The original ingredients for herbal teas were defined as "all non-woody, aromatic herbaceous plants," but the term now broadly refers to any plants with medicinal, aromatic, or other properties that can be used for health, cooking, or beauty. In China, any liquid obtained by boiling or steeping edible materials in water is习惯ly called "tea." For example, all beverages brewed from tea leaves, despite variations in color, aroma, and flavor, are collectively known as "tea." Beverages made from plants other than the tea plant are named after their primary ingredient, such as Ginseng Tea and Goji Berry Tea. These "teas in name but not in substance" are typically used as health remedies or treatments for ailments rather than as daily drinks, and are therefore generally referred to as "herbal teas." This category includes various southern cooling teas and northern barley teas, among others.
Initially, people used flowers, leaves, stems, roots, bark, fruits, and seeds of these plants for chewing. After identifying the edible parts, they would then boil or steep them in water to extract the juice for drinking, and began to study their therapeutic effects on the human body. The liquids obtained by brewing these parts of the aforementioned plants are called "Herbal Tea" in the West.
Due to the unique properties of different flowers and plants—such as beauty and skincare, detoxifying and clearing the intestines, their pleasant aromas, and the visually delightful sight of blossoms floating in water—they are particularly favored by women. Nutrition experts believe that drinking floral teas can regulate the nervous system, promote metabolism, and boost the body's immunity. Many effective components in these flowers can effectively fade facial spots, reduce acne, and slow skin aging.
Currently, there is a wide variety of herbal teas available on the market. Common types include: Honeysuckle, Rose, Peony Chrysanthemum, Hangzhou White Chrysanthemum, Butterfly Pea Flower, Lily, Goji Berry, Lemon Slices, and Roselle. Each herbal tea has a unique purpose and flavor, making them highly popular.
1. Relieve Stress: For those who are easily stressed or under significant work pressure, lavender tea is an excellent choice. Lavender is a calming aromatic plant that can purify the mind and alleviate headaches and tension. It can be consumed as a tea or used during a bath.
2. Alleviate Asthma Symptoms: Gomphrena has the effect of clearing the liver and calming asthma. However, the gomphrenin in it can cause drowsiness in people without asthma.
3. Calm and Aid Sleep: German chamomile has a particularly calming effect on the nervous system and aids digestion, making it ideal for drinking after meals and before bed. It is the best tea for insomnia patients. Because German chamomile is cooling and bitter, it is best to add a few rock sugar cubes when drinking it.
4. Beauty and Skincare: Rose can promote metabolism, achieving a beautifying effect.
5. Pain Relief: Marigold can reduce menstrual pain and is also a good antiseptic when used externally.
6. Relieve Post-Smoking Discomfort: Violet can protect the bronchi and is especially suitable for smokers. It also has the function of treating constipation.
7. Improve Head-Related Issues: Rosemary can promote blood circulation in the scalp, reduce hair loss, and decrease dandruff. Additionally, it can relieve flatulence, stimulate the nervous system, and improve memory decline.
8. Aid Digestion: Linden tree aids digestion, relieves nervous tension and anxiety, and lowers blood lipids. It is suitable for drinking after meals and before bed.
9. Soothe the Lungs and Resolve Phlegm: Osmanthus can relieve coughs and reduce phlegm, nourish yin, and moisten the lungs.
10. Moisturize the Lungs and Relieve Cough: Lily can moisten the lungs and relieve coughs, calm the mind, and also alleviate stomach pain.
Most of the herbal teas sold worldwide are produced in major herbal tea manufacturing countries such as Germany, France, the UK, Australia, and Canada. Common herbal tea flavors include single-variety herbal teas, blends of multiple herbs, herbal teas with fruit pieces, and spiced herbal teas.
Since herbal teas are caffeine-free and each herb has its own specific effects, it is important to understand the flavors and benefits of various herbal teas before purchasing and to choose one that is suitable for your individual constitution and needs.
It should be noted that each herbal tea has different health benefits. Therefore, without guidance from a professional, one should not arbitrarily mix or combine different types to avoid adverse side effects.