane tea with its ability to calm the mind and body would surely allow you to achieve your sleep goals.
4. Manages diabetes
Is reducing your glucose level one of your major health concerns? Cinnamon Tisane tea could help you keep your blood sugar level under control. Type 2 diabetes is stated to be a complex metabolic disorder. However, studies prove that cinnamon has the potentiality to reduce the blood glucose level. Further research is forthcoming; also integrative medicine has widely accepted this spice as a star ingredient in a healthy diet for diabetics.
5. Boosts the immune system
Did you know that Clove possesses remarkable antioxidants that could effectively boost your immune system? The Clove Tisane tea would prove to be a beneficial beverage for anyone on the lookout to improve their immunity, which is also the need of the hour. Having a better immunity allows your body to be resilient and fight back the attack of any pathogen that could harm your system. Also, some reports claim this ingredient could reduce fever, due to its antipyretic components.
6. Reduces high blood pressure
Hibiscus tisane tea is a commonly used beverage in folk medicine as a treatment for various ailments. Few studies have also shown its effect on hypertension and high blood pressure and even heart-related disorder. It has shown positive effects for a healthy-heart because of its encouraging outcome on triglycerides, oxidative stress, and even inflammation. Further, uplifting pieces of evidence continue to emerge about the benefits contained within this deep pink flower.
7. Treats common cold
Peppermint is a herb that is quite renowned and possibly needs no introduction as it has an extravagant range of well-known benefits. The major one being its ability to treat the common cold and cough. It even contains anti-oxidative and antimicrobial properties, because of which it is considered to be a healthful ingredient in making tisane tea. There are folk remedies that rely on peppermint for its potentiality to treat nausea and indigestion also.
Read — Top 10 Peppermint tea benefits for physical and mental health
So, these were the health benefits that you could derive by including tisane tea in your diet. Next, let us understand the various types of Tisanes that are available in the market.
Types of Tisanes
Usually, tisanes are derived from various part of the plant, after which it is processed and then launched into the market for commercial use. The following types will tell us about the category tisane teas are derived from.
1. Leaf Tisane
Peppermint, chamomile, Moringa leaves and lemon verbena is the usual leaf-based tisane and known amongst the top renowned ones. Ancient Egyptians often used dill and chamomile tisane, these were utilized for their high effectiveness in treating various disorders. Even the mint tisane belongs to the leaf tisane category and is used for its soothing properties. Did you know the palatable aspects of tea are mimicked by Yerba mate` and Rooibos, which has crimson hue and extracted from the native bushy shrub of South Africa? Another noteworthy point is that Yerba mate` is the only tisane that comes under the category of caffeinated Tisane.
2. Flower Tisane
The flowers of hibiscus and lavender are the regularly used common ingredients for flower-based tisanes. The herbal tea blend made with the flower tisanes have a herbaceous and vegetal taste and not like perfume. Did you know the fragrance and aroma tend to be familiar which usually amplifies the taste of the tisane tea, allowing a relaxing tone to set in with the first sip itself?
3. Fruit/ Berry Tisane
Fruit tisane contains natural sweetness and is always free of caffeine. They include a mixture of spices, fruits as well as herbs, and since olden times it is made with a hibiscus base. The usual fruit pieces are used as ingredients in fruit tisanes such as the raspberry leaf is a famous fruit tisane. Also, natural flavouring of cocoa and vanilla are usually utilized in making fruit or berry tisanes.
Do you want to level up the brightness or acidity of your fruit tisane? Then, just add citrus rinds of lemon or orange to the tisane. You could add fruit pieces along with herbs or roots to balance a blend of home-made tisane.
4. Toasted grain Tisane
This kind of tisane, wherein the whole grain is toasted would create very mild tones that are yet distinctly savoured. The usual whole grains include barley and its version, such as Agua de cebada which is blended along with lemon, sugar, or lime juice to taste. The grains that were steeped could be strained before consumption or could be left in the drink. Remember the dry grains need to be toasted before adding them to the drink, to take complete advantage of the natural oils that are released during the cooking process.
5. Seed/ Spice and roots Tisane
Cardamom, cinnamon, cloves are the major spices that deliver huge flavour in a tisane tea. Using these spices in the crushed form along with fennel seeds and star anise or liquorice in a tisane is basically an exercise of balance. Using too much of it would cause the tisane to have an extremely unpleasant bitter taste, therefore, adding the perfect and correct amount of spice could truly enhance the character of these nutritional ingredients harmoniously.
Lastly, as we have understood the variants of tisane tea and even the health benefits they provide, next let us know how you can brew the perfect cup of Tisane tea.
Brewing the perfect cup — Tisane tea recipes
Tisane tea should usually be prepared as an infusion or a decoction. Do you want to know about the methods to make the tea by an infusion or decoction? Keep reading on!
Infusions
Infusions are the usual style of making tea, which is followed by most people globally. This is done by pouring boiling water over the tea leaves or the plant matter. This method is also called steeping.
Decoction
In the decoction hot method, the material of the plant or the leaves of your favourite tisane tea needs to be placed in the boiling water. The water is not poured over, here the ingredient releases the essential oils and flavour they possess gradually into the water they are placed in.
Did you know this method of brewing tisane tea is usually followed for plant matter or ingredients having tough surfaces or smaller surface areas? This is the reason why you would notice that tisane tea with leaf, flower seed type is generally steeped or infused. On the other hand, bark, root, and berry-based tisane teas are generally made as decoctions.
Time and proportion
The amount of time taken and the brewing proportions of tisane teas widely vary. They could be quite short as less than two minutes or maybe longer as much as 15 minutes for a few Tisane teas. Some may need just a pinch of the ingredient or the plant material for every cup of water or some could also need as much as several tablespoons for each cup. Remember to read the instructions supplied by the vendor, and follow the same.
Remember to never use an Aluminum pot or vessel to prepare the Tisane tea. Aluminium is a highly reactive metal, it could react with the ingredient present in your Tisane tea and end up becoming an extremely toxic beverage. Also, before including Tisanes in your daily diet, make sure to consult your general practitioner to avoid any unseen negative consequences.
Which is the best Tisane? teakruthi's top Tisane recommendation
Pure Ceylon Moringa leaves Tisane
This “herbal tea” is a caffeine-free tisane which allows you to enjoy a healthy hot beverage without enduring the energizing effects of caffeine. This exceptional herbal tea boasts many health benefits and is a tea that is native to South Asia. Grown in its native countryside, this herbal tea soaks up nutritional and health benefits from the very land it’s grown in.
Brewing quickly for a herbal tea, you can enjoy the health benefits of this tisane in just a matter of minutes. While this tea has no caffeine the delicate bitters provide the invigoration along with the health benefits. Moringa Glory brews to a dark yellow colour.
About the author
0 comments