Ingredients

The needle-like leaves of the Rooibos plant (Aspalathus linearis) (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

One of the main benefits of Rooibos is that it calms stressed nerves. In Africa, Rooibos is now widely used as a milk substitute for infants who are prone to colic. Rooibos is also known as a digestive aid and can relieve stomach and digestive disorders such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, cramps and constipation in adults. Rooibos is also known as being rich in anti-oxidants which counteract destructive free radicals. It is mineral rich and contains essential minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc and sodium, as well as trace elements – copper and manganese.

The soothing effect that Rooibos seems to have on the central nervous system may make it an effective sleep aid. Used topically, it will help to reduce inflammation and ease the discomfort of skin irritations. It has a smooth, rich, vanilla like taste and is the wonderful base that gives Soothin’ Infusion its red color and deep rich flavor.

A Lemongrass plant (Cymbopogon citratus) (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Lemongrass tea has been used as a sedative in folk medicine. Lemongrass has many antioxidant, anti-tumor, antibacterial, and antifungal agents. Lemongrass is an important flavoring in Thai and Vietnamese cooking. Lemongrass leaves are employed by the Cuban population as an antihypertensive and anti-inflammatory folk medicine.

Leaves of the Lemonbalm (Mellisa Officianalis) (Source:Wikimedia Commons)

Lemon Balm was dedicated to the goddess Diana, and used medicinally by the Greeks some 2,000 years ago. In the Middles Ages lemon balm was used to soothe tension, to dress wounds, and as a cure for toothache, skin eruptions, mad dog bites, crooked necks, and sickness during pregnancy. It was even said to prevent baldness. As a medicinal plant, lemon balm has traditionally been employed against bronchial inflammation, earache, fever, flatulence, headaches, high blood pressure, influenza, mood disorders, palpitations, toothache and vomiting. A tea made from Lemon Balm leaves is said to soothe menstrual cramps and helps relieve PMS.

It is thought that the volatile oils in lemon balm contain chemicals that relax muscles, particularly in the bladder, stomach, and uterus, thereby relieving cramps, gas, and nausea. Lemon balm is widely used to treat anxiety and insomnia in Europe. It reduces anxiety and stress and eases sleep disorders. Recently it produced an unexpected result in a research study: it greatly increased the ability to concentrate and perform word and picture tasks.

Spearmint leaf (Mentha spicata) (Source: Simon Eugster)

Spearmint promotes healthy digestion, calm nerves, helps with colds and fevers, sore throats, headaches, earaches, and is cooling and refreshing. It has a mild soothing action on nerves and digestion; helps relax the body and clear the mind and senses; it is also known to soothe urinary inflammation. Spearmint also supports the respiratory and circulatory systems.

Close-up of Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) (Source: Mike Gifford @ flickr)

Raspberry Leaf benefits menstrual complaints and the female reproductive system, as well as the digestive and circulatory systems. It is tonifying and astringent and is helpful with diarrhea. The tannins in the raspberry leaves are what make this tea so refreshing and quenching as they have a flavor similar in taste to black tea.