Dandy Detox

Native to Europe and Asia and now grown all over, dandelion is so much more than the root of an annoying weed growing in the yard. Dandelion was first used in ancient Chinese medicine. For many centuries it was used as a detoxifying herb and healthful tonic. Dandelion is now recognized in modern herbal medicine for a wide range of conditions known to benefit from mild diuretic action, such as liver disorders, poor digestion, urinary tract disorders, and high blood pressure. The flavor of dandelion root is nutty, toasty and a bit like chicory.

Ginger, used in many cultures to enliven food and drink, is also known for its healthful qualities. A light stimulant, it can treat cold symptoms and sore throat. Ginger is cultivated most prominently in India, China, Indonesia and West Africa. After the plant flowers and the leaves die off, the roots are dug, washed, peeled and sun dried. Ginger’s spicy-sweet flavor adds spark and complexity to our Big Hibiscus.

Less utilized in our blends than their pink counterparts, dried red rose petals are more pungent and perfumed.

Known as the “King of Spices,” the best black pepper is grown in southern India near Cochin. The berries of the perennial black pepper vine are harvested when unripe, then sun-dried until they blacken. Quality is determined by oil content and appearance. Black pepper is spicy, pungent and often has a light salty characteristic—an important feature in chai blends. After the black pepper has been harvested, it is steam distilled to produce the essential oil.

Native to the Indian subcontinent, Tulsi (also known as Holy Basil) is a subshrub with aromatic leaves that grows up to 24 inches tall. As an adaptogen, studies have shown that tulsi is effective in addressing physical, chemical, metabolic and psychological stress through a unique combination of pharmacological actions. Krishna tulsi is a more rare, tropical species of tulsi with purplish-green leaves and is named after the beloved Hindu god. Historically, Krishna tulsi has been a significant herb in Ayurvedic medicine and today remains one of India's most cherished and sacred plants. The flavor has notes of allspice, peppermint and nettles.

Indigenous to Eastern North America and a member of the mint family, skullcap grows up to 3 feet tall and has small, helmet-like shaped flowers for which it was named by Native Americans. Though this herb has been used for centuries in curing various ailments, in Western herbal medicine, skullcap is used for improving liver function and treating tension, anxiety and insomnia. It has a pleasant, earthy and vegetal flavor.

Native to the Mediterranean and now grown all over, fennel has feathery leaves, yellow flowers and a root resembling a carrot. While active compounds are found in the leaves, stems and roots, the seed is the most concentrated part of the plant and is used most often in herbal medicine. Fennel is known to relieve issues of the digestive, endocrine, reproductive, and respiratory systems. It is also widely used in cooking and has a flavor reminiscent of anise.

Honeybush is an evergreen shrub, closely related to rooibos, that grows in the eastern Cape of South Africa. Although there have been attempts at cultivating and farming honeybush, most species are found and harvested in nature, also known as wildcrafting. The slender leaves, stems and flowers are hand cut and then allowed to oxidize in the sun. Honeybush is known to be high in antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, similar to rooibos. As the name implies, it has a distinctly honey-like aroma. Naturally caffeine-free, honeybush has notes of peach, cedar and sweetgrass, with a pinkish golden hue in the cup.