I first heard of tisanes from my favorite fictional detective Hercule Poirot who made use of the herbal infusions to stimulate the ‘little grey cells.’ While true tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, tisanes are water-based infusions of herbs and spices. This Orange and Mint Tisane helps to settle the stomach and is wonderful to sip on throughout the day as an alternative to caffeine-filled beverages. Orange and mint are a surprising, yet nonetheless, tasty combination. Another example of a tisane is my recipe for Ginger Juice, which uses ginger, turmeric and cinnamon. This is a super healthy and refreshing beverage, and it is excellent for calming the stomach. Ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon are renowned for reducing inflammation. This can be served as a warm beverage, as you would a cup of tea, or it can be chilled and served over ice as a cool, refreshing drink. 

Orange and Mint Tea (Tisane)

Serves: about 6 cups of tea

Ingredients:

• 6 cups filtered water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 orange, remove the peel trying not to get any white pith, cut the orange in half and juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves

Directions:

1. In a large stockpot, combine water, cinnamon stick, orange peel, orange juice, honey, and mint leaves. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to steep for 10 minutes. Strain mixture and discard solids. Tisane can be served warm or chilled and can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. 

Ginger Juice

Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

• 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced thin
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• 6 cups water
• Optional: honey, to taste

Directions:

1. Place ginger slices, cinnamon, and turmeric in a large stockpot. Bring to a boil over high heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain mixture through a fine sieve and serve warm or chill in the refrigerator and then serve over ice. Mixture can be thinned out with extra water if it is too strong for your liking. Add honey, if desired. 

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