Tea I know... what is a Tisane?

Tea” is an actual plant. Tisanes are drinks made with other plant materials. Infusions are plant materials steeped in hot water. As a herbalist I know that getting a person to stick to a regimen and consistently take the treatment needed is a most difficult step.

Often infusions (teas for want of a better word) are the simplest and easiest form for people to try. It’s comfort and healing in a cup… these are in fact “tisanes” as they do not contain any “tea” – tea is it’s own plant matter. And now you know!

Sweetpea Creations offers a variety of blends to suit what troubles you, and as always custom blends can be made up for individual tastes and needs. Of course many of us drink herbal 'teas' just for pleasure and because we don't want caffeine. At the same time isn't it interesting to understand what your favourite herbal blend is actually doing for your body?

Here’s a sample of the plant infusion materials and what they are known for:

Burdock Root: Anti-oxidant, improves liver health, anti-inflammatory, contains potassium to help lower blood pressure, decongestant

Catnip: Indigestion, bloating, cramping, anxiety, nervousness, insomnia

Catmint: Coughs, congestion, menstrual cramps, anxiety

Chamomile: Anti-inflammatory, Sedative, Anti-anxiety, Digestive relaxant, Boosts immunity, Cold relief, Eases muscle spasms and menstrual pain, Anti-oxidant, Prevents dandruff

Cinnamon: Anti-inflammatory, reduces cholesterol, reduces blood pressure, warming, improves sensitivity to insulin (helps Type 2 diabetes), lowers blood sugar, may help with neurodegenerative disease, anti-bacterial, fights fungal infections, increases appetite, aphrodisiac

Common Sage: Digestive problems, bloating, heartburn, anti-depressive, memory loss, over productions of saliva and perspiration, night sweats, sore throats

Damiana: Aphrodisiac, tonic for central nervous system, relaxant, support urinary tract function

Elderberry: Anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, Vitamin C, for coughs and colds, flu, immune support

Ginger: Relieves nausea, improves digestion, reduces inflammation, fights respiratory problems, improves blood circulation, relieves menstrual discomfort, strengthens immunity, relieve stress

Hibiscus: Lowers blood pressure, diuretic, relieves cramping and regulates menstrual flow, antioxidant, high in Vitamin C and many minerals

Lemon Balm: Anti-anxiety, insomnia, upset stomach, headaches, fever reduction, cold sores, nervousness, alleviate stress

Lemon Verbena: Boosts immune system, aids in weight loss, helps regulate appetite, reduce fevers, respiratory congestion, reduce joint pain, relieve menstrual cramps, soothes sore throat

Nettle: Good for prostate, relieves allergies, strengthens bones, used for pain and inflammation, overall tonic, lowers blood pressure, soothes skin irritations, remedy for urinary tract infections, strengthens immune function

Orange Peel: Anti-cancer, improves lung health, helps in weight loss, boosts eye health, aids digestion, fights inflammation, lowers blood pressure, Vitamin C, soothes headaches

Passionflower: Sleep disorders, anxiety, pain, fibromyalgia, ADHD, relieving opiod withdrawal symptoms

Red Clover: For respiratory issues (cough, bronchitis, asthma), anti-inflammatory, arthritis, menopausal symptoms, high cholesterol, blood thinning

Red Raspberry Leaf: Anti-inflammatory, menstrual cramps, mild diarrhea, sore throat, gastro-intestinal disorders

Rosehips: High in Vitamin C, rich in anti-oxidants, reduce blood pressure, improve blood flow,, reduce pain and inflammation, rich in compounds to protect your skin, aids digestion, lower cholesterol

Rose petals: known to help in weight loss and helping to curb appetite

A sample of my apothacary

Teas/Tisanes are sold in loose leaf form in recloseable bags, generally at 50g. Most infusions will require a tablespoon of material to 1 cup of water.

A crowd favourite and so yummy! It's not just for the afternoon..