Herbal infusions: ingredients and brewing

Choose herbal infusions for their ingredients, aroma and preparation method, not promises of “deacidifying” the body or removing toxins. In this guide, we explain the difference between a popular phrase and acid–base balance, and show you how to prepare a blend of herbs and green tea.

“Deacidifying the body” and acid–base balance

The acid–base balance of the blood is regulated primarily by the lungs, kidneys and buffer systems. Acidosis is a medical disorder that requires diagnosis and treatment of its cause, not a reason to treat yourself with herbal infusions. A drink tasting acidic does not mean it “acidifies the body”.

We do not attribute “deacidifying”, “detoxifying” or medicinal effects to nettle, milk thistle, ground elder or tea blends. Headaches, tiredness and difficulty concentrating can have many causes — they should not be used to diagnose acidosis yourself. Consult a doctor about symptoms that worry you or persist.

How to read a blend’s ingredients

Check whether the product is a purely herbal infusion or also contains tea leaves. This matters when choosing its flavour and brewing method. A blend containing green tea contains caffeine; the presence of herbs does not make it caffeine-free.

One example is Albert Tea Detox — a blend of green tea and herbs in a 50 g pack. The ingredients listed on the product page are:

• Gunpowder China and Sencha,
• nettle leaf, horsetail and lemon balm leaf,
• rosehip peel,
• candied cranberries (cranberries, cane sugar, sunflower oil),
• lemongrass, peppermint and chamomile.

This blend has a herbal character and a distinctive flavour. Choose it according to your taste preferences and the current ingredients information on the packaging. Its trade name does not confirm any cleansing or medicinal effects.

How to prepare the infusion

For this particular blend, the product page recommends 1 teaspoon of the blend, water at 95°C and a brewing time of 5–7 minutes. Strain out the leaves and herbs after brewing. Do not automatically apply these instructions to every green tea or herb — check the specific recommendations for other products.

Make an informed choice

Herbs are not suitable for everyone. If you take medication, have a chronic condition, are pregnant or are breastfeeding, discuss your choice of blend with a doctor or pharmacist. Also check the ingredients for allergens. Treat the infusion as a drink, not a substitute for diagnosis, medication or medical treatment.

Discover more blends in our herbal teas category. Before buying, compare the ingredients and preparation instructions for your chosen product.