People have been drinking herb teas for thousands of years. Records have been found in ancient Egypt and ancient China discussing the consumption of herbal teas in the olden times. Nowadays, people are still enjoying this wonderful drink the world over.
Herb teas are plant or herbal infusions steeped in boiling water. They are not just made of herbs but can also be made of dried fruits, leaves, seeds, roots, fresh or dried flowers. They are sometimes referred to as tisane, from the Greek word for a pearl barley drink. It is also called ptisan. In China, it is known in Cantonese as liong cha or in Mandarin as liang cha. Liong cha or liang cha means cooling tea, since it is used to cool down the body when a person is sick or overheated.
Herb teas are a delicious and flavorful daily drink. They are often consumed for their numerous health benefits. They also have therapeutic properties that help heal the body. They contain lots of antioxidants, which help prevent diseases and health problems. Antioxidants are known to increase life span and lower the risk of neurological problems and heart disease.
There are many health benefits to herb teas. They are natural and there are often organic kinds. Unlike true teas (like black tea, oolong tea, green tea), most herb teas do not contain any caffeine at all. Some are stimulants and can be used as a substitute for coffee. They keep the mind alert and concentrated. Others are soothing, relaxing and calming which can help with sleep problems. Depending on the variety, they also help with digestion, ease upset stomach, colic and loss of appetite. Others have a lot of vitamin c and can boost the immune system. They can also alleviate cold and flu symptoms. Some are also used to cure sore throats. Others help with concentration.
They can typically be bought prepared in herbal tea bags, but you can also buy them loose-leaf or bulk so you can blend them yourself. You can drink them hot or cold, so you can enjoy them all year long. To make tea, simply put the teabag or tea in a cup and pour boiled water on top of it. Then let it steep for a few minutes. To make them cold, simply brew as normal, then add ice or refrigerate. They are great for any mood or occasion.
They are a great alternative drink to plain water, as well as coffee, soda and other drinks. They are zero-calorie or are near-zero calorie but are flavorful. Some teas are bitter, so most people prefer theirs sweetened with sugar or honey. For a low-calorie sweetener, you can also try stevia, a natural sweetener available in most health food stores. If you prefer your tea sweet, you can try cinnamon or anise hyssop which are naturally sweet. You can also blend different plants to get the best flavor.
Herb teas are delicious and can be consumed every day. Enjoy a good cup of herb tea today!
