Tisane

A tisane, also called herbal tea or fruit tea, is not to be confused with true teas which come from the Camellia Sinensis plant.  Tisanes are made from a variety of botanicals including, herbs, flowers, fruits, leaves, roots, seeds or bark. They are often enjoyed for their therapeutic effect, in addition to their delightful flavor and aroma. Like tea, they are steeped, prepared and served in the same way using tea ware. However, steeping times do tend to be longer, especially when drinking the infusion for medicinal purposes.

Long before doctors and pharmaceuticals existed there were healers and herbal remedies.   Healers used the world around them to first and foremost prevent illness and then to cure ailments. Today, many people are choosing to return to this natural state of being and use natural remedies such as tisanes to help with illness rather than pharmaceuticals. It’s not a far- fetched idea; roughly 70% of today’s drugs are derived from natural substances. Plus, not only do herbal remedies treat the symptoms, they also cure the underlying weakness, thus preventing future illness. Please remember to consult a physician first or for serious conditions.

To purchase and enjoy soothing and nourishing tisanes, please go to our Tisane Menu.

Below is a list of commonly used botanicals in tisanes and their benefits and best use.

Anise:  Anise is an ancient, much valued herb that makes a lovely garden plant. As a tea, it improves digestion, freshens breath, and relieves nausea. Taken by nursing mothers, it stimulates and improves milk production and has been known to help ease a colicky baby with just a few sips. 

Chamomile:  Adorned with flowers, chamomile contains traces of vitamin A, high levels of calcium and magnesium, potassium, iron, manganese and zinc. The herb can help restore an exhausted nervous system and is indispensable for calming the mind and relaxing the nerves in times of stress.

Cinnamon:  Native to southern China, cinnamon is an evergreen tree with many benefits. Used as a mouthwash, it freshens breath. It can be used as a wash to treat fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot, and in the bath to relieve chills and sore muscles. As a steam inhalation, it helps colds, coughs, and a sore throat.

Ginger:   The Chinese have been using ginger roots as medicine for thousands of years. Most commonly used to prevent motion sickness, the root can be prepared as a compress and applied to the body, relieving all types of sores and arthritis.

Honeybush:   Grown only on the mountain tops of the Eastern Cape of South Africa, this herb shares many of the same qualities of the Rooibos. It contains no caffeine and, when served hot, emits a distinct honey sent.

Lavender:   Lavender is one of the oldest known herbs to Americas, introduced to the continent by the Pilgrims. They used it to “guard their health in the new world.” Two common uses of Lavender are headache relief and skin healing and rejuvenation. It can disinfect acne and helps with the repair of skin tissue.

Lemongrass:   This is a very mild herb that gives off a very pungent lemon aroma when blended. 

Peppermint:   Peppermint has been used in Egypt since ancient times. Today, the herb can be used to help calm the stomach. It eliminates nausea, helps ease heartburn, and relieves stomach cramps.

Raspberry:  This is known as the “woman’s herb.” Raspberry tea has the ability to strengthen the uterine wall, relieve labor pains, and prevent miscarriages. But it’s not just for woman. Men can also use this herb to treat fevers, colds, and the flu.

Rosemary:  Originating along the coast of the Mediterranean, rosemary has many medical uses. It has been used to fight bronchial infections, as well as to treat anxiety, asthma, depression, poor circulation, stress, and high blood pressure.

Rooibos:  Rooibos is often inaccurately referred to as red tea, though it is actually a tisane from the plant Aspalathus linearis. At the turn of the nineteenth century, Rooibos was discovered by locals in the Cedarberg region of South Africa’s Western Cape. Rooibos is renowned for its high antioxidant levels and absolute lack of caffeine. Left on its own or blended with other botanicals, this steeped beverage can be enjoyed hot or iced by tea lovers of all ages. When the leaves and stem of the Rooibos herbs are chopped and dried, they contain over forty polyphenol compounds that, when used topically, can relieve acne, diaper rash, and eczema.

Sage:  The Chinese use to say “Sage for Old Age.” This herb is high in nutrients to tone the body, and contains large amounts of antioxidants that help prevent premature aging. Sage can also be used as an antibiotic to fight respiratory infections, colds, tonsillitis, and congestion. 

Yerba Mate:  This herb, known as the “high energy tonic,” can be found in a traditional drink throughout South America. Studies show that it increases your physical, mental, and even sexual energy.