🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Steep a cup of herbal tea, watch delicate petals sway in the water, witness the clear liquid transform into vivid hues, and let the fragrant aroma spill out like sunlight—sip once, and you’re transported to the skies of Provence…
“Herbal Tea” originates from “Medicinal Herb Tea”
In the West, herbal tea is called Herbal Tea—a beverage made from medicinal herbs. Herbs are herbaceous plants with diverse species, some possessing medical, aromatic, or other properties useful for health, cooking, and beauty. In ancient societies where medical technology was underdeveloped, herbs were crucial folk remedies, valued primarily for their efficacy. It wasn’t until the late 18th century that their recreational value gained recognition, evolving into a fashionable drink in France. Introduced widely to Taiwan in the 1980s, its natural and healthy appeal won public favor. To distinguish it from ordinary medicinal teas, Taiwanese people coined the elegant term “herbal tea.”
Herbal teas differ from medicinal herb teas mainly in processing: while both share similar raw materials, herbal teas place greater emphasis on color, aroma, and taste, slightly reducing focus on medicinal potency.
“Aesthetic Tea” Is Also “Nutritional Tea”
Golden-yellow Bodhi seed tea, deep purple mallow tea, crimson carnation tea, lavender-blue lavender tea, emerald dandelion tea—these colorful herbal teas offer visual delight. Simultaneously, they are rich in nutrients, providing broad health benefits.
Experts note common nutrients include water-soluble vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, tannins, essential oils, bitter compounds, and glycosides. Essential oils help refresh the mind and eyes; water-soluble vitamins aid digestion and metabolism; flavonoids promote diuresis and protect cardiovascular health; bitter compounds possess anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Each herbal tea emphasizes different health benefits—for instance, rosehip tea is exceptionally rich in vitamin C, offering high nutritional value.
Experts warn: Do not judge herbal tea solely by appearance. Understand its functional characteristics first, and choose the one best suited to your needs.
Common herbal teas offer health benefits: Calendula clears heat and relieves pain, promotes digestion; rose reduces internal heat, enhances blood circulation and skin beauty, prevents constipation; lavender alleviates anxiety and migraines, prevents colds; orange blossom promotes digestion, aids sleep, beautifies complexion; thyme soothes sore throats and has antibacterial properties; rosemary improves circulation and calms nerves; mint relieves bloating and calms the mind; dandelion lowers blood pressure and supports liver and kidney health.
Do Not Use Excessively High Temperatures When Brewing
Brewing herbal tea requires special technique.
Herbal tea is enjoyed both for taste and visual appreciation—not to be steeped in earthenware pots. Use transparent glass teapots to watch the petals gradually dye the water, an experience in itself. Slightly higher brewing temperatures are ideal for herbal teas compared to regular tea, as herbal teas are typically dried and then baked rather than processed through rolling.
However, avoid excessively high temperatures, as key active compounds like polyphenols and flavonoids degrade under heat, diminishing effectiveness. Higher temperatures increase bitterness; adding a touch of orange juice or honey can balance the flavor. For those preferring stronger taste, boiling is acceptable.
If blending multiple herbs, limit to three or four types per brew. Too many varieties confuse the visual appeal and compromise taste.
How to Choose Herbal Tea
When purchasing herbal tea, consider the following:
First, understand the origin and manufacturer—ensure safety and hygiene are paramount. Second, select teas with distinctive features, balancing appearance and health benefits to find the best fit. Third, choose well-dried tea with moisture content below 4% for long-term storage. Most herbal teas last about a year; beyond that, nutritional value and pigments deteriorate due to oxidation. Store in a ventilated, dry place after purchase, or refrigerate—but avoid odor contamination.
These groups should avoid herbal tea:
1. Individuals allergic to herbs
2. Pregnant women and infants
3. Patients with chronic conditions such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or diabetes