I like to create an evening drink by having a warm cup of caffeine free tea. Teas that contain ingredients give a pleasant aroma and flavour. By combining chamomile, lavender, ashwagandha and tulsi I can make an interesting herbal tea blend.
## Why Herbal Tea?
Many people love to have tea throughout the day. Traditional green and black teas contain caffeine naturally. Those who want to avoid caffeine often choose infusions.
Herbal tea does not contain leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Instead herbal tea contains a range of ingredients that create unique flavours and aromas.
Having a tea in the evening can be enjoyed while reading a book listening to music or simply taking a break. Herbal tea is easy to make with a cup of water the right blend and a few minutes of peace.
## Four Ingredients Used
An tea will have a certain flavour depending on the ingredients used. This herbal tea blend includes chamomile, lavender, ashwagandha and tulsi.
### 1. Chamomile
Chamomile is a herbal tea ingredient because it has a gentle flavour and subtle floral aroma.
Dried chamomile flowers are often used to make tea. This creates an infusion that pairs well with other ingredients.
Traditionally chamomile has been used as a relaxant. Is often included in bedtime routines. Unfortunately there is not evidence to suggest chamomile works as a treatment for insomnia. However chamomile can still be enjoyed as a herbal tea ingredient.
### 2. Lavender
Lavender is a known fragrance. Lavender can be used in a variety of recipes. In tea blends lavender provides a floral flavour.
Lavender can give an aroma to a simple cup of herbal tea. However lavender should be used in moderation to avoid overpowering the ingredients.
### 3. Tulsi
Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil has a history of being used in traditional Indian herbal remedies.
Tulsi has an earthy, fresh and slightly spicy flavour. Tulsi is great to add to a herbal tea blend to give a nice balance to gentler chamomile and lavender.
Tulsi is a known ingredient for those wanting to try traditional Indian herbs.
### 4. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a herb used in Ayurveda. Ashwagandha has a flavour that can add depth to herbal tea.
While Ashwagandha is a herb there is a lot of research on Ashwagandha. Because there are forms and dosages you cannot assume the supplements will work the same as a regular herbal tea infusion.
## Benefits of Using Tea Bags
Making your herbal tea from loose herbs can be a bit of a hassle. You need to measure out ingredients keep them fresh and use the strainer. While this can be an activity it may not be the most convenient if you are busy.
Using pre-made tea bags means you do not have to measure out ingredients. Each cup of tea has the right measurements.
Tea bags in individual packs are very handy if you like taking your herbal tea with you.
Simply add water to a cup add the tea bag and leave to infuse. There is no need to make a mix of dried flowers and herbs for herbal tea.
A good caffeine free herbal tea should have information about the ingredients and how to make it. Check the packaging to know what is in the blend and whether it will be suitable, for you.
## How to Make the Perfect Cup
The way you make caffeine free tea can affect its aroma and flavour. Using the amount of water and leaving caffeine free tea to infuse for the right amount of time will help release the right amount of flavour.
Use the following steps:
Boil 120ml of drinking water.
Place one plant based tea bag into a cup.
Pour the boiling water over the tea bag.
Leave to infuse for 4-6minutes.
Remove the tea bag from the cup.
Taste your infusion. Add honey or other sweeteners if required.
The longer you leave tea to infuse the stronger the flavour will be. If you want a flavour you can leave it for less time.
Avoid adding much sugar so that the gentle floral notes of herbal tea are not overwhelmed. However you can still enjoy tea without adding any sugar.
## Comparing caffeine free tea & saffron tea
Not all herbal teas will have the flavour. If you enjoy herbal infusions you may want to try a saffron tea
saffron tea often connect to Kashmiri teas. Depending on the recipe they often contain saffron, cardamom, cinnamon and almonds.
Kehwah’s Kesar Kehwah blend includes saffron tea, cardamom, cinnamon and almonds. This is a plant based infusion that does not contain tea. The infusion has an aroma and is completely different from the floral and earthy Sleep Aid.
The main difference between the two is the flavour. The chamomile, lavender and tulsi provide a herbal flavour. Whereas the saffron blends provide a aromatic and gently spiced flavour.
Both can be options for those wanting to try different herbal infusions. Check the ingredients to ensure it is suitable for you depending on whether you want it to be caffeine free or if you have any allergies.
## Top Tips for Choosing a Good Herbal Tea
There are herbal blends to choose from. To choose the one for you consider the following tips:
- Check the ingredients. All ingredients should be listed so you know what flavour to expect. This will also help you to know if you need to avoid any ingredients.
- Check if it's caffeine free. If the product only has flowers, herbs and roots then it will be caffeine free. Some blends will include black teas so always check the label.
- Individual tea bags are a good option to keep the ingredients separate.
- Check how to brew. Different ingredients will need to infuse for lengths of time. Always follow the manufacturers guidelines.
- Check if it is safe to use. Herbal ingredients can sometimes interact with medications. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or on medication seek the medical advice before using any blends with ingredients such as ashwagandha.
This can help you to make a decision and find the right tea for your taste.
## Kehwah’s Sleep Aid Herbal Infusion
Kehwah’s Sleep Aid uses four ingredients. Chamomile, lavender, ashwagandha and tulsi have been combined to create a floral aroma with an earthy herbal finish.
This comes in plant based tea bags to make it easy to make at home or on the go.
This infusion does not contain any tea leaves and is naturally caffeine free. It also does not contain any flavours, colours or preservatives.
To make this infusion simply use one tea bag with 120ml of boiling water. Leave for 4‑6 minutes to infuse. This can be enjoyed warm for the flavour.
Sleep Aid refers to the time of day this should be enjoyed. This is not a treatment, for sleeping issues. It is a drink.
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Creating an evening tea routine does not have to be complicated. A balanced herbal infusion can be a simple way to enjoy different botanical flavours.
Each of the ingredients has a flavour and aroma. The chamomile provides a floral flavour lavender has a unique aroma and the tulsi gives an earthy finish. The ashwagandha provides depth to the blend.
If you enjoy trying caffeine teas comparing floral herbal infusions or want to try the warm flavour of saffron check the ingredients have been listed.
Start with a balanced herbal blend and follow the instructions to enjoy the flavours. Sometimes all you need is a cup and a few minutes of peace to make an ordinary evening a little more special.