What Is Tisane? The Herbal Elixir That’s Not Really Tea

What Is a Tisane?

A tisane (pronounced tee-zahn) is an herbal infusion made by steeping various parts of non-tea plants — like flowers, leaves, roots, bark, or fruit — in hot water. While it’s commonly referred to as “herbal tea,” a tisane technically isn’t tea at all, because it doesn’t come from the Camellia sinensis plant (the source of black, green, oolong, and white tea).

In short:

All tisanes are herbal teas, but not all herbal teas are true teas.

Tea vs. Tisane — What’s the Difference?

Popular Types of Tisanes

Each tisane offers its own unique flavour, ritual, and health benefits. Here are a few popular brews:

Chamomile: Soothing and floral — known for promoting sleep and easing anxiety.

Peppermint: Fresh and minty — great for digestion and clearing the sinuses.

Hibiscus: Bright and tart — rich in antioxidants and often used for heart health.

Rooibos: Nutty and naturally sweet — caffeine-free and high in minerals.

Dandelion

Earthy and grounding — known for liver detox and digestion support.

Health Benefits of Tisanes

While each herbal infusion brings its own strengths, most tisanes can:

• Support digestion and gut health

• Promote relaxation and reduce stress

• Offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties

• Help with hydration and caffeine-free energy boosts

• Encourage sleep and emotional balance

How to Brew the Perfect Tisane

Tisanes are easy to make at home:

Basic method:

1. Add 1–2 teaspoons of dried herbs or 1 tablespoon fresh herbs per cup

2. Pour boiling water over them

3. Steep for 5–10 minutes, depending on the herb

4. Strain and sip

Tip: Cover your cup while steeping to retain essential oils and aroma.