What is Herbal Tea?

The Most Misunderstood Category.

herbal-tea

Herbal Teas refer to naturally caffeine-free products that are not actually “tea” in the botanical sense. New tea drinkers are surprised to learn that all true tea is made from the leaves of a single plant species: Camellia Sinensis. Confusingly, in Western culture the word “tea” is often used to describe any number of herbs and spices like ginger, peppermint, or chamomile that are brewed and enjoyed like tea.

What About Decaffeinated Tea?

To add to the confusion, decaffeinated teas made from real tea leaves also appear in the mass market. We do not carry decaffeinated teas because the processing involved strips away not only the caffeine, but a fair amount of flavor as well. For that reason, you will not find decaffeinated Camellia Sinensis teas among our Herbal Teas.

There are several popular alternatives to tea that are naturally caffeine free.  For example, Rooibos, or Aspalathus linearis, is a caffeine-free alternative to black and green tea. Rooibos was traditionally harvested by the Khoisan nomadic ethnicities of South Africa and is known for its high levels of oxidants. Dutch settlers used Rooibos, which means “Red Bush” in Dutch, as an alternative to tea in South African during colonial times.
Today, rooibos is grown exclusively in the Cederberg Mountain region of the Western Cape. Rooibos is rich in minerals like iron. Recently, some clinical studies suggest that the flavonoids in rooibos tea can be beneficial in reducing oxidative stress. Aspalathin and nothofagin are the main flavonoids, or type of polyphenols, found in Aspalathus linearis and have stronger anti-oxidative activity than other flavonoids.

Origins of Botanicals

We source non-tea botanicals from six continents to offer artisanal, naturally caffeine-free options. We use premium quality roots, fruits, flowers, seeds, barks, stems and leaves that are often combined with natural plant essential oils and extracts to craft products entirely unique. Like our teas, we source our botanicals directly from organic farms around the world.

Notable Herbal Tea

Our inspiration for herbal tea is global, historical and cultural. Enjoy these offerings and enjoy the international taste experience they offer.

Turmeric Ginger

The awesome, centering energy of golden turmeric root is enhanced by strengthening licorice root and zesty ginger in this Ayurveda inspired blend. Fragrant lemongrass and citrus peels create a lemon drop candy sweetness that balances the pungency of the roots.

Blueberry Rooibos

This Rishi original highlights the robust flavor of rooibos with fruity notes of elderberries, blueberries and hibiscus to create a tart yet sweet herbal blend. Schisandra berries add a layer of aromatic complexity with wild floral notes and cranberry-like tartness.

Peppermint Sage

This rejuvenating blend features sweet peppermint, clarifying sage and calming lavender. A hint of licorice root soothes the throat and elevates the refreshing spa aromatics of the herbs. A cup of perfect tranquility.

More From Tea 101

What is Matcha?

What is Matcha?

Matcha is a traditional Japanese green tea powder produced by stone-milling a shade-grown green tea called tencha into a fine powder…

VIEW JOURNAL

MORE TO DISCOVER

Recipes & Inspiration

Tea & Health

Botanicals

Green Tea

Black Tea

Matcha

White Tea

Oolong Tea

How to Brew Tea

News

Education

Archives