- published: 13 Nov 2014
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An herbal tea, tisane, or ptisan is a herbal or plant infusion and usually not made from the leaves of the tea bush (Camellia sinensis). Like brews made of the tea bush, such infusions are prepared by combining hot water and fruits, leaves, roots or grains. The resulting drink can be served hot or cold. Herbal tea has been used for nearly as long as written history extends[citation needed]. Documents have been recovered dating back to as early as Ancient Egypt and Ancient China that discuss the enjoyment and uses of herbal tea[citation needed]. Among Chinese, herbal tea is commonly known as liang cha (Chinese: 涼茶; Mandarin Pinyin: liáng chá; Jyutping: loeng4 caa4).
The English word "tisane" originates from the Greek word πτισάνη (ptisanē), a drink made from pearl barley. The Chinese term liang cha, means cooling tea, and the Chinese drink it to cool down the body when it was overheated due to weather or sickness.
Herbal teas can be made with fresh or dried flowers, leaves, seeds or roots, generally by pouring boiling water over the plant parts and letting them steep for a few minutes. Seeds and roots can also be boiled on a stove. The tisane is then strained, sweetened if so desired, and served. Many companies produce herbal tea bags for such infusions.