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View a pdf of Paul Rogers' "A Short History of Tea"

Tea versus Tisane: the Mystery Unraveled.

Here is some basic terminology for those interested in the connection between tea and health.

  • Tea - Dried leaves from the plant camellia sinensis and camill assamicas grown in semi-tropical climates having alternating monsoon and dry periods.
  • Herbal Tea or “Tisane” - Leaves, flowers, bark, roots and berries from hundreds of plants which have found their way into hot water.
  • Beverage Tea - Teas and Tisanes consumed for enjoyment with and without food.
  • Medicinal Tea - Plants and herbs steeped in water, the “brew” of which is taken to affect specific body processes, usually to relieve symptoms as part of a health program.
  • Aryuvedic Tea - Aryuveda has its roots in traditional Indian philosophy. Aryuvedic herbal and tea blends are traditionally used to promote equilibrium in the organ systems so that the body functions at its optimal level.
  • Phytonutrient - Plant-based nutrient.
  • Nutraceutical - Recently coined word generally referring to plant-based nutrients with medicinal effects.
  • Black Tea - Associated with heart health, lower cholesterol and reducing chance of stroke.
  • Green Tea - Associated with anti-cancer effects via antioxidants & SOD (Super Oxide Dismutase).
  • Oolong Tea - Associated with healthy skin and weight loss via helping block fat absorption from meals.
  • White Tea - Similar health effects to Green Tea, but with more anti-oxidants.

History of Tea


Tea began as a health drink in China 5,000 years ago. It became the most consumed beverage on earth, aside from water, and today is a universal sign of hospitality. According to legend and ancient literature, "tea" was first discovered by the Chinese Healer, Shen Nung, about 2737 B.C. when a leaf from the wild camelia sinensis plant fell into boiling water. By about 725 B.C. Ch'a, tea in Chinese, was a part of daily life in many parts of China. In 805 A.D. tea was introduced to Japan, and in 1610 tea reached Europe via Dutch and Portuguese traders. Tea came to the North America with the colonists, and played an important part in fueling the Revolutionary War. At the St. Louis World Fair in 1904 iced tea was invented and in 1908 a tea merchant in New York inadvertently made the first tea bag.

To read a great article on the history of tea, please see this pdf of an article by Paul Rogers called A Short History of Tea.



Tea Cupping at Kairbetta Tea Estate, Nilgiri Region, South India                                                              Photo by Jack Strand