Tea was once the most popular beverage in many countries and traditions. People enjoy trying with the tasty beverage and its many blends, each of which has its own set of attributes and markets. Several people have now become addicted to using different types of tea but are unaware of the differences.
Green tea may appear to be a herb at first, but there is a significant difference between green and herbal tea. Green tea is made from the Camellia sinensis plant, while Herbal tea is brewed using dried herbs, spices, flowers, and fruits. Both of these varieties of teas are linked to many health advantages.
Green Tea vs Herbal Tea
The main difference between green tea and herbal tea is that green tea is made from a particular plant. On the other hand, herbal tea can be prepared from any plant. It is made with the plant infusion rather than the leaves of the tea plant.
Green tea is a famous tea in the world. It contains less caffeine than other forms of tea. Camellia sinensis leaves are selected, dried, and heated to prevent oxidation. Firing leaves gives them a duller green color, whereas steaming leaves give them a brighter green color.
Herbal tea is not made from tea leaves. It is prepared using dried herbs, fruits, and flowers and can have many flavors. These teas are free from caffeine, making them excellent for consumers who have to follow a strict diet. Herbal tea is said to have healing characteristics and is used for medicinal and healing purposes.
Comparison Table Between Green Tea and Herbal Tea
| Parameters of Comparison | Green Tea | Herbal Tea |
| Appearance | Short, a combination of dark and bright green leaves | Long, the combination of dark leaves of different flavors |
| Origin | Green tea is from a single plant called Camellia sinensis. | Herbal tea is made from different plants, dried herbs, flowers, and fruits. |
| Taste | Green tea is healthy and has a delicious taste. | Herbal tea has a smooth finish and has a sweet taste. |
| Aroma | Lime, Tinder Grass | Lime, Tinder Grass, Scent of Rose, caramel, etc. |
| Benefits | Green tea contains caffeine and helps in weight loss. | Herbal tea does not contain caffeine and requires low antioxidants than green tea. |
What is Green Tea?
Green tea is one of the most popular forms of tea in India. Camellia sinesis leaves, and buds are lightly processed to make green tea. It is free from fats, carbohydrates, and calories. Green tea is still consumed in great quantities today and is recognized to offer multiple health advantages. It is one of the most effective teas for losing weight and reducing excess body fat. The leaves are harvested, dried, and heated to prevent oxidation.
Sencha
Sencha is a popular green tea that is made by processing green tea leaves are processed and soaking them in hot water. Mild sweetness and a light standard of quality distinguish sencha from other teas. Sencha is high in vitamin C and is ideal for fighting common colds during the winter months.
Matcha
Matcha is made from the highest quality leaves, which are dried and processed into a fine powder. Matcha of the finest ingredients has a brilliant green color. This vibrant green powder provides a wide range of natural nutrients when mixed with hot water and helps in skincare and cleansing.
Kukicha
Kukicha is made from stems and stalks left over from making other green teas. The light aroma and fresh flavor of the tea will make you feel refreshed. Kukicha is also called twig tea and is more of a yellow or brown.
Gyokuro
Gyokuro has a sweet, mild flavor because of the high quantities of amino acids. Gyokuro is high in chlorophyll and caffeine. Caffeine stimulates the neurological system, while chlorophyll helps in tissue development.
What is Herbal Tea?
Herbal tea is an extraction or a blend of edible, non-tea herbs, spices, roots, flowers, or fruits. It is different from other types of tea and is not from tea leaves. Herbal teas are made from dried herbs, fruits, and flowers and can have many flavors. Herbal teas have several health benefits, including the ability to lose weight. But, there are a few exceptions. Most herbal teas are usually caffeine-free.
Herbal teas are preferred over green tea by those who are caffeine sensitive or those who strive to restrict their caffeine consumption. Herbal Teas have become popular due to their colorful flavors and physical health benefits. These teas come in many flavors and aromas, each with its own set of health advantages.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is herbal medicine for its calming and healing effects. A cup of chamomile tea can help you fall asleep faster, strengthen your immune system, and reduce stress. The flavor of this herbal tea component is mild and fragrant, with a sense of sweet flavor.
Peppermint Herbal Tea
Peppermint is a natural herbal tea that can be prepared or added to many herbal and caffeinated mixes. This tea has been useful to treat everything from disturbed stomach to common cold for generations.
Hibiscus Herbal Tea
Hibiscus herbal tea is also called red tea with a cranberry flavor. This tea is famous in West Africa, Mexico, Central America, India, and other parts of the world. Hibiscus can be enjoyed on its own or as a part of a tea blend. It can be served hot or cold and is a refreshing treat for summer.
Ginger Herbal Tea
Ginger is a famous spice that adds a sweet, slightly spicy flavor to tea mixtures. Ginger root is a Southeast Asian herb used in traditional medicine for centuries to cure everything from nausea to indigestion to the common cold.
Main Differences Between Green Tea and Herbal Tea
- Green tea is made from the Camellia sinensis plant, while herbal tea is from dried herbs, flowers, fruits, spices, etc.
- Green tea contains a low amount of caffeine, whereas herbal tea is free from caffeine as it is not made from tea leaves.
- Green tea is not safe to drink for people of all ages, while herbal tea is an excellent choice if you’re in a delicate situation and want to know which tea is safe to drink.
- Green tea is healthy and has a delicious taste, whereas herbal tea has a smooth finish with a sweet taste.
- Green tea is effective for weight loss, while herbal tea helps cure common symptoms like sore throat, stress, and inflammation by improving the immune system.
Conclusion
Green tea and herbal tea are two distinct forms of tea. They both share some similarities, it can be difficult to compare both of them with their benefits and drawbacks. Both teams are beneficial to health to some level if consumed properly. So, understanding both sides will help you in selecting a tea. You can always go for both if you cannot decide the best choice for you.
References
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814608002756
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0956713519304712
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00228-008-0610-7