Herbal Medicine

Herbal Tea

Gentle blends of Chinese herbs, made on the same principles as our clinical prescriptions, so you can bring Traditional Chinese Medicine into your daily routine in a cup that is pleasant to drink and easy to use.

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Background

Understanding Herbal Tea

01
Traditional Background

Dried flowers and herbs used in Chinese herbal tea blends

Where Do Chinese Herbal Teas Come From?

Drinking herbs steeped in hot water is one of the oldest ways of using Chinese medicine. Alongside formal prescriptions, TCM has a long tradition of food and drink therapy, in which everyday ingredients such as chrysanthemum, goji berry, jujube and ginger are chosen for their nature and flavour to support health from day to day^[1].
Unlike ordinary teas, our herbal teas are blends of Chinese herbs chosen according to the TCM principles of balancing Yin and Yang, Qi and Blood. Our licensed practitioners create each blend with a particular aim in mind, such as relaxation, digestion, sleep, seasonal wellbeing or hormonal balance, and can tailor a blend to your constitution.
BalancesYin and Yang through the day
ReplenishesQi and everyday energy
Settlesdigestion after meals
Calmsthe mind and supports rest
Figure 1. Common traditional aims of Chinese herbal tea blends in TCM theory.
02
Modern Scientific Perspective

How Do Herbal Teas Work?

When herbs are steeped in hot water, some of their water-soluble plant compounds, such as polyphenols and flavonoids, pass into the drink. A scoping review of herbal tea research found that many commonly used herbal teas contain such compounds and have been studied for a range of possible health benefits, while noting that most studies are small and more good-quality human trials are needed^[2].
Herbs steeped
in hot water, 5–10 minutes
ExtractionHot water draws out water-soluble plant compounds and aromatic oils.
Plant compoundsPolyphenols and flavonoids are among the compounds most often studied.
Daily habitA regular, calming tea ritual can also support a healthy routine.
Figure 2. How a herbal tea delivers its plant compounds^[2].
Herbal teas are best seen as a gentle, everyday support for wellbeing rather than a treatment for illness. If you have a health concern, please speak to your practitioner or GP.

References

Wu Q, Liang X. Food therapy and medical diet therapy of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Clinical Nutrition Experimental. 2018;18:1–5. doi.org/10.1016/j.yclnex.2018.01.001
Poswal FS, Russell G, Mackonochie M, MacLennan E, Adukwu EC, Rolfe V. Herbal teas and their health benefits: a scoping review. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition. 2019;74(3):266–276. doi.org/10.1007/s11130-019-00750-w

Your session

What you need to know

1Before you start

Choosing Your Blend

Your practitioner can recommend a ready-made blend or create a customised tea for your body type and wellness goals after a short consultation.
Although these are gentle products, herbs can still interact with some medicines. Please tell your practitioner about any medicines or supplements you take, and if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy, have a known allergy, or have liver or kidney problems. Please also let your GP know you are using Chinese herbs.
2How to use it

Brewing Your Tea
- Add one sachet (or the recommended amount) to a cup of hot water.
- Steep for 5–10 minutes.
- Enjoy 1–2 cups a day, or as your practitioner advises.
- Store sachets in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
3Good to know

Getting the Most From It
- Herbal teas work gently, so they are best enjoyed regularly as part of a balanced lifestyle.
- If you notice anything unusual, such as an upset stomach or a rash, stop drinking the tea and let us know.
Herbal teas complement, but do not replace, advice from your GP or any medicines you have been prescribed.

Who can benefit

Who herbal tea is for

Herbal tea is a simple way to bring TCM into everyday life. These are some of the reasons our patients choose a blend.

Everyday stress

A calming cup to help you unwind at the end of a busy day.

Restful sleep routine

Many patients enjoy a caffeine-free evening blend as part of a relaxing bedtime routine.

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Digestive comfort

Blends traditionally used to settle the stomach and support comfortable digestion after meals.

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Low energy

Gentle blends traditionally used to replenish Qi when you feel run down.

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Seasonal wellbeing

Warming or cooling blends chosen to suit the season and support your general wellbeing.

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Women’s wellbeing

Blends often chosen to support comfort around the monthly cycle.

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Your practitioner will help you choose the right blend, or create one for you, at your consultation.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How is this different from an ordinary herbal tea?

Our blends are made from Chinese medicinal herbs chosen according to TCM principles, using the same approach as our clinical prescriptions, so each blend has a specific wellness aim such as relaxation, digestion or sleep.

How much should I drink?

Usually one sachet steeped in hot water for 5–10 minutes, 1–2 cups a day. Your practitioner may suggest a different amount for a customised blend.

Can I have a blend made just for me?

Yes. After a consultation, your practitioner can create a customised tea blend designed for your body type and health goals.

Is it safe to drink with my medication?

Some herbs can interact with medicines. Please tell your practitioner about everything you take, and let your GP know you are drinking Chinese herbal tea. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please ask before using any blend.

What does it taste like?

Our teas are blended to be pleasant to drink. Depending on the herbs, they may taste floral, lightly sweet or slightly earthy.

Still have a question? Ask our practitioners.