Tea or Infusion?

Although the term "tea" is widely used for a variety of hot beverages prepared with plants and herbs, not all of these beverages can be called tea. The true definition of "tea" refers exclusively to beverages produced from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant . This plant, native to China and India, produces four main types of tea: green, black, white and oolong. These teas contain theine (the caffeine present in tea) and flavonoids, antioxidants that help fight free radicals, providing benefits such as protection against cardiovascular disease and cancer.

On the other hand, when we talk about drinks prepared from other herbs, flowers or spices, such as chamomile, mint, lemon balm or hibiscus, the correct name is “infusion”. These infusions do not contain theine, and although they offer health benefits, they do not belong to the same category as true teas.

Therefore, if a drink is made from Camellia sinensis , it is tea. If it is made from any other plant, it is an infusion.