Herbal teas, long treasured across many cultures, occupy a special place in the world of comforting rituals. They are more than drinks: they are traditions, aromas, sensations and stories captured in warm water.
Unlike common teas, which are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, herbal teas – also known as tisanes – come from an extraordinary array of flowers, roots, barks, leaves and spices. Each ingredient contributes a unique personality to the cup, shaping not only flavour but also the experience and the mood associated with the blend.
Herbura Premium Teas are blended from around 30 time-honoured ingredients – with each blend containing around a dozen different botanicals. They are carefully chosen to complement each other and contribute to a brew with a specific quality – from soothing and sleep-evoking to grounding or gently energising.
The story of herbal tea begins with the individual herbs themselves, each one carrying its own identity. Chamomile, for instance, is one of the most recognisable herbs in the world – traditionally associated with relaxation, it has long been sipped in the evenings, where its gentle nature encourages the muscles and mind to unwind. It blends harmoniously with a wide variety of herbs because its flavour is soft and mild, giving it an ability to soften the harsh edges of stronger botanicals.
Valerian root, by contrast, possesses an earthy, slightly musky depth and has been used for centuries in Europe as part of preparations associated with sleep and deep rest. It is rarely the star of a blend in terms of flavour but it works beautifully in concert with chamomile, lavender, lemon balm and blue cornflowers.
Valerian forms the grounding base note in our Sleep Premium Tea, providing the weight and warmth that allows other floral top notes to shine above it.
Liquorice root offers sweetness without any added sugar and is one of the most versatile botanicals in herbal tea blending. Its naturally sweet, smooth flavour has a remarkable ability to round out sharp or bitter herbs, making it particularly useful when working with strong roots such as valerian or warming spices like ginger. Liquorice contributes a lingering sweetness at the back of the throat, which helps soften the overall profile of a blend. Its soothing, gentle quality makes it a favourite addition to our Breathe Premium Tea.
Tradition, aroma and sensation in every blend
The ingredients we use in our Premium Teas serve as the palette from which our herbal blends are born. Some blends are crafted for a gentle boost, not through caffeine but through clever use of aromatics and spices. Cinnamon can lend warmth that feels naturally energising, especially when partnered with ginger. Mints bring clarity and lift, while eucalyptus introduces a clean sharpness that brightens the entire drink. A cup with these herbs can feel refreshing and encouraging, ideal for a mid-morning pause or a moment of focus during the working day.
The process of blending herbal tea is creative and intuitive. It begins with an understanding of which herbs act as the foundation – the base that holds the blend together.
We sometimes use raspberry leaf, chamomile, rooibos or honeybush – these herbs carry enough flavour to provide substance, but are gentle enough to allow more expressive ingredients to rise above them.
To this foundation, we add botanicals that supply the theme or purpose. Our blends that seek to relax include valerian, whereas our Soothe blend uses slippery elm, which is easy on the throat.
The flavours are then shaped using herbs that serve as accents, like lemon balm, lavender or ginger. Finally, we finish the blend with herbs chosen purely for visual beauty, such as blue cornflowers. This dimension of herbal tea – the way it looks in the hand as well as the way it tastes – has always added to its charm and overall experience.
Once you’ve chosen your Premium Tea, preparation is an essential element in creating a truly satisfying cup. Herbal teas are generally forgiving, but understanding the nuances of steeping can greatly improve the flavour and aroma. Most herbal teas benefit from water at or near boiling – since the herbs are sturdy and require high heat to release their full character. Flowers and delicate leaves, such as chamomile or raspberry leaf, yield their flavour within five to seven minutes. Aromatic herbs like mint or eucalyptus often unfurl fully within roughly the same amount of time, though they can be steeped longer if a stronger brew is desired.
Sweetening a herbal tea, when desired, can be done gently. Honey remains a classic choice, allowing the natural flavours of the herbs to shine. Maple syrup, agave or even a pinch of sugar may be used, though our blends which contain liquorice or chamomile are naturally sweet enough to enjoy without any additions.
Herbal teas, with their diversity of ingredients and endless blending possibilities, offer a deeply personal and satisfying ritual. Whether you’re seeking tranquillity before sleep, a moment of gentle energy, digestive ease, everyday nourishment or simply a delicious, warming drink, the right blend is always waiting to be discovered.
Herbal tea is at once timeless and continuously evolving. With each cup, the drinker participates in a tradition that spans centuries and cultures, all brought together through the simple, evocative act of steeping herbs in hot water. The result is a beverage that nourishes not just the senses but the spirit of the moment itself – and with Herbura Premium Teas you can approach your next cup with deeper appreciation and confidence.