The short answer: A tisane is a herbal infusion made from anything other than the leaves of the tea bush. Ti·sane - Pronunciation: ti-'zan, -'zän, noun, an infusion (as of dried herbs) used as a beverage or for medicinal effects.
Then . . . what is tea?
Tea is made from the leaves of the shrub, Camellia sinensis.
Tea - Pronunciation: (tē), noun, the dried and prepared leaves of a shrub, Camellia sinensis, from which a somewhat bitter, aromatic beverage is prepared by infusion in hot water.
Brew a tisane
A tisane can be made from fresh or dried plant materials.
The mint family is a good place to start experimenting. For example, collect a handful of spearmint leaves. Add them to your teapot. Pour boiling water in and let steep.
A very full-bodied brew for an afternoon respite!
A great blog post in the praise of tisanes!
Anise hyssop & cilantro blossoms
Have tried melissa (lemon balm) and nepeta cataria (catnip). Like the melissa better. Spearmint is very good - more full bodied than either or a tea like red rose.
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