Tisane or Tea?
Tisane (tih-ZANN) is the French word for herbal infusions. In the US, what we commonly refer to as “tea” is not truly tea. Tea technically can only be produced from the plant Camellia sinensis. Tisanes can be made from a variety of materials such as dried flowers, roots, leaves, fruits or herbs which are then steeped in boiling water for a few minutes to an extended amount of time. The two common ways to prepare tisanes are infusions and decoctions. The process of steeping a plant in boiling water is called an infusion, while the process of simmering a plant in lightly boiling water is called a decoction. These brews can have medical benefits and are mostly caffeine free. A few notable examples of caffeine free tisanes are chamomile, ginger, and rooibos. An example of a herbal tisane that contains caffeine is yerba mate.
Infustions & Decoctions
Infusions can be made to be either medicinal or beverage in their nature. A beverage herbal drink is created with the guiding focus being a pleasurable flavor. A medicinal herbal tea is created with the intent to have the beneficial herbal properties and healing abilities as the primary reason for drinking it. Medicinal herbal teas can also have a wonderful scent and taste. Brewing herbs as a decoction is most appropriate for roots and barks which require the simmering boiling water as a method for drawing out the beneficial medical properties that are stored deep within them.
For extended explanation on how to prepare herbal infusions from Susun Weed, the mother of the Wise Woman herbal tradition, please watch her informative video.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src=" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>-Taste of herbs
Source: Youtube Susun Weed part 1 - Nourishing Herbal InfusionsCurious to learn more about this wild woman? One of my first posts on Steemit was about my experience meeting Susun Weed: https://steemit.com/herbalism/@cassiopeia/lsd-witches-and-herbalism
Tisanes can also be brewed with special methods that use a bit of magic to infuse their goodness. A few examples would be solar, lunar, and garden fresh. These were covered in my Steemit blog post: https://steemit.com/homestead/@cassiopeia/steeping-in-style-unique-ways-to-brew-tea-and-herbs
On a cellular level our body needs to have minerals. One of my favorite ways to take in minerals is through herbal infusions. I have followed the advice of Susun Weed and try to make infusions regularly. Some of the ones I adore are Stinging Nettle, Milky Oat Straw, and Red Raspberry Leaf. To read an excellent post on Stinging Nettles with instructions for infusing them. Visit my friends @mountainjewel to read their epic post:
https://steemit.com/homesteading/@mountainjewel/a-nutritive-herb-for-what-ails-ya-from-low-energy-to-arthritis-to-bed-sheets-nettle-brings-it-home-for-the-win
The best way to get to know an herb or plant is to spend time with it. I love infusions because I am able to form a relationship with the herb that is nourishing me. This is a great way to start introducing herbal medicine into your lifestyle. If you have any questions about infusing herbs I would love to answer them for you!
WOW! This post is so full of great information!!
I started making my own herbal tea mixes this past year for anxiety, stomach issues and stress; and I have to say they work. Now if I can just get off the medication and only use the herbs solely, I will be thrilled!
I believe in you and your bodies ability to heal!! Glad to hear you are having positive experiences with your herbs. They have been working there magic on me for over a decade and I wouldn't have it any other way.
good to hear it @goldendawne - did you try any nettle yet ;) ? <3
NO not yet. I need to find some come spring time when I go for my morning walks around the property and my area. DO you have a recommendation of which one is better than the another?
Which what is better than the other?
Love this! So full of amazing information. Nettle is so wonderful. I swear if I could only take one herb, it would be nettle. Such am amazing super food and life changing to anyone who suffers from allergies. I had a relative come visit who was constantly struggling with allergies. I made her a cup of nettle tea (just loose leaf that I had harvested) and she felt better immedietly. She took the rest of my jar of nettle and was so thrilled to find a solution with something that she had struggled with for so long. I believe in the healing properties of herbs. 🌱
I love that you linked to Susun Weed's video! She's such a great resource. I am reading her book, Healing Wise, and it is full of information . The way she lays out the three healing traditions completely changed my perspective of women, nature, healing, history - everything! Thanks for bringing light to herbal infusions.
Susun is one of my favorite herbalists. I love that book! My grandmother gave me a copy of it when I was about 20. It changed my life for the better as well. I can't imagine what my life would be like if I had never read it.
Enjoy the vote and reward!
Great post :) I use chamomile, didn't have to try others yet. :)
Red raspberry leaf has an affinity for the uterus and surrounding tissues. So if you have cramps give it a try! It is a lifesaver for me.
Nettle is very high in iron and filled with minerals. If you need energy it is a great ally!
I think I'll try to find nettle, hope there is somewhere to buy. The season of exams started so I need energy. :)
Enjoy the vote and reward!
Mountain Rose Herbs sells it online :)
Wow, didn't know that :D I am going to take a look right now! :) Thank you for being so cool with people who comment. :D
much love sister!
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gorgeous gorgeous post! resteeming it so more can see. love the plant profiles, your beautiful photography and, of course!, a video of mzzz weed <3 XO and thanks for including our post :)
Thank you!! You always inspire me to add more beauty to my posts. I adore reading your blog and all the interesting stories about your lives and homestead. Green blessings!
<3 <3 <3 green blessings back atcha <3
Love this! It's so important to make the distinction between "tea" and "tisane" and for people to know that a basic cup of tea will unlikely be strong enough to be "medicinal" ... Thanks for sharing! Re-steeming :)
I totally agree! I love to spread the knowledge and help people to understand how to get the medicinal benefits from their herbs :) Thanks for re-steeming!
Yes, I'm with you!! Keep up the good work :)
In the past year, I've discovered how powerful and healing teas used for medicinal purposes can be. I'd love to continue reading more blogs on specific types of teas and how to use them appropriately. Thanks for the great read!
Awesome @teahna ! I plan on creating more blogs on specific herbs :) Just laying out the groundwork now ;)
Thank you for your beautiful and informative post!
thank you! @viking-ventures
@earthnation #EQK