Herbal tea is often called tea, but what exactly is it? If you’ve ever stood in front of a shelf of blends wondering how herbal tea compares to green or black tea, you’re not alone. While they’re all brewed with hot water and enjoyed in a cup, they’re made from very different ingredients.
At Twigs Naturals, tea is about more than just the contents of your cup; it’s about flavor, culture, and connection.
So really… What Is Herbal Tea?
Herbal tea, also known as a tisane, is an infusion made from natural ingredients like herbs, flowers, fruits, roots, and seeds. Unlike traditional teas, herbal tea is not made from the Camellia sinensis plant, which is the source of green, black, white, and oolong teas.
Because it doesn’t come from the tea plant, herbal tea is usually naturally caffeine-free, depending on the ingredients used. Its beauty lies in its variety — from vibrant florals to warming spices — creating blends that are aromatic, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.
What Is Considered “Traditional” Tea?
In traditional terms, tea refers to teas made from the Camellia sinensis plant. These include:
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- Green tea
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- Black tea
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- White tea
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- Oolong tea
What sets these teas apart is how the leaves are processed after harvesting. Although they all originate from the same plant, oxidation, drying, and rolling all affect flavor, color, and caffeine levels.
While Twigs Naturals is best known for our natural and herbal blends, we also proudly offer green tea as part of our product selection, crafted with the same attention to quality and sourcing that defines everything we do. Twigs Naturals’ expression of this traditional tea is manifested in the form of full leaf gunpowder that has been rolled to perfection.
Herbal Tea vs Green, Black, and Other Teas
Although herbal tea and traditional tea are enjoyed in similar ways, they differ in a few important areas:
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- Ingredients
Herbal teas are made from a wide range of natural ingredients — think flowers, herbs, fruits, roots, and spices. Traditional teas come solely from tea leaves.
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- Caffeine
Most herbal teas are caffeine-free, making them ideal for any time of day. Traditional teas naturally contain caffeine.
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- Flavor
Herbal teas offer bold, aromatic, and sometimes exotic flavor profiles, especially when inspired by Caribbean-grown ingredients. Traditional teas tend to have more earthy or grassy notes.
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- Common Uses
Herbal teas are often enjoyed as part of a relaxing routine, while traditional teas are commonly chosen for their energizing qualities.
Why People Choose Herbal Tea
People choose herbal tea for many reasons — not because it’s trendy, but because it fits beautifully into everyday life! For those looking to avoid caffeine, herbal tea offers a comforting alternative without sacrificing flavor.
With endless combinations of ingredients, herbal tea invites curiosity and exploration. It’s perfect for winding down in the evening, sharing with friends, or creating a quiet moment in a busy day. At Twigs Naturals, most of our teas do not include tea leaves with caffeine, making them easy to enjoy for every mindful moment in your day.
Is Herbal Tea Actually “Tea”?
Since herbal tea isn’t made from the tea plant, it isn’t traditionally considered tea. But just as languages evolve, so does tea culture.
At Twigs Naturals, we believe herbal tea is real tea because it reflects what tea has always represented: ritual, flavor, and connection. Our blends honor Caribbean traditions, celebrate natural ingredients, and bring people together through shared moments and mindful living. This is what real tea means to us.
Learn More About Herbal Tea
Herbal tea is a world of flavor waiting to be explored. Whether you’re drawn to floral notes, warming spices, or fruit-forward blends, there’s always something new to discover.
Explore our herbal teas →
Taste the Caribbean… naturally — one cup at a time. 🌿☕