The OzTea journal
Guides to herbal ingredients and their benefits, brewing tips, and stories from the world of tea — written to help you get more from every cup.
8 June 2026
Rooibos: The Caffeine-Free Red Bush Tea
Rooibos tea is also known as red tea or red bush tea. It is made using leaves from a shrub called Aspalathus linearis, usually grown on the western coast of South Africa. Rooibos i…
25 April 2026
Rose Petals: Floral Aroma and Benefits
“Drinking rose petals in tea may have originated in China. Rose tea is an important part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is used to regulate qi, or life energy. TCM…
13 April 2026
Ginseng: Benefits of the Ancient Root
Ginseng has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. This slow-growing, short plant with fleshy roots can be classified three ways, depending on how long it is grow…
2 April 2026
The Health Benefits of Cardamom
Cardamom is a spice with an intense, slightly sweet flavor that some people compare to mint. It originated in India but is available worldwide today and used in both sweet and savo…
22 March 2026
Red Clover: A Traditional Wellness Herb
Red clover is a wild flowering plant belonging to the same family as peas and beans. Red clover can be taken as a supplement, extract, or tea. Source: healthline.com Red Clover is…
12 January 2026
The Health Benefits of Ginger
Ginger is native to Asia and is the flowering plant of the Zingiberaceae family. Its root, or stem, adds flavor to many types of cuisine, but is also an ancient herbal remedy for a…
3 January 2026
Pu-erh Tea: The Aged, Fermented Brew
Pu-erh tea is made from large-leaf of Camellia Sinensis; an aged, fermented tea that comes from the Yunnan province in China. Pu-erh tea is unique because it can be aged for decade…
27 December 2025
Cornflower: A Gentle Floral with Surprising Benefits
Cornflower is native to the Middle East and is known for its medicinal, culinary and cosmetic properties. There are two varieties of Cornflower: “Mountain cornflower or Centaurea m…
16 November 2025
Flowering and Blooming Teas: A Feast for the Senses
The crown for the most dramatic tea goes to the Flowering or blooming teas! These are bundles of tea leaves that are sewn together by hand in China. The rosettes also contain buds…
30 September 2025
Nettle Leaf Tea: Ancient Herb With Modern Health Benefits
Nettle leaf , scientifically known as Urtica dioica , has been valued in traditional medicine for centuries. Today, it continues to be a popular ingredient in herbal teas and natur…
30 September 2025
Calendula Tea: A Powerful Herbal Ingredient With Surprising Benefits
Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a vibrant flowering plant long celebrated in herbal medicine. Beyond its striking golden petals, calendula is commonly brewed into a sooth…
24 September 2025
Saffron: The World's Most Precious Spice
“Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. It is a powerful spice high in antioxidants. It has been linked to health benefits, such as improved mood, libido, and sexual fun…
23 August 2025
Dandelion Root: Benefits of This Detox Favourite
Dandelion Root and it’s health benefits! Most people think of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) as an annoying weed they should immediately remove from their lawn or garden. But the…
15 July 2025
5 Powerful Health Benefits of Drinking Tea
Tea is more than just a comforting beverage — it’s a wellness tradition enjoyed by millions around the world for centuries. From green tea to herbal blends, each cup offers unique…
11 July 2025
Lemongrass Tea: Benefits and Uses
Lemongrass is a herb that is native to Sri Lanka and South India but now grows in many countries around the world. The plant’s stalks are a common ingredient in Asian cooking, but…
10 July 2025
Health Benefits of Cloves
Cloves are the aromatic flower buds of the clove tree ( Syzygium aromaticum ), an evergreen native to Indonesia. Known for their sweet, warming flavour, cloves are widely used as a…
25 June 2025
Stevia: Natural Sweetness, No Sugar
“Stevia is often touted as a safe and healthy sugar substitute that can sweeten up foods without the negative health effects linked to refined sugar. It’s also associated with seve…
22 June 2025
Rhubarb Root: An Earthy Digestive Herb
Rhubarb (scientific name Rheum rhabarbarum) is a vegetable that many people use like a fruit in cooking and recipes. Though native to Asia, it grows in other parts of the world, in…
15 June 2025
The History of Tea
Drinking tea has a long history and it started in China. Shen Nung; the emperor (Chinese: 神农), whose name means the Divine Farmer, is the one who discovered tea. According to myth…
4 June 2025
Liquorice Root: A Naturally Sweet Herb
“Licorice root, which is considered one of the world’s oldest herbal remedies, comes from the root of the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Native to Western Asia and Southern E…
27 May 2025
Lemon Peel: Zest, Flavour and Benefits
Lemon Peel and it’s health benefits! Lemon (Citrus limon) is a common citrus fruit and while the pulp and juice are used the most, the peel tends to be discarded. However, studies…
1 May 2025
Lemon Verbena Tea: Refreshing Flavor With Powerful Health Benefits
Lemon verbena ( Aloysia citrodora ) is a fragrant herb celebrated for its citrusy aroma and soothing qualities. Used in traditional medicine for centuries, it has been valued for e…
9 April 2025
Rosehip: The Vitamin-C Powerhouse
Rosehip tea is an herbal tea made from the pseudo-fruits of the rose plant. It has a delicate, floral flavour that’s slightly sweet with a distinct tart aftertaste. Found just belo…
28 March 2025
Hibiscus: The Tart, Vitamin-C-Rich Flower
Hibiscus has a tart flavour similar to that of cranberries and can be enjoyed both hot and cold. There are several hundred species of hibiscus varying by the location and climate t…
25 March 2025
Chamomile Tea: Calming Benefits and Uses
Chamomile is an herb that comes from the daisy-like flowers of the Asteraceae plant family. It has been consumed for centuries as a natural remedy for several health conditions. To…
17 March 2025
Valerian: The Classic Sleep Herb
Valeriana officinalis, commonly known as valerian, is an herb native to Asia and Europe. Flowers from the valerian plant were used to make perfume centuries ago, and the root porti…
22 February 2025
Borage Tea: Nature’s Cooling and Restorative Tonic
Borage ( Borago officinalis ) is a vibrant blue-flowered herb with a long history in traditional herbal medicine. Often called the “starflower,” borage is prized for it…
22 February 2025
Burdock Root Tea: Ancient Remedy With Modern Health Benefits
Burdock root ( Arctium lappa ) is a long, slender root vegetable native to Northern Asia and Europe. Recognisable by its earthy beige-to-dark brown exterior, burdock root has been…
10 February 2025
Safflower: The Golden Petal in Our Blends
Safflower plant is renowned for a number of healing properties it contains. Organic safflower tea is used in traditional medicine as a remedy for a number of health conditions. In…
28 January 2025
Green Tea: Benefits, Flavour and How to Brew It
Green tea is touted to be one of the healthiest beverages on the planet. To help you feel better, lose weight, and lower your risk of chronic diseases, you may want to consider mak…
27 November 2024
Honeybush: South Africa's Sweet, Caffeine-Free Brew
Honeybush tea is a herbal infusion from South Africa. “Honeybush tea isn’t just another sweet-tasting tea. It’s also caffeine-free, nutritious, and contains very small amounts of a…
23 November 2024
Lemon Balm: The Calming Citrus Herb
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a lemon-scented herb that comes from the same family as mint. Lemon balm has traditionally been used to improve mood and cognitive function, but…
6 November 2024
The Health Benefits of Cinnamon
Health Benefits of Cinnamon! Cinnamon Is High in a Substance With Powerful Medicinal Properties Cinnamon Is Loaded With Antioxidants Cinnamon Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties Cinna…
22 October 2024
Pink Peppercorns: Mild Spice with a Twist
First of all, you may be surprised to learn that pink peppercorns aren’t really peppercorns at all. They’re actually the ripe berries of the Peruvian (schinus molle) and Brazilian…
20 September 2024
Echinacea: The Immune-Supporting Herb
Echinacea is a genus of flowering plants in the daisy family and a common ingredient in cold remedies. These plants are also called coneflowers. The petals may be pink or purple, d…
29 August 2024
Yellow Tea: The Rare, Mellow Brew
Yellow tea is a must-try for all tea lovers! This tea is considered to be the rarest type of tea in the world. Yellow tea is not only exceptional in terms of taste and feel, but it…
31 July 2024
Oolong Tea: Between Green and Black
Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea. It’s made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, the same plant used to make green tea and black tea. The difference is in how the…
6 June 2024
Tea Session In Nature
If you’re thinking of a tea session in nature but you can’t go out, due to rain, cold weather or even in lockdown situation, then you can try the worldwide nature sounds: https://w…
21 September 2023
The Fascinating World of Tea: A Journey Through Its Origins and Health Benefits
Tea, one of the most beloved beverages worldwide, carries a rich history and cultural significance that spans thousands of years. From its humble beginnings in ancient China to its…
22 July 2022
Star Anise: A Spice with Powerful Health Benefits
Star anise, derived from the Chinese evergreen tree ( Illicium verum ) , is a star-shaped spice known for its bold licorice-like flavor and rich medicinal properties . While often…
5 July 2022
St Mary’s Thistle: A Powerful Herb for Detox & Wellness
t Mary’s Thistle, also known as Milk Thistle , is a potent medicinal herb native to the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Middle East . For centuries, it has been valued for its…
20 June 2022
Black Peppercorn and Its Health Benefits
Black pepper is one of the world’s most widely used spices, prized not only for its bold flavour but also for its potential health benefits. Derived from dried berries of the Piper…