12/3/20

How to Choose and Prepare Herbal Teas

Tea
How to Choose and Prepare Herbal Teas

Herbal teas have been popular for centuries, partly thanks to their benefits and delicious blends. Offering a perfect accompaniment to our breaks throughout the day, these infusions can even be effective remedies against countless daily aches and pains!

 

The History of Herbal Tea, an Ancestral Beverage

Herbal teas are some of the oldest remedies in the world! The Egyptians, the Greeks, and the Romans brewed plants to make treatments. In the Middle Ages, doctors prescribed herbal teas made using medicinal plants. And in the 17th century, people would drink infusions to boost fertility. 

 

Different Plants, Different Benefits

Discover the benefits of leading herbal tea ingredients and learn how to take care of yourself using plants.

 

Lavender, a Journey Through Provence

Its fragrance conjures up images of Southern France, and is an ideal scent for your home. However, lavender is also used in teas. You can enjoy it in Blossom in Lov, our herbal tea with floral notes to be enjoyed throughout the day!

 

Hibiscus, Staying Slim

This superb pink flower is also renowned for its detoxifying, slimming effects. Hibiscus teas help with digestion, making them the perfect drink after a meal. 

 

Mint, a Cure for Digestive Problems

If you struggle after every meal, green mint and peppermint help digestion and ease digestive cramps.

 

Herbal Teas for Pregnant Women

As they are free from caffeine, which increase fetal heart rates, herbal teas are perfect for pregnant women. They can keep you hydrated all day long and are a great excuse for an indulgent break.

We recommend mint, lemon balm, ginger, raspberry, and rooibos. And to stay refreshed and full of vitamins during the summer, don’t forget to indulge in fruit-infused water!

During pregnancy, there are a few things to remember before sampling a delicious herbal tea. Make sure you avoid the following plants:

  • Sage, ginseng, licorice, and hops contain phytoestrogen.
  • Yarrow, milfoil, and mugwort can be dangerous for babies.
  • Aloe vera and senna can cause constipation.
  • Belladonna, crocus, poppy, and Madagascar periwinkle contain alkaloids, a toxic substance for babies.

After giving birth, opt for blends with aniseed, which helps with breast feeding. 

While we’re on the subject, do you know when to get the most out of herbal tea?

 

When should you drink herbal tea?

In the morning, we recommend energizing plants such as ginger. Enjoy your breakfast with a fruit infusion for their delicately sweet flavor.

After lunch, it’s better to drink herbal teas made with plants that encourage digestion

In the afternoon, indulge in a delicious break with a fruity tea. AquaRosa is perfect for relaxing thanks to its red fruits and notes of hibiscus.

In the evening, you can try out some relaxing blends. We advise lemon balm, chamomile, or verbena.

From morning to night, you can have as many rooibos infusions as you want!

 

Rooibos, a Delicious Blend

Rooibos has been enjoyed for its natural sweetness for at least three centuries by native peoples in South Africa. 

It’s easy to prepare. All you have to do is:

  1. Heat some water to 185°-194°F/85°-90°C.
  2. Pour two teaspoons of rooibos per liter of water into a fine mesh filter (or a rooibos tea bag).
  3. Infuse for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Serve hot or iced.
  5. Enjoy!

Now, how about bringing the best out of your blends?

 

Three Tips for Preparing Your Infusion

Rediscover your favorite infusion with these three simple tips.

1. Iced infusion

When preparing an iced infusion, bring the water to a simmer (194°F/90°C), pour into a mug, and add your tea bag. Leave to infuse then set aside to cool, before placing in the fridge for at least three hours.

2. Decoctions

Decoctions are perfect for extracting the active ingredients from the least soluble parts of plants. Put the blend into some the water and bring to a boil. Allow to simmer for ten minutes in the pan, then filter. 

3. Pairing your infusion

Pair your blends with honey, lemon, or brown sugar. You can even combine all three! Honey is good for the throat; lemon juice is packed with vitamin C and adds a pinch of acidity to sweeter blends; and brown sugar sweetens infusions with a bitter character. As for dessert or a delicious break, why not accompany your herbal tea with a light biscuit selection?

What are your favorite ways to prepare herbal teas? 

 

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