No, herbal tea and green tea are not the same.
While both are popular beverages, the key difference lies in their origins. Green tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, the same plant that produces black tea, oolong tea, and white tea. Herbal teas, on the other hand, are infusions or decoctions made from dried herbs, spices, flowers, fruits, or other plants excluding the Camellia sinensis plant.
Here's a breakdown:
| Feature | Green Tea | Herbal Tea |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Camellia sinensis plant | Dried herbs, spices, flowers, fruits, etc. (not Camellia sinensis) |
| Caffeine | Typically contains caffeine | Usually caffeine-free (but check ingredients) |
| Examples | Sencha, Matcha, Gyokuro, Gunpowder, Hojicha | Chamomile, Peppermint, Rooibos, Hibiscus, Ginger |
| "True Tea"? | Yes | No (technically an herbal infusion or tisane) |
In summary: Green tea is a "true tea" derived from a specific plant, while herbal teas are infusions made from various other plants and are often called "tisanes." They differ in origin, caffeine content, and overall composition.
