Although the word ‘tea’ primarily refers to the Camellia Sinesis plant itself, its use has come to encompass drinks that are prepared with a similar steeping method.

The common boil and brew technique has spawned fruit infusions and herbal teas, which have served as popular alternatives for those who do not relish the slightly bitter, astringent taste of the original tea plant.

The health benefits in these cases have naturally lost out to more indulgent palates, but there seems to be a turnaround of tastes recently, with spice teas gaining some long overdue recognition not only for their medicinal value, but for their exotic flavours and variety as a daily cuppa.

At Tropical Spice Garden (Penang), the versatility of popular herbs and spices has always been the focal point of their educational tours and cooking classes. This is further highlighted at their newly built Tea Kiosk at the Bamboo Garden; a picturesque nook that occasionally serves as a romantic wedding location.

Surrounded by the serenity of lush bamboo shoots, visitors can take a breather from their leisurely stroll through the unique trails to savour a cup of ‘Herbal Tea of the Day’. Served hot, the choice of beverage varies from time to time, and as an added health benefit, the teas are sweetened with dried stevia leaves which is a perfect sugar alternative if you are counting the calories.

The cat’s whiskers and stevia leaves are available for sale at their Gift Shop where you can buy them ready packed and sealed. To prepare you can just add hot water or try several combinations with honey, lemon, dried spices and even pandan leaves.

Cat’s Whiskers
One of the region’s best kept secret, Cat’s Whiskers or Java Tea is used in traditional medicines to treat kidney ailments, rheumatism, arthritis and to help lower blood pressure. The pretty, white flowered plant also known as misai kucing is often grown as an ornamental shrub whilst its leaves are harvested for its medicinal value.

Try this: Add 15-20 leaves, 7 cloves of garlic and an inch of fresh turmeric to 1 litre of water. Simmer for 10-15 minutes and strain. Drink 1 cup I the morning and 1 cup in the afternoon to flush out toxins.

Lemongrass
Commonly used in local cooking for dishes such as rendang, tom yum and laksa, lemongrass leaves can also be enjoyed as a refreshing, herbal beverage. Containing citral, a component that contributes to the plants characteristic piquant flavour, it is also discovered to have anti-cancer properties.  Lemongrass tea is a favourite with those who are looking for a detox solution, as it helps to eliminate uric acid, contaminants and bad cholesterol from your digestive and cardiovascular systems.

Try this: Cut several stalks of lemongrass into 2 to 3 inches. Boil in half a litre of water until the liquid turns a golden yellow, releasing a fragrant aroma. Add stevia leaves to sweeten and serve hot or cold.

Ginger
The properties of this ubiquitous root are no stranger to foodies and herbalists alike. From gastric to morning sickness and even cancer, it seems that there is no ailment that this pungent tuber can’t treat. A popular remedy for cold and flu, ginger infusions are also recommended as a powerful, natural painkiller for menstrual cramps, inflammation and migraines.

Try this: Boil sliced ginger in water. Strain into a teapot and add orange peel, cinnamon sticks and cardamom seeds. Steep the spices for 2-4 minutes and remove. Serve hot with a slice of lemon.

Kacip Fatimah
A healing plant which is native to Malaysia, the Kacip Fatima has a long history of traditional use for women in South East Asia. Containing phytoestrogen, the boiled concoction is often drunk by women to induce and facilitate childbirth. It is also said to restore strength and vitality after birth, plus increasing libido. Some of its health benefits include regulating menstrual cycle, reduces cramping and water retention during periods, alleviates fatigue and helps to firm and tone abdominal muscles. With a taste similar to green tea, its best drunk on its own or sweetened with stevia leaves (as shown on picture above).

The Cat’s Whiskers, Kacip Fatima and Stevia leaves are available for purchase at the Tropical Spice Garden Gift Shop.