Last Updated on February 24, 2025 by Helena Akter
Being a tea lover you might be confused about the difference between herbal tea and regular tea. Well, both offer warmth and comfort! But which one’s better for relaxation or which suits your daily caffeine needs.
Well, Herbal tea uses herbs and plants to provide a caffeine-free, calming option with various wellness benefits. Regular tea, from Camellia sinensis leaves, includes caffeinated types like green and black tea, which are known for antioxidants and heart health.
See, both offer distinct flavors and effects. So, stick to the end as we’ll explore their origin, health perks, caffeine levels, and more. Ultimately, you’ll have a clear sense of which tea fits your preferences.
Key Takeaways
- Origins and Ingredients: Herbal teas are caffeine-free drinks made from different plant parts, such as herbs, flowers, and roots. Regular teas, on the other hand, are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and naturally contain caffeine.
- Processing and Variety: Herbal teas are handpicked and air-dried for flavor. Regular teas, like black, green, and oolong, are processed through drying, rolling, and oxidation, which gives them their unique taste.
- Health Benefits and Effects: Chamomile and peppermint teas can help you relax and feel better, with few side effects. Green and black teas are full of antioxidants and good for your heart, but they might upset your stomach.
- Caffeine and Usage: Herbal teas are a great choice for those who want a caffeine-free drink. Regular teas, on the other hand, contain a small amount of caffeine, which can give you a little energy boost.
What is Herbal Tea?
Herbal tea, often called ‘tisane,’ is a caffeine-free drink made by brewing a mix of herbs, spices, fruits, and other plant materials.
Unlike true teas, herbal teas use the whole plant—stems, flowers, roots, and bark—for flavor and health benefits. Thus, they offer a wide range of tastes and effects. In contrast, not technically ‘true’ tea, herbal infusions are loved for their calming effects and pleasant, natural scents.
What is Regular Tea?
Regular tea, also called “true tea,” comes from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant. This category includes familiar types like black, green, white, oolong, and yellow tea, each naturally containing caffeine.
Unlike herbal teas, regular teas use only tea leaves. And different processing methods create a variety of flavors and strengths. White tea is light, while black tea is rich.
Remember, each type has its own taste and health benefits.
Difference Between Herbal Tea and Tea: A Comparison Table
Here’s a brief table to enlighten you on the difference between herbal tea and regular tea.
| Aspects | Herbal Tea | Regular Tea |
| Origin | From herbs, flowers, roots | From Camellia sinensis leaves |
| Processing | Handpicked and air-dried | Dried, rolled, and oxidized |
| Variety | Calming (chamomile), fruity (hibiscus) | Types: green, black, oolong, white |
| Caffeine Content | Mostly caffeine-free, except yerba mate | Contains caffeine, highest in black tea |
| Health Benefits | Supports wellness, immunity, etc. | Heart health, anti-inflammatory benefits, etc. |
| Side Effects | Rare, mild drowsiness or allergies | Can cause stomach discomfort, and cancer risk if too hot |
Difference Between Tea and Herbal Tea: In-Depth Analysis
While herbal teas and regular teas may look alike in a cup, they differ significantly in their origins, preparation, and effects. Now, we’ll take a more in-depth look into each of them for better understanding.
Origin
The origins of regular tea and herbal tea trace back through different historical paths, each rooted in unique cultural practices.
Herbal Tea
Ancient Chinese healers used herbal teas as far back as the Tang Dynasty. [1]They believed these drinks could help with common problems like colds, headaches, and stomach troubles.
Today, these herbal teas have grown into popular wellness drinks. They often include ingredients like chamomile, ginger, berries, and roots, all chosen for their potential health benefits.
Regular Tea
Tea has been enjoyed for centuries in many cultures. It’s especially popular in China, Japan, and later, in Western countries. According to a Chinese legend, Emperor Shen Nong first discovered tea around 2737 BCE. [2]
Tea became more popular during the Tang and Song dynasties. And it has always been a symbol of class and tradition.
Processing
Regular tea, made from Camellia sinensis leaves, is different from herbal tea. Herbal tea is made from various plants. Let’s know them.
Herbal Tea
To make herbal tea, you start by choosing plants that thrive in your local environment. These plants need plenty of sunlight, soil that drains well, and regular watering. You must pick the different parts of the plant at the right time.
Then, you handpick fresh herbs, carefully removing the stems to keep the flavor strong. Finally, you dry them to lock in their aroma and potency.
In addition, we’ve got a detailed discussion on how herbal tea is made, which you might want to check out.
Regular Tea
Regular tea is made through a traditional process that involves several steps to transform fresh tea leaves. First, the leaves are dried to remove excess moisture, making them easier to work with.
Next, the leaves are rolled to shape them and prepare them for oxidation. The level of oxidation determines the type of tea. Green tea is not oxidized, black tea is fully oxidized, and oolong tea is partially oxidized.
Variety
Tea comes in many different types, each with its own special taste, smell, and cultural history.
Herbal Tea
As you know, you can make herbal teas by mixing herbs, flowers, roots, and grains. And each plant gives the tea a special flavor!
Some are calming and floral, like chamomile. Others are refreshing and invigorating, such as peppermint. You can even find blends that are earthy, grounding, or light and airy.
Barley and roasted rice, for instance, have a strong, roasted taste that’s common in East Asian countries. Other teas, like hibiscus, are made with fruits and have a bright, sour flavor.
Regular Tea
Regular tea comes in many types. These types are different because of where the tea leaves are grown, how they’re processed, and local traditions.
Green tea has a fresh, grassy taste, while black tea is stronger and has a malty flavor. Oolong tea is a mix of both, with a complex taste that can be floral or roasted. White tea is light and sweet, with a delicate flavor.
Brewing Method
Brewing tea isn’t as simple as just pouring hot water. To get the best flavor from different teas, like herbal blends or traditional teas, you need to use different methods.
Herbal Tea
Herbal teas, also called tisanes, are best made with boiling water. It helps release the flavors and advantageous properties of the plants. Usually, you steep them for 5, 7 to even 15 minutes. But you can adjust the time to make the taste less strong or more intense.
Some delicate herbs, like mint, taste better when steeped in slightly cooler water. In contrast, you can steep chamomile tea longer to make a stronger tea.
Regular Tea
Regular teas — green, black, oolong, and white — each have unique brewing needs.
Green and white teas taste best when brewed with slightly cooler water (about 180°F). Black teas, however, need boiling water for a strong, rich flavor. And steep black tea for 3 to 5 minutes.
Again, Oolong tea is steeped in slightly cooler water than black tea for a longer period, up to 7 minutes.
Caffeine Content
Different types of tea have different amounts of caffeine. It means you can choose a type that suits their caffeine needs.
Herbal Tea
Many herbal teas, like chamomile, hibiscus, and peppermint, don’t have caffeine. However, some plant-based teas, such as yerba mate, guarana, and kola nut, can have as much or even more caffeine than coffee.
Yerba mate, a popular South American drink, has about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee – around 80 milligrams. [3] Guarana, another popular drink, can have even more caffeine, especially when it’s used in energy drinks and supplements.
Regular Tea
All true teas come from the Camellia sinensis plant. Black tea has the most caffeine among them. A six-ounce cup of black tea typically has about 50 to 90 milligrams of caffeine. It gives you a gentle but steady energy boost. [4]
Green tea has a moderate amount of caffeine, around 30 to 40 milligrams. [5] White tea has the least caffeine among true teas, with only 15 to 61 milligrams. [6] True teas also contain L-theanine, which helps balance the effects of caffeine.
Health Benefits
From soothing herbal teas to classic black teas, each type of tea has its own special benefits.
Herbal Tea
Herbal teas, like lavender and rose hip, have more to offer than just flavor.
Research suggests that a warm cup of lavender tea can help reduce period pain and may offer some comfort during your menstrual cycle. [7] Plus, rose hips are rich in polyphenols and vitamins E, A, and C, which can strengthen your immune system. [8]
A study showed that cardamom can help fight five types of bacteria that cause tooth decay. In some lab tests, cardamom extracts stopped these bacteria from growing by as much as 0.82 inches. [9]
Regular Tea
Studies have shown that drinking 2 to 3 cups of tea a day may help lower the risk of early death, stroke, heart problems, and type 2 diabetes. [10]
Plus, research suggests that green tea can help reduce blood pressure, triglycerides, and overall cholesterol levels. [11] In addition, oolong tea contains polyphenols, which may reduce inflammation, slow cancer cell growth, and reduce type 2 diabetes risk. [12]
Side Effects
While tea offers a range of health benefits, some types may come with side effects.
Herbal Tea
Herbal teas, while often mild, can sometimes cause side effects. For example, lemon balm tea might make you feel sleepy, or nauseous, or trigger a mild allergic reaction. [13]
Rooibos tea, a caffeine-free favorite, has been linked to rare cases of liver problems, as reported in medical studies. [14]
Regular Tea
Black and green teas can sometimes upset the stomach and even lead to nausea or other digestive problems. [15]
In fact, drinking very hot tea, over 131°F to 140°F (55°C to 60°C), has been linked to a higher risk of stomach cancers and esophageal. You must keep this in mind if you like your tea piping hot. [16]
Which is Better: Herbal Tea and Regular Tea?
Herbal tea is ideal if you’re after a caffeine-free, calming drink, often used for relaxation and wellness. Many blends, like chamomile or peppermint, offer gentle health benefits. And you can enjoy them any time of day.
Regular tea, on the other hand, comes from the Camellia sinensis plant and provides a mild caffeine boost along with antioxidants. Plus, green, black, and oolong teas have been linked to improved heart health and metabolic benefits.
Whether you prefer a calming, caffeine-free drink or a classic tea with some caffeine and potential health benefits, the choice is yours.
Final Words
When we explore the difference between herbal tea and regular tea, it’s clear each has unique perks. Herbal tea, with its caffeine-free blends, offers a calming, wellness-focused option perfect for relaxation.
Regular tea, from the Camellia sinensis plant, provides a mild caffeine boost and supports heart health. If you’re seeking an energizing drink with antioxidants, regular tea may be your pick. But for gentle relaxation, herbal tea offers endless plant-based varieties.
Both have distinct tastes and health benefits, so the choice is yours.
FAQs
Can herbal tea cause any side effects compared to regular tea?
Herbal teas, though mild, can sometimes cause side effects like drowsiness or mild allergic reactions, while teas like rooibos have rare links to liver issues.
Regular teas can cause digestive discomfort, and drinking them very hot may increase the risk of esophageal cancer.
Can I drink herbal tea the same way I drink regular tea?
You can, but they’re brewed differently. Herbal teas need boiling water and a longer steeping time (5 to 15 minutes) to release flavors. Regular teas, like green or black, have specific temperatures and shorter steep times for the best taste.
Why is regular tea sometimes called “true tea”?
Only teas made from the Camellia sinensis plant, like green, black, and oolong, are considered “true” tea. Herbal teas, on the other hand, are often called “tisanes” because they come from different plants.
Citation
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/herbal-tea
- https://chcp.org/Teas-Wonderful-History
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8622869/#:~:text=The%20caffeine%20content%20in%20a,how%20the%20brew%20is%20prepared.
- https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/6-health-benefits-of-drinking-black-tea
- https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19007524/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5405632/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6162863/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/50874100_Antimicrobial_Activity_of_Amomum_subulatum_and_Elettaria_cardamomum_Against_Dental_Caries_Causing_Microorganisms
- https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/food-features/tea/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24861099/
- https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/type-2-diabetes
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8100328/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4435260/#B4
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31200495
- https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045%2816%2930239-X/fulltext
