Tag: Herbal tea vs regular tea

Most people correctly assume that herbal teas, unlike traditional teas, do not contain caffeine. This is because they are not derived from the *Camellia sinensis* plant, the source of caffeine in black, green, and oolong teas. Rosemary tea, a popular herbal infusion, follows this rule and is completely caffeine-free.

Tea is the second most consumed beverage globally, after water. For a beverage to be considered a true tea and not herbal, it must come from the leaves of a specific plant, *Camellia sinensis*. This foundational fact is the key to understanding the difference between a real tea and an herbal infusion, also known as a tisane.

According to botanists, peppermint (Mentha × piperita) is a naturally occurring hybrid of spearmint and watermint, which is why peppermint tea is really caffeine free. This herbal infusion, prized for its refreshing and soothing properties, is a perfect alternative for those looking to reduce their caffeine intake without giving up a warm, flavorful beverage.