On any given evening, you will find me cozied into a favorite armchair after a day of writing that would have also included a couple of walks with my pups and enjoying a good homemade meal. Ready to relax and unwind, I will grab a book or a newspaper or a magazine, a dark chocolate truffle and pour myself a hot cup of tisane.

Tisane, also referred to as herbal tea, is just as it sounds, made from a mixture of herbs and sometimes spices, and are always decaffeinated which is why many enjoy tisane in the evenings (however, did you know that the caffeine in coffee is absorbed by the body differently than tea which is why tea has a different effect? Yep, “tea releases the stimulant into our bodies at a slower pace because it contains the amino acid L-Theanine, which also produces a calming effect in addition to stimulating concentration and clear thinking”). Which is to say, enjoy tisane tea any time of the day. In fact, I cannot help but picture Hercule Poirot, or more specifically David Suchet’s Poirot and his regular sipping of tisane in his signature metal glass holder to stimulate his ‘little grey cells’.

The health benefits are vast for tea in general, but specifically when we enjoy tisane, filled with antioxidants as other teas are, the free radical–fighting capabilities are a health benefit. “These antioxidants reduce oxidation in the body (caused by environmental aggressors such as UV rays, pollution, cigarette smoke and pesticides) and combat the aging of our organs, including our skin”. And when you drink chamomile tea, it contains “a mild nervous system sedative and reduces inflammation in the body”. Below are a few more benefits:

• Any herb that is bitter or has a bitter taste, such as milk thistle and dandelion, “promote detoxification and help reduce cravings for sugar and fat”
• Ginger – the root itself, was reported by Harvard “has been shown to boost the immune system and combat inflammation. A recent systematic review of ginger’s effects on human health supports its ability to help treat a range of ailments, such as gastrointestinal function, pain, inflammation, metabolic syndromes, and more.”
• Discover 10 more benefits here in a detailed post written a couple of years ago.

There are many more benefits that tea makers have been working on to target specific health benefits, so have fun exploring and tailoring your tisane to your lifestyle.

My favorite tisane is made by French tea maker Palais des Thés, L’Herboriste No. 74 (shown in the photo above). Containing lime flower, chamomile, and orange blossom, it is to my preference as I want a savory, rather than sweet tea, but with a lovely subtle scent. You can explore all of Palais des Thés tisane varietals here, of which there are many different combinations.

~Explore all of Palais des Thés’ L’Herboriste varietals

Whichever you choose, I do wish you many relaxing moments savoring your ritual whether in the evening or any time of day. Explore more ideas for evening rituals here.

18 of My Afternoon/Evening Rituals to Savor

Palais des Thés’ Tisanes were the Petit Plaisir for episode #353 of The Simple Sophisticate podcast, A Stress-Reducing Year-Round Schedule for House Cleaning and Maintenance for a Small Household

~Explore more Petit Plaisirs here in TSLL’s Archives.