Did you know, herbal tea, unlike your regular tea does not contain any caffeine? Herbal tea is an infusion of different herbs and/or spices in boiling water. You can make an herbal decoction using herbs, roots or even spices , omitting the tea powder or leaves. Peppermint, ginger, coriander seeds, tulsi are a few examples of herbs and spices, that you can make this tea out of. Herbal tea comes loaded with many health benefits, and tastes delicious too.
In China tea is pronounced as ‘tu’ means a bitter herb. If you have ever tasted tea leaves or grounded tea grains, you know the taste. In the Mandarin language the word is ‘cha,’ and that’s how it became ‘chai’ in India.
Initially, tea was not a leisure drink, and was used for its health benefits. Tea leaves were boiled in the water to prepare a concentrated drink, like medicine. As the centuries passed, just like everything else, tea making techniques evolved too. Herbal tea makes a perfect choice of beverage for the start of your day, makes a warm drink to have before you go to bed, and makes a fine choice of drink to have in between your meals too. Herbal tea is perfect for sipping on your work desk, make a decoction at home, pour it into an insulated tumbler and carry along with you when you leave the house. You will have a warm and refreshing beverage to sip and enjoy!
Health Benefits of Herbal Tea
Herbal tea is rich in antioxidants, which prevent free radical damage and reduce cell damage. Herbal tea improves digestion, breaking down the fat in the digestive tract. It helps in relieving constipation too.
Ingredients
cups water: 4
tsp black tea powder: 2
tsp crushed ginger: 1/2
cardamom (crushed): 3
strand lemon grass: 1
mint leaves: 4
basil leaves (tulsi): 3
cup milk: 3/4
tsp sugar: 8
How To Make Herbal Tea
- To a pan or vessel, add water, tea powder, cardamom, ginger, mint leaves, basil leaves, and sugar.
- Boil for 8 – 10 minutes or until the infusion turns fragrant.
- Strain the tea into cups using a strainer.
- Serve hot in an insulated tumbler.
Did You Know?
Tea is the most consumed manufactured drink in the world, equaling all other beverages coffee, chocolate, soft drinks, and alcohol combined.