How does Alteja Ivan chai differ from ordinary black or green tea?

Black and green tea contain caffeine, which stimulates the nervous system and can affect sleep quality, especially when drunk later in the day. Alteja Ivan chai (rosebay willowherb tea) is made from willowherb leaves, which are naturally caffeine-free — this is not the result of processing but a feature of the plant itself.

The taste of fermented willowherb is noticeably different from ordinary tea: it is rounder, with a soft herbal note and without the characteristic astringency that tannin gives black tea. Fermentation — a process in which the leaves undergo controlled oxidation — makes the aroma more expressive and removes the excessive "greenness" of the raw plant.

The brewing method, meanwhile, is familiar: pour boiling water over the leaves, cover with a lid and leave to infuse for 10–15 minutes. No special equipment or skills are needed.

Ivan chai is well suited as an evening drink or as a replacement for coffee in situations where a stimulating effect is undesirable. At the same time, it remains a food product, not a medicinal product — it should be seen as part of the everyday diet, not as a remedy for any condition.