Herb Tea:

   Whole generations have grown up with flavored 
   Coffee's, as well as the Teas of India, China and 
   Japan. Until recently "other" Herbal Teas have 
   been consigned to specific groups of people, 
   outside of the mainstream. 
   All that has changed in recent years as local 
   Supermarkets now carry many varieties of Herbal 
   teas, often marketed for the properties of the 
   blends. 

   What isn't often considered is the rich history 
   of Herb teas consumed by all cultures prior 
   to the introduction of the Oriental varieties. 

   As with anything new when the brews in 
   common use today were first introduced into 
   new markets, they met with resistance. 
   Attributed to John Worlidge (English author 
   agriculturist) in 1676 "The leaves of the 
   Chinese tea are a counterfeit of our English 
   Betony, but far inferior to it." 
   This came from a document that survived 
   the fire when an Herb shop burned down in 
   1983, so I can't validate the quote (at any 
   rate I don't think he'll sue me), but the spirit 
   of it rings true. 

   In the years that Herb teas fell into disuse 
   among large segments of the general 
   population, so too was lost the knowledge 
   of the qualities these brews are best suited for. 
   Some Herb teas are immediately likeable 
   whereas others are an acquired taste. 
   Some Herb teas generate heat and are suited
   for driving off a chill, as in Ginger, Pennyroyal*
   and Yarrow. 
   There are those herbs to cool down with, 
   such as Sage, Peppermint, and Wintergreen. 
   These have long been employed to settle 
   an upset stomach. 
   Chamomile, Hops, Linden and Calendula 
   have long been employed for their calmative 
   effects and used before bed time. 

   Herbs in teas are often mixed to improve the 
   flavor and aroma. Herbs may also be mixed 
   with Oriental teas towards the same end. 

  
   *Pennyroyal can be toxic in large quantities and 
   should not be consumed by pregnant of nursing 
   women.