A variety of dried herbal tea ingredients, including sage, rosemary, and green leaves, displayed in glass bowls, showcasing the natural freshness and diversity of herbal teas.

A Comprehensive Guide to Herbal Tea: Benefits, Types, and Chinese Herbal Tea

Written by: Camille Liu

March 8, 2025

Time to read 5 min

Introduction

Herbal tea has been cherished for centuries as a soothing, natural remedy with various health benefits. Unlike traditional tea, which comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, herbal teas are made from dried flowers, herbs, fruits, and spices.

These caffeine-free infusions offer a wide range of flavors and therapeutic properties, making them a favorite choice for tea lovers around the world. In this article, we will explore the history, benefits, and popular types of herbal tea, with a special focus on Chinese herbal tea, a significant component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

What is Herbal Tea?

Herbal tea, also known as tisane, is an infusion made by steeping various plant materials in hot water. Unlike black, green, oolong, or white tea, which are derived from the tea plant, herbal teas contain no caffeine and are known for their diverse flavors and medicinal properties.

People have been drinking herbal teas for centuries, not only for their pleasant taste but also for their healing qualities. Ancient civilizations, including those in Egypt, China, and India, used herbal infusions to treat illnesses, improve digestion, and promote relaxation.

A glass cup of herbal tea infused with vibrant dried flowers and aromatic herbs, surrounded by fresh blossoms and leaves on a rustic wooden table, highlighting the beauty and natural ingredients of herbal tea.

A glass cup of aromatic herbal tea with floating dried flowers and fresh herbs, placed on a rustic wooden board surrounded by scattered herbal ingredients, creating a warm and soothing atmosphere.

Health Benefits of Herbal Tea

Herbal teas provide a variety of health benefits, depending on the ingredients used. Some of the most notable advantages include:

Rich in Antioxidants – Many herbal teas contain powerful antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Supports Digestion – Certain herbs, like ginger and peppermint, can alleviate digestive discomfort, bloating, and nausea.
Boosts Immunity – Herbal teas made from echinacea, ginger, or elderberry can help strengthen the immune system and fight infections.
Promotes Relaxation and Sleep – Chamomile, valerian root, and lavender teas are known for their calming effects, helping to reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
Aids Weight Loss – Some herbal teas, such as hibiscus and dandelion, can help with weight management by boosting metabolism and reducing water retention.
Improves Heart Health – Hibiscus tea, in particular, has been found to lower blood pressure and support cardiovascular health.
Detoxification – Many herbal teas, like dandelion and nettle tea, act as natural detoxifiers, helping to cleanse the liver and kidneys.

A vibrant cup of herbal tea infused with dried flowers, citrus slices, and fresh herbs, surrounded by scattered chamomile, rose petals, and orange slices on a rustic wooden table, creating a refreshing and aromatic scene.

A rustic ceramic cup filled with herbal tea, steeping with dried flowers and aromatic herbs, placed on a textured surface with scattered petals and tea leaves, evoking a natural and calming atmosphere.

Popular Types of Herbal Tea

Herbal teas come in many different varieties, each offering a unique taste and health benefit. Some of the most popular types include:

1. Chamomile Tea

Flavor: Mild, floral, and slightly sweet.
Benefits: Promotes relaxation, improves sleep, and reduces inflammation.
Best Time to Drink: Before bedtime.

2. Peppermint Tea

Flavor: Cool, refreshing, and minty.
Benefits: Helps with digestion, relieves headaches, and soothes nausea.
Best Time to Drink: After meals.

A glass mug of golden herbal tea surrounded by an assortment of dried flowers, herbs, and glass jars filled with natural ingredients, set on a rustic wooden table in an outdoor setting, highlighting the beauty of botanical tea blends.

3. Ginger Tea

Flavor: Spicy, warm, and slightly sweet.
Benefits: Boosts immunity, relieves nausea, and improves digestion.
Best Time to Drink: In the morning or before meals.

4. Hibiscus Tea

Flavor: Tart, fruity, and slightly sour.
Benefits: Lowers blood pressure, supports heart health, and contains high levels of vitamin C.
Best Time to Drink: Throughout the day.

5. Rooibos Tea

Flavor: Earthy, slightly sweet, and nutty.
Benefits: High in antioxidants, supports skin health, and reduces inflammation.
Best Time to Drink: Anytime, as it is caffeine-free.

6. Echinacea Tea

Flavor: Mildly floral and slightly earthy.
Benefits: Strengthens the immune system and helps prevent colds.
Best Time to Drink: When feeling under the weather.

A steaming cup of herbal tea in a clear glass mug, infused with loose tea leaves and garnished with fresh mint and lavender flowers, set against a warm, natural background with dried herbs and botanicals.

A steaming cup of herbal tea in a clear glass mug, infused with fresh mint and lavender flowers, elegantly placed on a rustic wooden slab, surrounded by delicate blue and purple blossoms.

7. Dandelion Tea

Flavor: Bitter, earthy, and grassy.
Benefits: Supports liver function and detoxification.
Best Time to Drink: In the morning or before meals.

Chinese Herbal Tea: A Traditional Healing Beverage

Chinese herbal tea (liang cha, or 凉茶) plays a crucial role in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Unlike Western herbal teas, which are often consumed for relaxation or simple health benefits, Chinese herbal teas are used to treat specific ailments based on TCM principles of yin and yang, qi, and the balance of the body's internal systems.

Key Features of Chinese Herbal Tea

Traditional Medicine Roots – Many Chinese herbal teas are based on recipes from ancient Chinese medical texts.
Healing Properties – These teas are used to cool the body, expel toxins, improve digestion, and enhance overall well-being.
Complex Ingredients – Chinese herbal teas often contain a blend of herbs, roots, seeds, and flowers, such as honeysuckle, chrysanthemum, goji berries, and licorice.

A clear glass cup filled with golden herbal tea, surrounded by an assortment of dried herbs, rose petals, and colorful botanicals on a rustic wooden surface.

Popular Types of Chinese Herbal Tea

1. Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶)

Flavor: Light, floral, and slightly sweet.
Benefits: Clears heat from the body, improves eye health, and relieves headaches.
Best Time to Drink: On hot days or when experiencing eye strain.

2. Honeysuckle Tea (金银花茶)

Flavor: Mildly sweet and floral.
Benefits: Detoxifies the body, fights infections, and reduces inflammation.
Best Time to Drink: When suffering from colds, sore throat, or fever.

3. Ginseng Tea (人参茶)

Flavor: Slightly bitter, earthy, and energizing.
Benefits: Boosts energy, enhances brain function, and supports immune health.
Best Time to Drink: In the morning for an energy boost.

4. Goji Berry Tea (枸杞茶)

Flavor: Mildly sweet and fruity.
Benefits: Supports eye health, strengthens the immune system, and improves skin condition.
Best Time to Drink: Anytime during the day.

5. Licorice Root Tea (甘草茶)

Flavor: Sweet and slightly spicy.
Benefits: Soothes sore throats, improves digestion, and supports respiratory health.
Best Time to Drink: When experiencing a sore throat or digestive discomfort.

6. Five-Flower Tea (五花茶)

Flavor: Slightly bitter with floral notes.
Benefits: Clears body heat, aids digestion, and detoxifies.
Best Time to Drink: In the summer or when feeling overheated.

A glass cup of golden herbal tea placed on a wooden coaster, garnished with fresh lavender and mint leaves, with a jar of dried herbs in the background, creating a soothing and aromatic setting.

A steaming glass cup of herbal tea infused with fresh mint leaves and dried flowers, placed on a rustic wooden table with scattered herbs and petals, evoking a natural and relaxing atmosphere.

7. Luo Han Guo Tea (罗汉果茶)

Flavor: Very sweet and cooling.
Benefits: Soothes sore throats, relieves coughs, and hydrates the body.
Best Time to Drink: When experiencing throat irritation.

How to Brew Herbal Tea

Regardless of the type of herbal tea, proper brewing ensures the best flavor and maximum benefits. Here are general brewing guidelines:

Use Fresh, Filtered Water – Avoid using tap water, which may contain chlorine or impurities.
Boil Water to the Right Temperature – Most herbal teas require water temperatures between 90-100°C (194-212°F).
Steep for the Right Time – Herbal teas generally need 5-10 minutes to extract all beneficial compounds.
Cover While Brewing – This helps retain essential oils and aroma.
Strain and Enjoy – Sweeteners like honey can be added if desired.

A rustic ceramic cup filled with aromatic herbal tea, surrounded by dried herbs, chamomile flowers, lavender, and colorful petals on a wooden slab, creating a calming and natural tea-drinking ambiance.

Conclusion

Herbal tea is a delightful and health-promoting beverage enjoyed worldwide. Whether you’re sipping chamomile for relaxation, ginger for digestion, or a traditional Chinese herbal tea for its healing benefits, there’s a herbal infusion for everyone.

Chinese herbal tea, in particular, stands out due to its deep roots in TCM and its targeted healing properties. Whether you want to buy herbal tea for general wellness or specific health benefits, incorporating these natural infusions into your daily routine can be a valuable step toward better health.

For those looking to explore herbal teas, consider trying a variety of blends to discover what works best for your body and taste preferences. Whether it’s Western herbal infusions or Chinese puer tea, the world of herbal tea offers endless possibilities for wellness and enjoyment.