Jasmine, Ginger... But what really counts as "tea"? — From Camellia to Chrysanthemum

The Botanical Definition

In botany, the term “tea” refers strictly to the leaves and buds of one plant:

Camellia sinensis — a species in the Camellia family. Only infusions made from this plant are considered true tea in a scientific sense.

Tea Leaf Characteristics:

Botanical Features of Camellia sinensis Leaves

  • Size：Camellia sinensis var. sinensis: small leaves (3–6 cm long)

  • Camellia sinensis var. assamica: large leaves (up to 20 cm)

  • Margin (leaf edge)：Finely serrated, slightly glossy

  • Color：Young buds: silvery or pale green with fine white hairs (“白毫”)

  • Mature leaves: dark green on top, lighter underneath

  • Aroma Precursors：Rich in polyphenols, amino acids, and catechins → these compounds develop into the flavors and aromas of tea after processing

Herbal Infusions — Not All “Tea” Is Tea

“Feeling unwell? Have some tea.” In China, as well as in many other cultures, “tea” is more than just a plant-based beverage. It’s comfort, care, a gentle interaction between people and their bodies — and a deeply rooted cultural ritual.

But what about jasmine tea, ginger tea, chrysanthemum tea, peppermint tea, or lavender tea? Are these really “tea”?

From a botanical perspective, these are actually herbal infusions (also known as tisanes). They contain no actual tea leaves — that is, no parts of the Camellia sinensis tea plant. Instead, they are made by steeping other plants, flowers, or roots in hot water. Some common examples include:

  • Chrysanthemum tea: made from dried flowers of the Asteraceae (daisy) family
  • Roselle tea (Hibiscus): from the mallow family (Malvaceae)
  • Ginger tea: brewed from the rhizome of the ginger plant (Zingiberaceae)
  • Honeysuckle tea: made from flowers of the Caprifoliaceae family
  • Rose, peppermint, dandelion, lavender, and many others

In Traditional Chinese Use:

  • Feeling cold or sick? → Ginger tea, brown sugar water, jujube with ginger
  • Sore throat or “too much heat”? → Chrysanthemum, honeysuckle, fat sea (胖大海 pang da hai)
  • Women’s health? → Rose, jujube & longan, motherwort
  • Detox, beauty, or weight loss? → Lotus leaf, cassia seed, citrus peel, mulberry leaves

The Exception: Jasmine Tea

Unlike herbal infusions, jasmine tea is a true tea. It’s made by repeatedly scenting green tea or red tea leaves with fresh jasmine flowers.It’s a meeting of Camellia sinensis and the floral world — a true flower tea, both in name and nature.