This fennel-based herbal tea blend offers a complex taste experience. The fresh aromatic notes of mint and lemon balm are enriched with the slightly sweet and spicy nuances of fennel and licorice, and the herbaceous aftertaste of rosemary and hyssop lends a grassy and slightly resinous finish. Floral notes of lime blossom, a hint of bitterness from centaury and hibiscus are added.
The herbal tea's ingredients are selected from plants and flowers traditionally known to promote a feeling of lightness and well-being after meals and before bed. Perfect for a moment of natural relaxation.
Plants and Flowers
Botanically, fennel is the plant Foeniculum vulgare, belonging to the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family. Native to the Mediterranean, it is now widespread as an edible vegetable. It produces yellow flowers, followed by green and then grayish fruits.
Melissa officinalis is a plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It is native to the eastern Mediterranean and western Asia. It is also called lemongrass for its lemony scent.
The orange tree is Citrus sinensis, belonging to the Rutaceae family. It originated in China as a hybrid between the pomelo and the mandarin. Over the centuries, countless varieties of orange have developed, with sweet oranges being the main distinguishing features from bitter oranges.
The hibiscus plant, Hibiscus sabdariffa, is part of the Malvaceae family. It grows in tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world. Its calyx and flowers are used to prepare hibiscus tea, called karkadè.
Licorice is obtained from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, part of the Fabaceae family. It is native to Asia and southern Europe. Plant extracts of licorice root, obtained by boiling them, are used to flavor licorice desserts.
Hyssopus officinalis is a perennial plant of the Lamiaceae family. It has a thin, square stem with opposite leaves that can reach about 2 meters in height. It blooms from June to October, producing purple-blue flowers, occasionally white or pink in some varieties.
Lavender, or Lavandula, belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is native to the Mediterranean area. It is a genus that includes about 30 species, all small evergreen shrubs with gray-green leaves. The purple flowers, arranged in spikes, are famous and used in herbal medicine, cosmetics, and laundry.
The lime tree, or Tilia, is a tree belonging to the Malvaceae family. It is native to the Northern Hemisphere, but today grows in temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. Of Tilia cordata, also known as small-leaved lime or American lime, herbal medicine uses primarily the flowers and leaves, or the bark for its astringent properties.
Sassafras, commonly known as Sassafras, has the botanical name Sassafras Albidum. It is an evergreen plant native to North America and belongs to the Lauraceae family. An essential oil containing safrole is extracted from the root, used in perfumery, as a food flavoring, and in pharmaceutical preparations.
Marsdenia cundurango is a woody liana of tropical origin, belonging to the Asclepiadaceae / Tylophoree family. It grows robustly to a height of about 10 meters and produces velvety leaves. The flowers are small and light brown.
The plant Inula helenium, also known as elecampane, is a perennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae family. It displays yellow flowers and grows mainly in uncultivated land, in woods, among ditches, and in grassy pastures.
Centaury erythraea, or lesser knapweed, is a plant belonging to the Gentianaceae family. A plant from the Compositae or Asteraceae family is also often called lesser knapweed. The entire dried plant, both whole and in bloom, is used in phytotherapy.
The rosemary plant is Salvia rosmarinus, a shrub in the Lamiaceae family. It is known for its culinary use as an aromatic herb. It blooms from autumn to spring, producing linear leaves that are green on top and whitish underneath.
How to use the ingredients in the herbal tea
The infusion is made by placing about 3-5 grams of the mixture in a cup (250 ml) of water at a temperature of about 100°C.
Let the herbal tea steep for 8 to 10 minutes before drinking. Add honey or sugar, if desired.
Herbal Blend: Side Effects and Contraindications
Among herbal teas for digestive well-being, this blend has no known contraindications for moderate use, except for individual hypersensitivity to one or more ingredients. It is advisable to follow the recommended doses to avoid excessive consumption, which can lead to unwanted gastrointestinal effects. In case of sensitivityà at the gastrointestinal level or in the presence of particular conditions, a medical opinion is recommended before use.