Tisane (UK /tɪˈzæn/, US /tɪˈzɑːn/), or "herbal tea", is a catch-all term for any non-caffeinated beverage made from the infusion or decoction of herbs, spices, or other plant material. These drinks are distinguished from caffeinated beverages like coffee, maté and the true teas (black, green, white, yellow, oolong, etc.), or from a decaffeinated tea, in which the caffeine has been removed. In addition to serving as a beverage, many tisanes are also consumed due to a perceived medicinal benefit.
Like brews made from the tea bush (Camellia sinensis), such infusions are prepared by combining hot water and fruits, leaves, roots or grains. The resulting drink can be served hot or cold. Tisanes have been used for nearly as long as written history extends. Documents have been recovered dating back to as early as Ancient Egypt and Ancient China that discuss the enjoyment and uses of tisanes. Among the Chinese, tisanes are commonly known as liang cha (Chinese: 涼茶; Mandarin Pinyin: liáng chá; Jyutping: loeng4 caa4).
Read more about Herbal Tea: Etymology, Medicinal Concerns, Antioxidant Properties, Composition, Popular Culture
Famous quotes containing the word tea:
“An old man drinks tea and reads the newspaper—forgetting age for a moment.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)