The most common varieties in Europe and US being comfrey, chamomile, peppermint, fennel, lemon verbena, and rosehip.
In South Africa as much as 15% of total tea consumption is the herbal rooibos tea, while matte is widely consumed in Brazil.
Lemon verbena is used as a primary ingredient in infusions and nonalcoholic drinks because it its good sensorial attributes. Lemon verbena also contains high content of antioxidant activity and polyphenolic compound that is very important to human health.
Mint helps with digestion and has so many different varieties that it mixes well with many herbs. Spearmint and peppermint are often used as revitalizing drinks and can be especially refreshing served ice cold on a hot summer day.
Wild herbal beverages supplied early Americans settlers with much needed vitamin C to prevent scurvy. Native American used tree sap to flavor teas, but preferred bitter tonics to cleanse their system of toxins.
Understanding herbal beverages
