Herbal teas, also called tisanes, are beverages made from the infusion or decoction of herbs, spices, or other plant material such as flowers, roots, seeds, or leaves in hot water. In contrast to black, green, or oolong tea, they are not brewed from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant.

Herbal tea is a big thing in Germany and has a long tradition. In 2020, the average annual consumption of herbal tea in Germany per capita was 40 litres compared to 28 litres for black & green tea combined.

Teas made of herbs were first mentioned around 800 AD in the scripts of a monastery on the island Reichenau in Lake Constance in Southern Germany. In the 12th century, Hildegard von Bingen (or St. Hildegard), an esteemed advocate for scientific research, was one of the earliest promoters of the use of herbal medicine to treat ailments and wrote several books on the subject, including Physica, circa 1150. Our current main supplier was founded more than 200 years ago by a pharmacist in Southern Germany.

In conclusion, Germany has had a lot of expertise in the field of herbal teas for centuries.

Herbal teas have been used as natural remedies for a variety of ailments for hundreds of years. In addition, herbal teas that are fully natural, such as the ones from TGT, are free of any additives and naturally free of sugar, caffeine, and calories. This makes them a great addition to a healthy lifestyle. 

According to Healthline.com in 2017, modern science has begun to find evidence supporting some of the traditional uses of herbal tea, as well as some new ones. 

A study published in 2020 concludes: 

"Our review of evidence from human trials demonstrated that drinking 1-3 cups daily of certain herbal infusions could confer health benefits. In particular, German chamomile tea appears to improve anti-oxidant status and glycemic and lipid profiles. German chamomile, spearmint, and rose teas could also benefit aspects of women's health, including sleep quality, hormonal control, and primary dysmenorrhea. Evidence for ginger and lemon balm also looks promising, but ongoing human trials are needed." (Etheridge and Derbyshire, 2020)

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A scientific review study published in 2019 concludes:

"A small number of clinical and observational studies have explored a wide range of herbal teas that have demonstrated potential clinical benefits in areas of female and maternal health, and chronic conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure and weight loss. Observational studies suggest there may be associations between herbal tea consumption and a reduced risk of liver and thyroid disease, indicating further research is warranted to understand both the clinical treatment and preventative health potential of herbal teas. In these studies identified, herbal teas provide a costeffective and enjoyable therapeutic option, being an alternative to pharmacological treatments which might be desirable for example during pregnancy, or offering a culturally fitting healthcare choice." (Poswal et al. 2019)

The article identifies 8 potential health-promoting properties:

1. Anti-Ageing 

2. Detoxification 

3. Digestion Aid

4. Inflammation Reduction

5. Weight Loss

6. Immue System Boost

7. Anti-Nausea

8. Stress Relief

There is no general recommendation since the impact on wellbeing varies from person to person. We believe one to two cups per day is a good amount to support a healthy lifestyle.

There are certain ingredients that shouldn't be consumed excessively, such as liquorice (when you suffer from high blood pressure) or raspberry leaves (which should be fully avoided at the early stages of pregnancy). We always recommend that you consult your GP, if you are unsure about any ingredients.

We would say at least 8 minutes. The longer it steeps, the more flavours are extracted. We like to let it steep for as long as possible. However, depending on the ingredients, some people might taste a slight bitter note. In this case, try to reduce the steep time. Alternatively, you might like to add a spoon of honey to sweeten the tea. In general it is hardly possible to under- or oversteep your herbal tea. It all comes down to your personal taste. However, it is important to always use boiling water.

You can brew herbal tea more than once. The herbs, however, will loose their intensity the more often they are brewed.

Yes. You can buy some of our products at the Complete Health Shop in Linlitghow (159 High Street, Linlithgow, West Lothian, EH49 7EJ). Paul and Sandra are looking forward to your visit.

No. Our products are not meant to treat or cure any diseases. If you are unsure about any ingredients, we always recommend that you consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before using our products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medication.

Yes.

Yes. Herbal teas are naturally free of caffeine.

Yes. TGT's branded teas are free of sugar.