Herbal teas have been consumed for centuries in various cultures for their potential health benefits and soothing properties. The origins of herbal tea are deeply intertwined with the history of herbal medicine and cultural practices around the world.

The use of herbs for medicinal and culinary purposes dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Chinese, Greeks, and Romans. 

Herbal tea, also known as tisane, is a beverage made by infusing various plant materials — such as dried herbs, flowers, fruits, spices, and other botanical ingredients — in hot water. It is different from true tea, which is derived from the Camellia sinensis plant. 

Rooibos, also known as red bush tea, is an herbal beverage made from the leaves of the plant species Aspalathus linearis which is native to the Cederberg region of South Africa. Unlike traditional tea, such as black, green, or white tea derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, rooibos is not a true tea but rather an herbal infusion making it naturally caffeine-free.

Rooibos tea has a mild, slightly sweet, and earthy flavor with hints of nuttiness. It's often described as having a smooth and soothing taste.

Rooibos tea has gained popularity worldwide due to its unique flavor, potential health benefits, and its status as a caffeine-free alternative to traditional tea. The leaves of the rooibos plant are harvested, fermented, and dried to create the characteristic reddish-brown leaves used to make the tea.

In addition to traditional red rooibos tea, there is also green rooibos which is the unfermented version.

There is a common misconception that green tea and herbal tea are the same, but they are quite different in their composition, benefits, and types. While herbal green tea does exist, they are not one and the same.

Green tea is derived from the Camellia sinensis plant and needs no additional elements to complete it. Unlike green tea, herbal tea doesn’t use the tea plant. In contrast, herbal teas consist of dried herbs, flowers, fruits, spices, etc.

Since herbal teas are not made using tea leaves, they don't have caffeine, unlike green tea, which has caffeine. However, green tea typically does have the lowest caffeine level of the true teas. The exact caffeine content varies depending on factors such as the type of green tea and brewing time.

Tea drinkers may sometimes add green, black, or oolong tea leaves to herbal teas to enhance their flavor and benefits, but they don’t necessarily have them every time. 

The choice between herbal tea and green tea often depends on personal taste preferences and desired health benefits.

Brewing loose-leaf herbal tea is a simple and enjoyable process that allows you to fully appreciate the flavors and aromas of the herbs.

You should brew your herbal tea with fresh, filtered water for the best flavor. 

You should add about 1 to 2 teaspoons of loose-leaf herbs per 8 ounces (240 ml) of hot water, but adjust according to your taste preferences.

For most herbal teas, you can use boiling water and steep for 5 to 10 minutes. However, more delicate herbs might require lower temperatures and shorter steeping times.

The water temperature and steeping time differs depending on the type of herbal tea, so after the steeping time is up, remove the infuser or basket to stop the brewing process. Give your tea a taste to determine if it has reached your desired strength.

Using a tea infuser or a teapot with a built-in infuser to contain the herbs while steeping can enhance the experience.

We offer many caffeine-free herbal teas since most are naturally caffeine-free. They are perfect for tea lovers who need to avoid caffeine for medical reasons, lifestyle changes, or who simply want a warm drink before bed without the added caffeine. 

Some herbal teas, such as yerba mate and guayusa, contain caffeine due to the plants they are derived from. 

However, our pumpkin chai is a blend of rooibos and black tea, so it does contain caffeine. 

At The Scented Leaf, we offer many different types of herbal teas with a variety of ingredients, aromas, and flavor profiles that each create an exquisite blend. Below we will discuss some of these profiles and give examples of the different teas that match them. 

Sweet and Fruity

If you want a sweet and fruity tea on the indulgent side, we offer many herbal teas with sweet aromas and fruit ingredients. 

Try our pumpkin pie, banana chocolate cake, and chocolate mint for a drink that will taste more like a dessert.

Try our raspberry rooibos, blueberry bliss, or prickly pear blends for a lighter fruity flavor. 

We also have sweet and spicy options with our cinnamon bear and pumpkin chai teas. 

All of our sweet and fruity flavors will tingle your taste buds with delicious flavors.

Floral

If you want a delicious floral blend, you should try our chamomile, herbal relaxation, evening in Missoula, hibiscus breeze, or raspberry rose, which all feature floral notes and other herbs for a relaxing glass of tea that will transport you to a realm of pure tranquility.

Earthy and Herbal

For an Earthy and herbal flavor, try one of our more traditional herbal teas, such as ginger root, pink ribbon peppermint, green rooibos, or Yerba Mate.

For an herbal blend that is sure to bring you comfort for a cozy night in, try our herbal comfort blend.

Many herbal teas offer medicinal qualities, such as calming, throat soothing, and sleep aid properties. Aiding digestion, promoting a good night's sleep, and acting as an anti-inflammatory agent are among their numerous benefits. 

When herbal teas are steeped correctly, the properties of herbs, flowers, and fruits transfer to your cup, leading to health benefits, including cardiovascular disease prevention, weight management, and reduced menstrual pain. 

Various herbal teas can ease stress, tension headaches, and upset stomachs. They may also improve circulation, lower blood pressure, and alleviate allergies, bad cholesterol, weight loss, and kidney stones. Furthermore, they aid in flu prevention and safeguard against cardiovascular diseases and diabetes complications. 

Herbal tea's advantages stem from its diverse ingredients. 

• Hibiscus reduces cardiovascular risks, assists in managing blood pressure, and combats obesity 
• Chamomile tea aids relaxation and sleep 
• Peppermint tea supports digestion
• Ginger tea aids in digestive health and reduces inflammation
• Lemon balm tea offers stress relief
• Rooibos tea provides antioxidants 
• Nettle tea is nutrient-rich and supports the immune system 
• Lavender tea promotes relaxation and stress relief 
• Echinacea tea boosts immunity
• Ginseng tea enhances energy and vitality
• Dandelion tea supports liver health and detoxification
• Lemon verbena tea aids digestion

While herbal teas have potential therapeutic properties, it's recommended to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice. Opting for high-quality, organic loose-leaf herbal teas ensures the best experience and potential health benefits.

Scented Leaf has the best herbal tea that can be shipped straight to your door. Try our loose-leaf herbal tea today, or if you want an iced herbal tea, look for our herbal cold brew packs. 

We also sell green tea, black tea, white tea, oolong tea, and puerh tea to fill all your tea needs.