Herbal tea refers to beverages brewed from other plants apart from Camellia sinensis, although many Chinese blended teas also include Camellia sinensis as an ingredient. Almost any part of a plant could be used in herbal teas: leaves, flowers, seeds, stems, barks and loots.
The Chinese have a long history of herbal remedies that pre-dates western medicine. Chinese have used herbs extensively for cures to disease, as well as part of their diet (food and beverage) to promote good health and prevent diseases.
Herbal teas are time-honoured agents to strengthening the body and treating diseases.