Did you know that most herbal teas on the market place are not tea at all? Regular teas are actually made with leaves from an evergreen tree known as Camellia sinensis. Herbal teas, more properly known as tisane, are only infusions made with herbs, flowers, roots, spices or other parts of plants and consequently are all caffeine-free.

Since herbal tea does not contain tea leaves and tea leaves are the only ingredient containing polyphenols (an antioxidant), drinking herbal tea does not have similar health-promoting properties. Herbal tea does promote other various health qualities such as relaxation and calming effects.

Do not confuse the two. Some are regular teas flavored with fruit and therefore containing polyphenoals and caffeine. Hence, it is important to thoroughly read the labels when choosing a herbal tea product. (Sorry if this news comes too late – better late than never)