Herbal tea, or
tisane (UK ), US , is any beverage made from the
infusion or
decoction of
herbs,
spices, or other plant material in hot water, and usually does not contain
caffeine. These drinks are distinguished from true
teas (
black,
green,
white,
yellow,
oolong, etc., which are prepared from the cured leaves of the tea plant,
Camellia sinensis), as well as from
decaffeinated tea, in which the caffeine has been removed. In many countries, the word 'tea' can only be used for leaves of
Camellia sinensis and therefore the phrase 'herbal tea' cannot be used. These beverages are therefore labelled infusion or tisane.