Often the terms tea, herbal tea and infusion are confused with each other. Unfortunately, even in bars or clubs, where these drinks are served, the terminology is not used correctly. Let’s get some clarity!

Difference Between Tea, Infusion And Herbal Tea

Rather than a difference, it would be appropriate to talk about clarification of the use of the terms. Sometimes we also hear of infusion, a term that creates even more confusion, but which simply refers to the fact that a particular ingredient has been infused into water.

What Is An Herbal Tea?

Herbal tea is a beverage prepared through the use of up to six medicinal plants. It can be prepared by infusing the ingredients, which are not mixed randomly, but by apportioning the amounts according to the type of active ingredient that is to be passed on to the consumer. Herbal tea is recommended as an alternative to tea or coffee for those suffering from tachycardia or insomnia, as the herbs do not possess caffeine.

What Is Tea?

Anything made from Camellia Sinensis leaf processing is called tea. This plant is native to the territory that touches the following areas: southern China, northern Vietnam, northern Laos, Myanmar and northeastern India. As we know, Camellia Sinensis belongs to the Theaceae family and is related to Camellia Japonica, which, however, is slightly toxic and not suitable for making tea. It’s important to understand that only this kind of plant can produce tea. A mistake made more in the last period is, for example, to claim that rooibos is red tea. Rooibos is not a tea, because it is made by processing the leaves of Asphalatus Linearis, a plant widespread in South Africa.

What Is Infusion?

The meaning of the term infusion refers to anything that results from the process of infusing leaves, flowers or herbs. An infusion uses only one plant as its source of components, unlike herbal tea. Therefore, considering that tea is derived from the leaves of Camellia Sinensis, we can consider it an infusion. The main distinctions to be made between these three terms are:

Infusion is the result of the infusion of leaves belonging to the same plant;

Tea comes from the leaves of Camellia Sinensis, which are steeped and thus it is possible to speak of infusion;

Herbal tea is the result of mixing and infusion of medicinal herbs, from different sources, which therefore do not fall under the case of infusion.