Coffee shops and tisane

Society dictates that a coffee shop is not only obliged to stock, serve, and accept the demand for decaf and tea, but it's also now a prerequisite that we provide tisane.

Tisane is more commonly - and, in fact, almost exclusively - known as herbal tea.

It's been around forever and has long been revered for its medicinal benefits. Just as well really, as it's never going to become popular based on taste.

Herbal teas are usually caffeine-free and boast various stimulant, relaxant, and sedative qualities.

Elderflower tea is thought to cure the common cold, but Benadryl does a much better job.

Green tea is said to aid a slow metabolism, but it's cheaper and more effective to just eat less food.

Camomile tea promotes sleepy-time. Why you'd want this in a coffee shop is puzzling.

Peppermint tea helps if you're bloated and it's Ginger tea if you're nauseous. If you're suffering from either of the aforementioned, it might be an idea to head on home and self medicate, near your own toilet.

In fact, if it's sedative, relaxant, or healing properties you're seeking, a coffee shop probably isn't the best place for you.

We stock, serve, and accept the demand for herbal tea. But we prefer to serve drinks with stimulant properties. After all, we're a coffee shop.