Chá de ervas vs. infusão vs. tisana
While often used interchangeably in daily conversation, the Portuguese terms chá de ervas, infusão, and tisana have distinct meanings regarding the plant source and the method of preparation. Technically, chá only refers to the tea plant (Camellia sinensis), whereas the other terms describe clear methods of extracting flavors and medicinal properties from other plants.
Chá de ervas
A2This is the most common, colloquial term used to describe any hot drink made from plants, regardless of the preparation method. Although technically incorrect because it does not contain tea leaves, native speakers use chá de ervas generally for any herbal tea.
O meu avô bebe um chá de ervas todas as noites antes de dormir.
(My grandfather drinks an herbal tea every night before sleeping.)
Você prefere café ou um chá de ervas após o jantar?
(Do you prefer coffee or an herbal tea after dinner?)
Naquela loja vendem um ótimo chá de ervas para acalmar os nervos.
(In that store, they sell a great herbal tea to calm the nerves.)
Eu gosto de misturar mel no meu chá de ervas.
(I like to mix honey into my herbal tea.)
Infusão
B2This term refers to a specific preparation technique where boiling water is poured over delicate plant parts, such as leaves and flowers, and left to steep. An infusão preserves volatile oils and flavors that would typically be destroyed by boiling the plant directly.
Para fazer uma infusão de hortelã, coloque as folhas na água quente mas não as ferva.
(To make a mint infusion, put the leaves in hot water but do not boil them.)
Esta infusão de camomila e cidreira é muito relaxante.
(This chamomile and lemon balm infusion is very relaxing.)
Deixe a infusão repousar por cinco minutos com a tampa fechada.
(Let the infusion rest for five minutes with the lid closed.)
As flores de jasmim são perfeitas para uma infusão leve.
(Jasmine flowers are perfect for a light infusion.)
Tisana
C1Often used in medicinal contexts, a tisana usually implies a decoction where harder plant materials, like roots, bark, seeds, or berries, are boiled in water to extract nutrients. It differs from an infusão because the plant is often boiled with the water, rather than just steeping in it.
A tisana de gengibre é excelente para curar a gripe no inverno.
(Ginger tisane is excellent for curing the flu in winter.)
Ela preparou uma tisana forte usando casca de salgueiro.
(She prepared a strong tisane using willow bark.)
Para extrair o sabor da canela em pau, é melhor fazer uma tisana.
(To extract the flavor from the cinnamon stick, it is better to make a tisane.)
As propriedades medicinais desta tisana de raízes são muito potentes.
(The medicinal properties of this root tisane are very potent.)
Summary
In short, use chá de ervas as a general term for any herbal tea in casual conversation. Use infusão when referring specifically to pouring hot water over delicate leaves or flowers. Use tisana when referring to medicinal remedies or the process of boiling harder plant parts like roots and bark.