Herbal tea Herbal tea Herbal teas — less commonly called tisanes (UK and US , US also ) — are beverages made from the infusion or decoction of herbs, spices, or other plant material in hot water. They do not usually contain caffeine. Herbal teas should not be confused with true teas (e.g., black, green, white, yellow, oolong), which are prepared from the cured leaves of the tea plant, "Camellia sinensis"), nor with decaffeinated tea, in which the caffeine has been removed. Like beverages made from true teas, herbal teas can be served hot or cold. Some feel that the term "tisane"
Camellia number of "Lepidoptera" species; see List of Lepidoptera that feed on Camellia. Leaves of the Japanese camellia ("C. japonica") are susceptible to the fungal parasite "Mycelia sterile" (see below for the significance). "Camellia sinensis", the tea plant, is of major commercial importance because tea is made from its leaves. The species "C. sinensis" is the product of many generations of selective breeding in order to bring out qualities considered desirable for tea. However, many other camellias can be used to produce a similar beverage. For example, in some parts of Japan, tea made from "C. sasanqua" leaves is popular. Tea