Unlike traditional teas that are brewed from cured Camellia sinensis leaves, herbal teas are produced from herbs, spices, flowers, seeds, stems, fruit, bark, and roots of edible plants. Unlike traditional teas, which are naturally caffeinated, herbal teas are most often caffeine-free.
There are many different herbal teas, or tisanes, available. Produced by blending different ingredients, they each have unique flavors, aromas, and appearances. Similarly, different parts of the world produce unique types of herbal teas. One popular variety is Honeysuckle Flower tea. Often relied upon by herbalists, Honeysuckle Flower tea is considered to be beneficial for a healthy life. Sometimes referred to as Honeysuckle tea, a fresh cup offers a delicate taste and floral aroma.
The History of Honeysuckle
The first documented use of honeysuckle was in 659 AD when it was mentioned in a Chinese medical book. It was also relied upon during the Middle Ages in Europe as a form of medicine. Today, it has exploded onto the herbal tea scene and is widely consumed.
Although many honeysuckle plants grow in North America and Europe, it’s the varieties that grow in China, Japan, and Korea that are credited for the origin of Honeysuckle tea. In fact, this herbal infusion has been used for both medicinal use and pure enjoyment for thousands of years by the Chinese.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Ancient Chinese remedies often called upon Honeysuckle Flower tea to help treat a variety of ailments and to maintain a healthy existence. Some of the reasons that people would ingest this tisane included:
- Detoxing the body
- Inflammation
- Infections
- Maintaining stomach, heart, and lung health
- Fever, colds, coughs, and sore throats
Harvesting & Production
The flowers that were used in traditional Chinese medicine, and are still used to produce Honeysuckle Flower tea, grow on a viny plant called Lonicera japonica. Also known as ‘Japanese Honeysuckle’ or ‘gold and silver honeysuckle,’ this invasive and highly adaptable plant is native to eastern Asia.
The flowers are carefully harvested between May and June when the buds are white and no longer green. They are then dried for a few days before being used for herbal infusions. Although they are dried, the delicate white flowers are not placed in direct sunlight as it will darken the flowers and turn them brown.
Brewing Methods
This tisane, which can be enjoyed both hot and cold, is easy to make and takes minimal effort. All you will need is some way to boil water, a cup to drink out of, a measured amount of tea, and a strainer.
Hot Brew
- Bring some water to a boil. For best tasting results, it is recommended that you use spring water.
- While the water is coming to a boil, add 2g (or as much as 3 g) of tea to your cup.
- When the water starts to boil, fill the cup. Allow the tea to steep for 2 minutes.
- Before enjoying, strain out the tea. Save it for later, however, since it can be used a second time for a 4-minute infusion. If you wish, you can add some sweetener or other additives at this time.
Iced Tea
To enjoy a refreshing glass of Honeysuckle Flower tea, all you will need is 2 cups of fresh blossoms, 2 ½ cups of water, a pitcher or mason jar, a strainer, and some ice.
- Boil 2 ½ cups of water. For the best results, spring water is recommended.
- Place the measured-out blossoms into your pitcher.
- When the water starts to boil, pour it on top of the blossoms. Stir well and allow the mixture to sit on the counter and to reach room temperature. This will take several hours.
- Once the brew has cooled to room temperature, cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator for 12 hours.
- The next day, strain the tea and pour some into a cup filled with ice. If you wish to add any garnishes or sweeteners, this is the time to do it. Then, sip and enjoy!
Popular Additives
While some people enjoy drinking this herbal tea as is, others prefer to jazz it up a bit with some additives. Some of the more popular options include:
- Mint
- Lemon
- Honey
- Coconut oil
- Vanilla
- Orange essential oils
Characteristics
When brewed, this tisane is clear and pale yellowish-green in color. The aroma emitted from this beverage is both pleasant and distinctly floral. The taste of Honeysuckle Flower tea is often described as sweet and floral with subtle notes of vanilla.
Nutritional Values & Caffeine Content
Considered to be low in nutritional value, there are zero calories, carbs, fats, and proteins in 2 g of blossoms. Coupled with this low nutritional value, Honeysuckle Flower tea is naturally 100% caffeine-free.
Potential Benefits
Herbalists believe that Honeysuckle tea is highly beneficial to the body. It is thought by some that this tisane has the potential to relieve indigestion, colds, swelling, and minor infections. Despite the lack of hard evidence, it is also thought to help with memory retention. As previously stated, however, these claims lack scientific evidence and are not supported by research.
Honeysuckle Flower Tea
Herbal tea is made from edible plant parts including herbs, spices, flowers, seeds, stems, fruit, bark, and roots. Also referred to as tisanes or herbal infusions, there are many different varieties of herbal teas available. Honeysuckle Flower tea, which is made by steeping blossoms in boiling water, is just one example of this type of beverage.
Originally utilized in ancient China for both medicinal use and pleasure, today this herbal tea has gained popularity all over the world. Its floral scent, sweet and floral flavor, and beautiful pale yellowish-green color provide a wonderful experience for tea enthusiasts and newbies alike.
Not only is this tisane easy to brew, but it can be enjoyed both hot and fresh or served cold over ice. There are also many different additives that pair well with this herbal tea to boost the flavor. If you are interested in herbal teas, this is a simple and classic flavor that you should experience.
