Welcome to the World of Herbal Tea with Cured Leaves Tea Co!

We’ve talked about the hidden delights of white tea, the soothing effects of green tea, and the varied and delicious types of black tea. All of these come from the tea plant (typically Camellia Senensis), but there are a number of teas that don’t actually have any parts of the tea plant in them!

We’re referring to herbal teas, of course, which is a diverse category that includes an enormous number of flavors and options. Herbal tea is typically soothing and has gained popularity in recent years for its unique flavors, origins, and potential health benefits. Let’s take a closer look at the origins, flavor profiles, and health benefits of herbal tea. Maybe you’ll even discover a new and comforting drink to add to your tea collection!

Where does Herbal Tea Come From?

Unlike traditional teas, herbal teas are crafted from a variety of herbs, spices, flowers, and other plant materials, but they do not include actual tea (as mentioned above). As a result, the origin of herbal tea is as diverse as the ingredients used to make it. Herbal tea-like drinks can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where they were used for both medicinal and culinary purposes, drawing from their local flora to craft unique blends.

Today, herbal teas are enjoyed throughout the world, and each region often boasts its distinctive herbal infusions. From chamomile in Egypt to rooibos in South Africa, and hibiscus in the Caribbean, the world of herbal tea has something for just about anyone.

What Does Herbal Tea Taste Like?

One of the most captivating aspects of herbal tea is the sheer diversity of flavors it offers. Depending on the ingredients used, herbal teas can range from sweet and floral to spicy and earthy. What’s more, even if herbal teas have similar ingredients, they may actually taste quite different from each other, as flavors can change based on quantities and ratios of the ingredients used. 

Some common flavors found in herbal teas include:

• Minty and Refreshing: Peppermint and spearmint teas are well-known for their cool and invigorating flavors.
• Floral and Delicate: Chamomile and lavender teas offer a soothing, flowery aroma with a mild and comforting taste.
• Spicy and Warming: Herbal teas like ginger and cinnamon can be spicy and warming, making them a perfect choice for cold winter days.
• Fruity and Sweet: Hibiscus, berry, and fruit-infused herbal teas are bursting with sweetness, making them a popular choice for iced tea and summer refreshment.

The large variety that herbal tea means you can often experiment with new ingredients and flavor profiles while enjoying a caffeine-free alternative to traditional teas.

Is Herbal Tea Good for You?

Just like traditional teas, herbal teas offer a range of potential health benefits, depending on the herbs and spices used. It's important to note that because there is such a wide variety of ingredients in herbal teas, not all the health benefits can be found in every single type. That said, here are a few healthy benefits some herbal teas offer:

Digestive Aid

Herbal teas that contain ginger and peppermint frequently are used to help alleviate digestive discomfort, including indigestion and nausea. In fact, some people like to have a cup of herbal tea after a big meal to help ease digestion.

Relaxation and Stress Relief

Ever have trouble sleeping? Or are you feeling stressed after a long day at work? Chamomile, lavender, and valerian teas might be just what you’re looking for. They typically have soothing properties that can promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety.

Antioxidant Boost

Traditional teas are known for being rich in antioxidants, but many herbal teas pack a healthy dose of them as well. Antioxidants can help protect your cells from oxidative damage caused by cancer or other chronic diseases.

Want to add interesting herbal teas to your collection? We’ve got you covered! Check out our three unique herbal tea blends that are sure to surprise and delight your tastebuds!