What is Tisane?
Dr Morse’s formulas and protocols are all designed to support the body’s eliminatory channels. With proper detoxification and elimination, we can restore balance to the mind, body, and spirit; through internal homeostasis, we achieve balance. One of the best herbal preparations when working through a detox program is tea. This is why so many of Dr Morse’s formulas are available as bagged tea.
In this article we will break down the complexities of a simple cup of herbal tea and discuss one of spring’s most rewarding herbal remedies: the tisane.
Herbal Tea Benefits – the natural diuretic alternative
“Run those teas through the system!” ~ Dr Morse
One of the primary benefits of herbal tea is that most herbs are diuretic in nature (aka, they make you pee). Drinking these diuretic herbs in the form of herbal tea just increases the herbs’ diuretic function because of the additional water.
Our tea blends are full of diuretic herbs as well. Kidney Tea features parsley, plantain, uva ursi and golden rod, Heal-All Tea uses dandelion leaf and butcher’s broom. Ultimate Herbal Blend utilizes horsetail and astragalus.
In fact, most of Dr Morse’s detox formulas contain multiple herbal diuretics. Lymphatic System 1 though 4 highlight herbal diuretics plantain leaf and cleavers. Kidneys & Bladder 1 though 4 are loaded with natural diuretics including parsley, plantain, uva ursi, corn silk, juniper, hydrangea, nettle and golden rod. Even GI Renew #0 through #5 include slippery elm and plantain leaf.*
Why does Dr Morse love to include these urinary movers in all his detox formulas? Because natural diuretics are comprised of balanced mineral complexes that support healthy kidney function. Some of the most powerful herbal diuretics like dandelion leaf are rich in potassium, which is an essential mineral for kidney health and maintaining fluid balance in the body.
Dandelion leaf has been shown to have a diuretic effect without depleting potassium in the body (potassium sparing) due to the high concentration of this essential mineral in the plant. It’s a no-brainer!*
By incorporating diuretic herbal teas like Heal-All Tea or Kidney Tea into your detox program, you can help your body eliminate excess fluids and toxins while also supporting optimal kidney function and overall health.*
What is Tisane?
Tisane is a French word that refers to any herbal infusion that is not made from camellia (green tea) leaves. In other words, a tisane is an herbal tea. Tisanes can be made from fresh or dried herbs, flowers, roots, or spices, and they are typically steeped in hot water for several minutes to extract their flavors and therapeutic properties.
Water is often called the universal solvent, meaning it can dissolve more substances than any other liquid. It also happens to be the most affordable and easily attainable solvent for your herbal preparations! This makes it the perfect medium for extracting the beneficial properties of herbs and other botanicals used in tisanes. By steeping fresh or dried herbs in hot water, you can release their aromatic oils and volatile compounds, creating a flavorful and nourishing beverage.
Tisane History
Before alchemy and the invention of spirits - and therefore tinctures - water was the primary medium for making herbal preparations. Tisanes have been consumed for centuries in cultures around the world. In ancient Egypt, herbs were steeped in water to make healing beverages, and the ancient Greeks and Romans drank herbal infusions for both their health benefits and their taste. During the Middle Ages, tisanes were used by monks and nuns for a variety of ailments, and by the 17th century, tisanes had become popular among the general population.
How to Make a Fresh Tisane
Spring is the perfect time to start making tea with fresh herbs from the garden. Here’s how to make a simple and refreshing tisane:
- Choose your herbs: Some popular herbs for tisanes include mint, lemon balm, chamomile, violet leaf, chickweed, plantain, and nettle. Pick a handful of fresh herbs from your garden, making sure to wash them thoroughly.
- Prep the herbs: Tear or chop the herbs into small pieces to release their essential oils and flavor. The more broken down your plant material, the deeper the water can get to pull the healing properties from the herbs.
- Heat the water: Bring a pot of fresh water to a boil, then remove from heat.
- Steep the herbs: Place the herbs in a tea infuser or directly into the hot water. Cover the pot and let the herbs steep for 5-15 minutes.
- Strain and serve: Remove the herbs and strain the tisane into a cup. Sweeten with honey or enjoy as is.
Making Dr Morse Herbal Tisanes
Dr Morse created 5 herbal tea blends for whole body detoxification and rejuvenation. These teas are all synergistic blends of roots, barks, leaves, flowers and seeds, so we recommend you make them as a decoction, which requires covering and simmering 1 teaspoon of the tea blend in 2 cups of distilled water on low for 7 minutes or more (more on decoctions and the 3 ways to make tea coming soon!).*
Tour our full line of herbal teas to learn which formulas are best for your detoxification journey:
Kidney Tea | Heal-All Tea | Ultimate Herbal Blend | Stomach Tea | 3-Lung Tea
*FDA warning: This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.