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.
Related Blogs
Well Known Chinese Herbal Teas
December 7, 2009 by ChineseTea
Filed under Chinese Tea For Weight Loss
Some times called Tisanes, Chinese herbal tea is technically not really tea at all! They are actually infusions that have been created with herbs. Teas are typically made with the wonderful Camelia Sinensis herb. Extracting the essences of the herbs can be done by steeping it with hot water.
Traditionally, Chinese herbal tea is used for the medicinal and healing properties. Of course, there are many such teas that are simply enjoyed due to their flavors! China has always been known for its production of medicinal herbs. Which is a of the reason that herbals teas have increased in their popularity.
The Benefits in Chinese Herbal Tea.
They are a caffeine free method to get all of the benefits that the Chinese herbal teas have to offer. On top of that many of the teas have comforting and soothing effects. A couple of the most popular herbal teas are Chrysanthemum and Rosebud.
In China, both Chrysanthemum and Rosebud teas are thought of as woman’s herb. However, they are a useful digestive aid. Every person who enjoys teas will love the fresh and floral flavors of this rosebud tea! Chrysanthemum tea is well known and has been used for a long time to aid in cooling your body and reduction in fevers and a very unique flavor.
As there is no caffeine at all, Chinese herbal tea is wonderful to have before bed time or during other times when you should avoid caffeine.
The Fantastic Floral Herbal Teas!
Flower teas are some of the most popular of the Chinese herbal tea. Like most herbal teas, these are great caffeine free teas that have many different benefits! Most of the teas have a number of different flavors and are some of the easiest ways to calm and sooth your body.
In no particular order, these are some of the most popular teas:
Wild New York Ginseng — This is for those that really value the untamed growing conditions that the roots ripen in. This is yet another of the well recognized Chinese herbal teas. It’s said that each individual root develops an appearance and personality all of its own due to the rugged conditions that it grows in. The size and the age can greatly vary, and some of these very wild roots start out small, while some of the larger roots may be younger than the small ones. These roots can live for well over seven years.
Carnation Flower — This tea that is brewed from the beautiful red flowers is known to help re-establish the energies of your body. Also, its extensively used for relaxing.
Yunnan Flower Bud — This Chinese herbal tea grows, in the old forests of Yunnan, as its name implies. This very rare flower is typically a local Yunnan drink.
Chrysanthemum Herbal — This delisious tea contains a very gentile sweetness as well as being thought of as being extremely refreshing. Amongst the many well known cooling infusions of tea this is a good choice.
Kuding Pearl — The leaves of this variety of tea are rolled to form big pieces, which is just a reason for its name of “one leafed tea”. Another reason it’s been named “one leafed” is due to of the idea that only single leaf of the tea is desired to aid in healing a great number of ailments.
Forget Me Not Flower — This creates a mildly grassy flavored tea. Known to help with your lungs. It’s well known for its wonderful purple flowers.
Jasmine Bud Flower — This Chinese blend of herbal tea, it’s created entirely of the small yet beautiful Jasmine flowers that are yet to bloom.
Gongju Herbal — The Gongju flower is well known for its relaxing and soothing qualities and brews a smooth and nice tasting herbal tea.


