During the Middle Ages monks took on the role of doctors in their community and prepared the earliest herbal remedies, as few at that time had access to herb gardens. Most common were the 'simples', remedies using just one herb and prescribed in the form of teas. At the time herbal recipes were also passed by word of mouth to generations of country people who were unable to read or write. Today, with the emphasis on healthier lifestyles, Fruit and Herb teas have become an integral part of consumers' drinking repertoire. Fruit and Herb teas are not made of tea leaves but are an infusion of fruit and herbs.
Fruit teas are a blend of ingredients with one or two predominant fruit flavours.
Blends may also include herbs which may offer specific health benefits. Fruit teas are noted for their delicious, refreshing taste and make an attractive, naturally caffeine free, alternative to coffee and tea. Herb teas are the leaves, seeds and flowers of one particular herb, harvested and dried into a tea with a fresh, clean taste. Herb teas are traditionally believed to have properties which can help treat specific medical conditions, particularly those which are stress or digestive-system related. Carshalton 1913 Fruit and Herb teas are made in the same way as traditional black teas.