Did you know...

Herbal tea is surging in popularity thanks to positive publicity surrounding herbal tea benefits and the vast array of delectable flavors available to consumers. When you enjoy herbal tea each day, you are actually consuming an herbal infusion – also known as a tisane – rather than actual brewed "tea."

Herbal infusions look like tea and are brewed in boiling water like tea – yet they do not come from the Camellia sinensis bush, the plant from which all teas are made. Instead, tisanes are made from carefully planned and measured mixtures of botanicals. An herbal infusion may contain select dried leaves, pieces of ripe fruit, flowers, grasses, nuts, barks, seeds or other botanicals that give them their taste and contribute to an array of folk and researched-based herbal tea benefits.

Following are some of the herbs and botanicals found in tisanes.

Allspice is said to help soothe the common cold and relieve upset stomachs
Chamomile is known for its calming attributes said to have a host of anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties that help relieve and ward off a variety of maladies.
Chrysanthemum provides a sweet tasting brew and is supposed to help reduce body heat resulting from fever. It also is known to help protect against liver damage and neutralize toxins in the body.
Cinnamon has a calming effect and is thought to support healthy circulation and digestion.
Fennel has been used for centuries as a digestive aid and to soothe upper respiratory problems.
Ginger is a centuries old herbal remedy used to treat a wide range of health concerns from nausea and colds to indigestion and migraine headaches.
Ginseng is believed to stimulate vitality and help the body stay healthy.
Hawthorne has been used to strengthen the heart and increase blood flow.
Hibiscus has shown to help reduce high blood pressure and soothe menstrual cramps.
Lemongrass is used frequently in teas for its calming properties.
Parsley has a diuretic effect and is purported to help with kidney function.
Peppermint is thought to have greater stress-relieving attributes than chamomile tea and help with stomach and digestive issues. It also helps freshen breath.
Raspberry Leaf helps with colds, sore throats, canker sores and diarrhea. In addition, drinking raspberry leaf tea may also keep nails, bones, teeth and skin healthy.
Sarsaparilla is said to promote energy and healthy skin.
Slippery Elm has properties that help relieve stomach cramps and other gastrointestinal problems.
Other health benefits of herbal tea are:

• Achieve a more calm, relaxed state of mind
• Support heart health
• Aid with stomach and digestive problems
• Provide cleansing properties for the body
• Promote energy and wellness

• Helps strengthen the immune system
• Lowers cholesterol
• Promotes a healthy heart and increases red blood cell production
• Helps relieve the symptoms of arthritis
• Rids the body of toxins and supports the absorption of natural fluids
• Increases energy and state of mind
• May also relieve the onset of migraines due to anti-inflammatory properties