Teas

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a perennial herb indigenous to Greece, Italy, Spain, Syria, Iraq and southern China. The root penetrates deeply into the ground and is the part of the herb that contains an abundance of valuable properties. The word Licorice comes from the Greek glykys (sweet) and rhiza (root), meaning sweet root. The root yields a substance known as glycyrrhizin or glycyrrhizic acid which is 50 times as sweet as sugar cane. The use of Licorice dates back to ancient times. Archaeologists found great quantities of Licorice stored among the fabulous jewelry and art treasures in the 3000 year-old tomb of King Tut. This was done to enable the departed spirit to prepare a sweet drink called Mai sus in the next world. It is still a favorite beverage among the Egyptians today.

Native to the cool temperate climates of Europe and Asia, Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a tall, yellow-flowering plant often seen today growing wild in Britain and North America. Mullein is also known as Lady's Foxglove, Velvet Plant, Shepherd's Herb and Old Man's Flannel. It has an interesting history of practical and cosmetic use. Anciently, fresh Mullein stalks were dipped in melted fat, ignited, and carried as flaming tapers in ceremonial processions. The large, soft, hair-covered leaves were used as diapers by some early Indians and the leaves were also stuffed in shoes to keep thinly shod feet warm in the winter. Today, Mullein can be used as a floral rinse to brighten blond hair. The leaves and flowers contain mucilage and are valued for their soothing effects. Mullein is usually made into a tea either by itself or with Sage, Marjoram, or Chamomile. It is enjoyed by many boiled in milk and sweetened with honey.

One of Asia's most revered tonic herbs, Panax ginseng has been used for over 3000 years and has, at times, been more prized than gold. Its reputation was so great that it was reserved solely for the use of the Emperor and his household. He would sometimes confer Ginseng upon those who had earned his particular favor. Panax Ginseng is a perennial plant that is also known as Korean Ginseng. Panax derives its name from the Greek word "panacea" meaning all healing. The species name, ginseng, is Chinese for "man plant", in reference to the shape of the root. The roots most resembling the human form are the most in demand. Ginseng is perhaps the most widely recognized plant used in traditional health care.

Pau D’Arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa) is a hardy, deciduous tree that is able to withstand severe winds and weather. Pau D’Arco trees are found extensively throughout South America, Central America, Mexico and the Bahamas where it is frequently known as "Taheebo." The herb is harvested by peeling the bark from the tree in vertical strips from the ground up to the height of a man. Only the inner bark is used for beneficial purposes and must be carefully separated from the outer bark. Its purple inner bark was used by the Incas who referred to it as "The Divine Tree." It has enjoyed renewed interest throughout the western world for its beneficial properties.

One of nature’s oldest legumes, Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is known to be cultivated for over 2000 years. However, unlike most legumes, where only the seed is consumed, the entire Alfalfa plant (leaves, sprouts, and seeds) is eaten by man. The Arabs, centuries ago, used Alfalfa as feed for their horses and claimed it made the animals swift and strong. When they tried the herb themselves they became so convinced of its benefits to their health and strength that they named the plant “Al-Fac-Facah”, meaning “Father of All Foods”. The Spanish later changed the name to Alfalfa. The roots of the Alfalfa plant burrow deep into the earth to reach minerals that are inaccessible to most other plants. Alfalfa naturally contains a variety of nutrients and enzymes.