Varieties of Herbal Tea from China
January 3, 2010 by ChineseTea
Filed under About Chinese Herbal Teas
The Chinese call their herbal teas Tisanes. These are infusions of various herbs rather than of the tea plant, but they are used in the same way, by steeping the leaves in hot water. There is a long tradition in China of using plants for medicinal purposes, but they have often also been appreciated for their flavor. These teas are now readily available outside of China too. They also offer a delicious, caffeine-free alternative to normal tea, and are believed to have a relaxing effect on the drinker so are ideal for drinking in the evening.
Infusions of Chrysanthemum with or without Rosebuds are often considered to be women’s drinks in China, but they also have a reputation for improving the digestion. Their flowery taste is very different to normal teas, with the Chrysanthemum being particularly prized for its sweet, refreshing flavor, and having been used traditionally to treat fevers and for its cooling effect.
Other flower based teas are also believed to have a soothing effect. They come in a variety of flavors, such as Gongju flower. Some types are also considered to have their own specific health benefits. Carnation tea, an infusion of striking red flowers, is thought to re-energize the drinker, for example. Forget-Me-Not tea is made from equally attractive purplish-blue flowers, and has a mild, almost grassy taste. It is also supposed to have a beneficial effect on the lungs. A more unusual blend is Yunnan tea, which consists of rare flowers from this region of China, where it is commonly drunk. Jasmine tea is one of the most popular blends, with the highest quality varieties being made from just the tiny unopened buds of Jasmine. Its flavor is very sweet, making it an ideal introduction to drinking herbal tea.
Ginseng is another well known herbal tea. It is made from the aromatic roots of a wild-growing plant. The taste can vary quite a bit as different roots will have their own unique properties. They also very a lot in their appearance, and have often been growing for more than seven years by the time they are harvested. Some older roots will be very small and gnarled, while there are younger ones that are quite large. This variation is caused by differences between individual plants and in the growing conditions.
Another interesting variety of tea is Kuding Pearl. This can be a bit of an acquired taste as many people find it somewhat bitter. It also looks different from the other teas described here as it is made from leaves that have been rolled up into large “pearls”. This is a very ancient variety of tea in China, and it is believed to have numerous health benefits and healing properties for a variety of illnesses.
If you would like to try some herbal teas then it is a good idea to experiment with a number of different varieties in order to find out which suit your own tastes. The flower teas are particularly good when you have visitors as they are usually quite sweet and easy to drink, and they add some color to the table. The unusual taste of some of these teas can be off-putting at first, but many people find that when they get used to it they actually enjoy the unique flavors- in the same way that children often dislike tea or coffee when they first try it. Herbal teas are particularly good if you are looking for a healthier alternative to your usual hot drink, as they have no caffeine in them, and the huge range of types and flavors means you will be able to discover one that you enjoy.
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Herbal Teas of Chinese Origin
April 14, 2009 by ChineseTea
Filed under About Chinese Herbal Teas
Herbal teas of Chinese origin are really not true teas, in that they are infused with herbs and are not derived of the Camelia Sinensis plant form. Steeping them, allows the herbs to be pulled from them.
Usually, these kinds of teas are used by the Chinese for their health benefits. But, they are also liked and used just for their flavors and taste. Presently, these can be widely purchased in the country as they produce thousands of different herbs.
Herbal teas from China give individuals who like to drink tea, many a choice by offering them a health caffeine free beverage. Herbals teas that are geared to be comforters and help you de-stress are teas such as Chrysanthemum and rosebud.
These two types of tea are known as an herbs mostly used by the female sex but, Chrysanthemum tea has been known to help anyone who has digestive problems. This tea has properties that when described has a cooling effect and aids in the reduction of fever. Light and delicate is the taste of the Chrysanthemum tea.
Herbal teas are usually great choices before one goes to bed, in that it will not keep you awake like coffee or soft drinks will.
China has a variety of herbal teas and we cannot fail to mention the flower teas. Teas such as these offer teas that will calm, soothe and have no caffeine. They also have a wide birth of flavors and taste.
There is really quite a nice list of well known teas that are of the flower nature. There is the Carnation tea that is said to restore the bodies energy. The Chrysanthemum we have already gone over. The Gongju herbal tea has the ability to relax the body. The jasmine tea is a sweet one and has no caffeine. Forget Me Not tea lends a welcoming hand to the lungs and has a smooth, but earthy taste. And Yunnan tea is a flower that is known for being rare and has no caffeine.
The Wild New York tea is an herbal tea that works for the individual who is thankful for the place of it’s growth. Due to the terrain in which it grows, the roots of this herb have a particular look to them. The herbs root system is made up of tiny, long lived roots. They can live in upwards of ten years or close to it.
And last but not least we have Kuding Pearl tea. Individuals who have ventured to drink a spot of this tea, claim a very bitter taste. This teas leaves are process into big marble sized pearl shapes. Only a single leaf is needed for it’s healing properties to work. It’s leaves are of very old decent and holds your attention.


