No, white tea is not herbal.
White tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, the same plant that produces green tea, black tea, and oolong tea. It's the way the leaves are processed that determines the type of tea. Herbal teas, on the other hand, are not made from the Camellia sinensis plant at all. They are infusions or decoctions made from herbs, spices, flowers, fruits, and other plants.
Here's a breakdown to clarify the difference:
- True Teas (White, Green, Black, Oolong, Pu-erh): Derived from the Camellia sinensis plant. The differences among them are based on oxidation levels and processing methods.
- Herbal Teas (Tisanes): Made from anything other than the Camellia sinensis plant. Common ingredients include chamomile, peppermint, rooibos, hibiscus, and various other herbs and spices.
In summary, while you might find "white tea" blends with added herbs, the base of white tea itself is not herbal, as it originates from the Camellia sinensis plant. An herbal blend with white tea would be more accurately described as a flavored white tea or an herbal tea blend containing white tea.
