Herbal Tea vs Green Tea : What’s the Difference? August 22, 2022 05:13

First discovered in China in 2737 BC, Tea has now taken over the entire world, and with the global expansion of tea, people started experimenting with the delicious beverage. While some people have become accustomed to using unique blends of tea, some are still not clear about their disparities. Green tea vs Herbal tea is the most common confusion among people interested in drinking tea these days. 

Here we’ll be discussing the difference between green tea vs herbal tea, and find out which one is the best among these two teas

What is Green tea?

Green tea is made from a particular plant, Camellia sinensis. Its leaves and buds are slightly steamed to create an aromatic taste in it. The length and intensity of the tea-making process are what determine which type of tea it is. What makes Green tea an exceptional tea is that it undergoes less processing than Oolong and Black tea. Unlike oolong tea and Black tea, Green tea doesn't undergo the withering, rolling and oxidation process. Green tea has negligible amount of calories and it doesn’t contain fat, carbohydrates, or protein.

What is Herbal Tea?

Mother nature offers a wealth of flora and fauna other than the Camellia Sinensis plant. Herbal tea is an infusion of various herbs, flowers, fruits, roots, and spices, which are edible non-tea plants. Herbal teas have gained huge popularity over the past few years primarily because of the Health benefits along with vibrant flavors. There is a variety of Herbal teas each having a unique flavor, aroma, and health benefits. Herbal teas have healing properties and have been  used for medicinal healing purposes before the advent of modern medicine.

Is Green Tea a Herbal Tea?

Green tea is not considered an herbal tea, as what we call green tea, is what is derived from the Camellia Sinensis plant. Herbal teas are the tisanes or infusions of herbs and plants other than the Camellia Sinensis plant. 

Here comes an interesting part. Although we call them teas, herbal teas are not actually "tea" as they typically do not contain the leaves or buds of tea plants(Camelia Sinensis). Herbal teas are but blends of dried herbs, flowers, fruits or spices in water.

Green Tea vs Herbal Tea: Key Differences

If you ever thought Green tea and Herbal tea were the same, then you’re not alone. At first glance, Green tea may appear to be a herb, but you must know that there is a significant difference between green tea and herbal tea. Please read on for  some key differences between Green tea vs Herbal tea.

1. Green Tea vs Herbal tea: Ingredients

Key ingredients are what make green tea and herbal tea completely different from each other. Green tea is made from a particular plant i.e. Camellia Sinensis tea plant while herbal tea can be made from the infusion of various herbs, spices, fruits or flowers.

Camellia sinensis grows more as a shrub than a tree. Green tea may only contain Camellia sinensis leaves or it can also be blended with other plants to add flavor to it. 

Herbal teas, on the other hand, can be made from nearly any plant you can imagine. Mint tea, rose tea, sage tea, lavender tea, chamomile tea, cherry tea, and apple tea are some examples of Herbal tea.,

2. Green Tea vs Herbal Tea: How are they Produced?

Green Tea

As we mentioned earlier, green tea is made from the same Camellia sinensis plant which is used to make oolong tea, black tea and white tea. The variance in the withering and oxidation process is what makes them different from one another.

Green tea does not undergo oxidation while oxidation is the fundamental to creating black tea and Oolong tea. Oxidation is a process where the enzymes inside the tea leaves get in contact with the oxygen in the air and start turning darker.

Oxidation is the process that causes the browning of an apple brown when it is cut and left open in the air. Tea leaves are hand-rolled or machine-rolled to hurt them enough so that the enzymes inside the leaves appear on the surface and react with the oxygen in the air. The longer the leaves are left for oxidation, the darker they get. Oolong tea is oxidized until its oxidation level reaches the range of 50-70% while the oxidation level of black tea tends to 100%.  In contrast, tea leaves are prevented for oxidation to make green tea.

Herbal Tea

Unlike green tea, herbal tea doesn’t use the tea plant. People use dried fruits, flowers, spices, and herbs in varying ratios, pour hot water on them, and let them sleep until the herbal tea reaches the strength of flavor before starting drinking.

3. Green Tea vs Herbal Tea: Which One is Caffeine Free?

Green tea is a good source of caffeine while most herbal teas are caffeine-free. Add in the fact that usual herbal teas have less antioxidants than green tea. Green tea in general has about 50% of caffeine in comparison to a strong Black Tea. Due to the good caffeine content, green tea is the preferred choice to have when the 2 PM slump hits you but you don't want to drink coffee. You normally wouldn't find green tea in someone's bedtime tea collection.

Herbal teas are naturally caffeine free which is why those who are sensitive to caffeine or want to limit their caffeine consumption prefer herbal tea over green tea. Herbal teas are excellent for those looking for certain benefits from the herb they're using or someone who has to follow a strict diet without caffeine.

4. Green Tea vs Herbal Tea: Difference in Health Benefits

As Green tea and Herbal tea are derived from different plants, they have different health benefits. Green tea is loaded with antioxidants, Catechins, Theanine and various vitamins which makes it a healthy drink. Green tea is synonymous with health benefits such as:

• Helps the metabolism and burn fat; green tea is probably the best tea for weight loss.
• Hinders the development of cancerous growth.
• Balances cholesterol levels.
• Aid for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
• Capacity to fight with Type 2 Diabetes.
• Its caffeine helps you stay awake and stay focused.

The list goes on. Herbal tea, meanwhile, has a different story. As herbal teas are made from a variety of fruits and plants, they have a variety of health benefits. While many herbal teas are used as natural remedies there are beverages that are marketed as "herbal tea" but are nothing but sugary water. We advise you to keep caution.

5. Herbal Tea vs  Green Tea Side Effects

As herbal teas are caffeine-free, they are most relaxing. Most herbal teas are harmless, however, some herbal teas, for example, raspberry leaf tea might be discouraged for pregnant or nursing women. Herbal teas including Tulsi Herbal tea, rooibos tea, mint tea, chamomile tea, and general fruit teas are normally considered safe for the general population. 

Consuming Green Tea in excessive amounts can cause headache, nervousness, insomnia, vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, and convulsions.  

 Anybody with a medical condition or pregnancy might want to check with their doctor before consuming any Herbal or Green tea to avoid unwanted side effects.

6. Green Tea vs Herbal Tea: Difference in Flavor Profile

Green tea has a very specific natural flavor while the flavor profile of herbal tea really depends on which herbal tea you are trying out. Since green tea is not fruity or sweet in taste, it may not be a choice for many. Some green teas are pretty astringent and have a definite vegetal flavor. Many add sweeteners to green tea, but doing so  may hinder the antioxidants from doing their job of providing health benefits.  

How can you make your Green Tea not taste Bitter?

Green Teas taste bitter because average people have not been educated on how exactly to prepare it. When preparing green tea you want to use water between 160F-180F temperature and steep it for not more than 2-3 minutes. Then, make sure to re-steep the same tea again for a second or third cup.

As for Herbal teas, they generally have two distinct flavor profiles: one which is delicious and the other which is as harsh as green tea.

You might not find Herbal teas like valerian root tea, sage tea, cumin/fennel seed tea to be delicious but they do offer a wide range of health benefits including weight loss. Meanwhile, herbal teas like rose buds tea, lavender tea, ginger tea and cinnamon tea are delicious to drink; you might end up drinking these teas for the flavor and not solely for health benefits. Many love to add local honey to make strong herbal teas palatable or for added effects.

But, Please Keep track of how much honey you're pouring on these teas, because excessive use might counter the benefits.

Green Tea vs Herbal Tea: Which One to Choose?

Green tea and herbal tea are completely different tea types but these two teas have a few things in common as well. And if you know both sides, it will help you choose the best one for you. The choice between green tea and herbal tea really depends on why you want to have one. If you want to keep awake and stay focused without the jitters then green tea could be the best choice for you. However, if you just want a nice cup of tea for relaxation and or want to settle down after a long day's work then you must go for herbal tea.

But, the best part in this Green tea vs Herbal tea debate is that you can blend it with one another. Blending green tea with a herbal tea adds both flavor and health benefits to the beverage.

Among several of our Green tea and Herbal tea offerings, following are the ones that tea lovers are most delighted by.

1. Mt. Pumori Emerald Green Tea- USDA Organic

Mt. Pumori Emerald Green Tea is a high-elevation USDA Organic tea. This Ilam Green Tea is produced at high-altitude tea Plantations in Ilam,Nepal where Monsoon clouds constantly flow and rise up towards the higher Himalayas before they turn into rain or snow. This phenomenon provides the tea plants with a moist and misty environment to give them a natural shade. When steeped, the liquor turns subtly golden green and produces a thick and syrupy texture. As you take a sip of it, you will feel a subtle sweet taste.

2. Nepal Jasmine Green Tea

Nepal Jasmine Green Tea is a floral blend of Himalayan green tea and jasmine blossoms. Green tea leaves absorb the sweet fragrance of jasmine with a subtle minty note which gives the tea a jasmine aroma with fragrant and floral flavor.

3. Tulsi Herbal Tea

Tulsi Herbal tea is  clearly becoming the most common herbal tea that people consume on a daily basis.

Tulsi (holy basil) is an Ayurvedic herb and is considered to be sacred. It has holistic medicinal, therapeutic and culinary properties and is globally used as a religious, spiritual, and healing herb. Learn about its benefits Here. People consume Tulsi in dried, fresh or powdered form; some even simply chew its leaves to get health benefits from it but the best way to consume it is as tulsi tea. Herbal tulsi tea has a pleasing unique taste with a semi-sweet mint spiciness.

You can find all three, Mt. Pumori Emerald Green Tea, Nepal Jasmine Green Tea and Tulsi herbal tea, in our inventory.