Tisane or Tea?
Tisane (tih-ZANN) is the French word for herbal infusions. In the US, what we commonly refer to as “tea” is not truly tea. Tea technically can only be produced from the plant Camellia sinensis. Tisanes can be made from a variety of materials such as dried flowers, roots, leaves, fruits or herbs which are then steeped in boiling water for a few minutes to an extended amount of time. The two common ways to prepare tisanes are infusions and decoctions. The process of steeping a plant in boiling water is called an infusion, while the process of simmering a plant in lightly boiling water is called a decoction. These brews can have medical benefits and are mostly caffeine free. A few notable examples of caffeine free tisanes are chamomile, ginger, and rooibos. An example of a herbal tisane that contains caffeine is yerba mate.
Infustions & Decoctions
Infusions can be made to be either medicinal or beverage in their nature. A beverage herbal drink is created with the guiding focus being a pleasurable flavor. A medicinal herbal tea is created with the intent to have the beneficial herbal properties and healing abilities as the primary reason for drinking it. Medicinal herbal teas can also have a wonderful scent and taste. Brewing herbs as a decoction is most appropriate for roots and barks which require the simmering boiling water as a method for drawing out the beneficial medical properties that are stored deep within them.
For extended explanation on how to prepare herbal infusions from Susun Weed, the mother of the Wise Woman herbal tradition, please watch her informative video.
Curious to learn more about this wild woman? One of my first posts on Steemit was about my experience meeting Susun Weed: https://steemit.com/herbalism/@cassiopeia/lsd-witches-and-herbalism
Tisanes can also be brewed with special methods that use a bit of magic to infuse their goodness. A few examples would be solar, lunar, and garden fresh. These were covered in my Steemit blog post: https://steemit.com/homestead/@cassiopeia/steeping-in-style-unique-ways-to-brew-tea-and-herbs
On a cellular level our body needs to have minerals. One of my favorite ways to take in minerals is through herbal infusions. I have followed the advice of Susun Weed and try to make infusions regularly. Some of the ones I adore are Stinging Nettle, Milky Oat Straw, and Red Raspberry Leaf. To read an excellent post on Stinging Nettles with instructions for infusing them. Visit my friends 
https://steemit.com/homesteading/@mountainjewel/a-nutritive-herb-for-what-ails-ya-from-low-energy-to-arthritis-to-bed-sheets-nettle-brings-it-home-for-the-win
The best way to get to know an herb or plant is to spend time with it. I love infusions because I am able to form a relationship with the herb that is nourishing me. This is a great way to start introducing herbal medicine into your lifestyle. If you have any questions about infusing herbs I would love to answer them for you!