Roasted Chicory Root: Chicory root has a long history of use as a caffeine-free coffee substitute and has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine and Western Herbalism. When roasted it offers a deep, coffee like flavor that is unsurpassed by any other alternative. Chicory root is a valuable liver tonic and it's bitter (1) flavor works to bolster bile production and aid in the digestion of fats and detox waste and toxins out of the body (3). It has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and protect cells from damage (2).
Dandelion Root: The roots of this well known ''weed'' are a real gift! They are bitter/sweet, cooling and drying. Dandelion root is alterative (supports detoxification and elimination pathways in the body), nutritive and a cholagogue (stimulates gallbladder function and production of bile). It is used for supporting poor digestion (10), mitigating water retention, nourishment, aiding skin eruptions and supporting healthy liver function (7, 9) and cholesterol (8). A sluggish liver can be related to numerous other health issues including poor digestion, eczema, rashes and acne (17), hormonal imbalances and anxiety. Dandelion root is also high in inulin (11). This is a valuable type of carbohydrate known as a prebiotic that supports healthy gut flora. Dandelion root has also been long used by herbalists to help with painful arthritis. It may work to reduce fluid buildup in the joints, reduce inflammation and increase nutrient absorption. There have also been some very promising studies done showing dandelions ability to support the immune system and even fight against cancer cells (15).
Burdock Root: Another wonderful bitter herb that is cooling. Burdock roots are also alterative and diuretic. Burdock is used to generally move the body to a state of integration and health. It helps aid digestion and stimulate bile secretion and supports the liver and kidneys. It is commonly used for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, acne (17) as well as rheumatic complaints. It is another herb high in inulin and the fiber from burdock has been demonstrated to to provide protection against toxicity from various toxic ingredients (16). Burdock root has also shown antimicrobial and anti-tumor activity and has a beneficial effect on the lymphatic system. It is often used when there is lymphatic stagnation or congestion.
Roasted Cocao Nibs: In a nutshell, cacao has the potential to make your heart healthier and your brain smarter! It has many positive effects on cardiovascular function, athletic performance and endurance as well as cognitive function. This is a warming herb that balances out the cooling energetics of the above bitter roots. It's properties are cardio-protective, neuro-protective, inflammatory modulator and a stimulating nervine. All of these make it an excellent addition to this formula. The cacao bean is rich in polyphenols. These are micro-nutrients that have antioxidant properties and have been well studied (18). The flavanols in cacao have been shown to disarm cell damaging free radicals, preserve cell membranes, protect DNA, prevent the formation of plaque, improve blood flow, lower blood pressure and prevent clots. Cacao has also been shown to help improve HDL cholesterol levels (19) and even increase insulin sensitivity! Cacao has even been shown to help with chronic fatigue and anxiety.
Ginger Root: Ginger roots are a wonderful warming and stimulating herb to balance this blend. It is a carminitive herb meaning it helps with symptoms of stagnant digestion, anti-inflammatory, analgestic, antimicrobial and blood moving. Ginger root is often used for arthritis, migraines, nausea, dysbiosis, menstrual cramps, heart health, inflammation and stomach bugs (20). Ginger's stimulating properties are not like that of caffeine. It moves energy in the body by increasing circulation, promoting digestion and the flower of fluids in the body.
Cinnamon Ceylon: Also known as sweet cinnamon, it has been chosen here not only for it's wonderful flavor and aroma but for it's warming, stimulating and anti-oxidant properties. It is often used for arthritis, insulin resistance, blood movement and diarrhea. For this blend we'll focus on cinnamon's positive effects on insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon has been shown to greatly decrease glucose levels and insulin levels. It has also been demonstrated to positively effect blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It also helps with metabolic function making it a great addition to this powerful tea blend! (21)
Chaga Mushroom Powder: Technically Chaga is a ''fungal sclerotium'', a sterile mass of highly condensed mycelium. It has been used for centuries. Chaga contains over 200 different bio-active molecules. It is known to have anticancer (24), antiviral, antibacterial and anti-parasitic effects. They are immunomodulating, blood sugar balancing and a good source of anti-oxidants (22, 23). Due a lack of information, I can not definitively say that chaga is safe for pregnancy however, I found no indication otherwise either. Please use your own discretion and possibly consult with your health care provider. For reference, there is approximately 7 grams (7000 mg) of mushroom powder per bag of this tea. That is about 233 mg per tablespoon and the recommended dosage is typically around 2000 mg a day.
Cordyceps Mushroom Powder: This mushroom has become very popular of late due it's potential to increase sexual vigor, energy/endurance, slow the aging process, counteract stress and inflammation and help against diabetes. This information comes from years for traditional use and has been shown in a few studies (14, 4, 5, 6). It is also said to protect the kidneys and alleviate chronic lung conditions. There are approximately 7 grams (7000 mg) of cordyceps mushroom powder per bag of this tea. That is about 233 mg per tablespoon and the recommended dosage is typically 3-5 grams daily.
1. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/jf00094a026
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25807561/
3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411014000303 (correct)
4. https://worldmushroomsociety.com/medicinal-mushrooms-inflammation/
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27274781/
6. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2010/871546/
7. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278691510001869
8. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/11/1/67
9. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/10/4/504
10. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11418-018-1217-7
11. https://bibliotekanauki.pl/articles/32195.pdf
13. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411014000303
14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3110835/
15. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1756464619300994
16. https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ben/npj/2021/00000011/00000005/art00005
17. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/act.2006.12.303?journalCode=act
18. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/5/10/4159
19. https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/137/6/1436/4664789
20. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09064710.2019.1606930
21. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-54426-3_12
22. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1383571808003008
23. https://iubmb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/biof.5520310306
24. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874115300477
