When asked to choose between a tea ou herbal teaHowever, some people remain undecided, as they haven't mastered the subtleties of these hot beverages. So how can we make a coherent choice according to our needs? While for some, these are vile beverages often associated with tasteless boiled water, for others, they are noble, wise beverages, sometimes with therapeutic virtues. Indeed, whether you choose tea or herbal tea, the subtleties and differences are not the same!

"Tea is every thinker's favorite beverage."

Thomas De Quincey

The history of tea

Tea has a legend and a history that stems from a culture and an important growth over the eras. Strangely enough, tea was born out of a clumsy mistake.

Indeed, over 3 millennia ago, Shen Nong - China's mythical emperor - was wisely preparing boiling water when a few leaves fell into his simmering water. Out of curiosity, the emperor tasted this flavored water, and it was a real discovery.

Quite simply, tea was introduced as an aromatic beverage . At the time, no therapeutic virtues were associated with this hot beverage. And yet, the various types of tea known today make it possible to include these beverages in everyday life, helping the body towards well-being and, in some cases, healing.

Tea or coffee?

Some prefer the full-bodied flavour of coffee while others prefer the delicate taste of a cup of tea.

Although brewed for therapeutic purposes, tea also embodies a bitterness that stimulates the whole organism. Generally enjoyed in the morning to give a boost to a body still asleep, coffee contains a sufficient dose of caffeine to wake up the most apathetic.  

At the same time, tea also has a stimulating effect on the body through the presence of theine - among other things. The real difference is in the "throbbing" effect of coffee, which does not exist with tea, even with a long infusion.

The latter provides a calmer, less aggressive stimulation . The difference between the two beverages is the presence of tannins, which are non-existent in coffee.

Tea or herbal tea?

For heavy coffee drinkers, the idea of introducing herbal teas into the daily routine can sometimes seem tricky. After all, herbal teas have no stimulating properties. As a result, herbal teas are - indeed - not the best way to wake up in the morning. Nonetheless, herbal teas have many therapeutic benefits for the body, and they generally accompany everyday life to alleviate certain health concerns. For example:

• Against bloating: Infusion of a blend of fennel and chamomile matricaria.
• For insomnia: Infusion of a blend of Roman chamomile and lime blossom.
• Against stress: Infusion of a blend of orange blossom and hawthorn.
• Against indigestion: Juniper infusion.
• For heartburn: Lemon balm leaf infusion.

Not recommended in cases of hypothyroidism, as lemon balm diminishes its function. With plants, there are indeed contraindications. Be aware that preparing a therapeutic beverage is not without danger!

From then on, knowing the contraindications and the perfect and ideal combinations is a job in its own right. Although you can easily make your own herbal teas at home, you still need to know how to decipher the power and danger of plants.

Healing tea

Tea has numerous benefits for the body, including curative effects on the digestive, cardiovascular and respiratory systems . What's more, tea is rich in cell-nourishing minerals.

However, nothing is and tea also has its prohibitions. For For example, if you suffer from iron deficiency, this hot beverage is not is not recommended at the end of a meal, as it accentuates the loss of this mineral.

Finally, whether you prefer coffee, tea or herbal teas, drink them consciously! Learn how to every aroma and flavour.