January Custom Herbal Tea Box Plant Profile

January Custom Herbal Tea Box Plant Profile

Happy New Year My Tea Lovers!

I hope you had a wonderful holiday season, mine was pretty mellow and relaxing which is what I absolutely love. I prefer to not do a whole lot during this time besides reflect on the year, and take in all the wonderful blessings around me.

I've had some requests for coffee alternatives which is why I'm coming in hot with our Herbal Coffee Roast this month. A perfect way to start January is with this nourishing blend. We could all use a tiny break from daily caffeine intake though and to switch it up a little, why not. 

Disclaimer: It is the policy of Blu Radical Apothecary LLC not to advise or recommend herbs for medicinal or health use. This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement of any particular medical or health treatment.

January's Monthly Tea Box Loose Leaf Tea

(Herbal Coffee Roast - Roasted dandelion root, roasted chicory root, cacao nibs, honeybush, cloves)

GET YOUR BOX

About Herbal Coffee

Herbal coffee is caffeine free and has several health benefits. It's a great alternative to those wanting to cut back on caffeine or ditch it all together. This coffee alternative can be beneficial for those with certain health conditions or special diets because of the lack of caffeine and inclusion of healthy ingredients.

Unlike decaffeinated coffee, herbal coffee usually has no caffeine, but despite its lack of caffeine herbal coffee still provides energy. The energy comes from the nutrients, cacao for instance, increases metabolism and the potassium can help restore electrolytes. Both of these can help in stabilizing energy.

Herbal coffee is also non-acidic and provides a type of fiber known as inulin, which stimulates microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. The microorganisms help digest food, stimulate cell growth, and may guard against certain diseases. Non-acidic coffee also may be a good alternative for people with sensitive stomachs and other digestive issues, such as acid reflux.

Depending on the ingredients of the herbal coffee, will ultimately depend on the added benefits. 

There are many different ways to create an herbal coffee blend but one of the main ingredients you will find is roasted chicory root. 

Roasted Chicory Root: (Cichorium Intybus)

Chicory comes rom the dandelion family. Chicory is native to western Asia, North Africa, and Europe. It lives as a wild plant on roadsides in Europe. The plant was brought to North America by early European colonists. It is also common in China, and Australia, where it has become widely naturalized. (1)

Fun Fact: Chicory was first roasted and used in coffee in Holland around the year 1750. In a short period of time, it became a popular replacement for coffee. By 1785, James Bowdoin, the governor of Massachusetts had first introduced it to the United States. (2) 

Chicory root may boost digestive health, aid diabetes treatment, help fight inflammatory arthritis, aid weight loss, and improve skin barrier function. Chicory contains the inulin, the inulin in chicory works as a powerful prebiotic. It improves gut function by promoting the health of the gut bacteria. It also is well tolerated by individuals with gastrointestinal symptoms. It promotes a smooth and regular digestive process, and this can potentially reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. (3)

Roasted Dandelion Root: (Taraxacum Officinale)

Dandelions aren't given enough credit. Mostly picked out as weeds, but the entire plant is extremely beneficial. 

Dandelion and the tea made from its different parts find honorary mention on several occasions in 10th and 11th century writings about traditional medicine found in Middle Eastern countries. The herb was also one of the primary ingredients in traditional Chinese Medicine concocted for liver problems and related health issues. Susanna Moodie in her memoir, ‘Roughing it in the bush’ first explained how to make ‘coffee’ using dried dandelion roots, in the year 1852. 1919, the root of the dandelion plant was finally recognized as a means to make cheap coffee and a potent herbal cup of tea, with lots of health benefits. (4)

Some noted benefits of dandelion root tea are that it may reduce water weight, supports healthy liver function, soothes digestive ailments, has cancer fighting potential, may help prevent UTI's, improve cellular health via blocking free radicals, reduces inflammation, contains antiviral properties, may help stabilize blood sugar, and offers flavonoids, phenolic acids, vitamins, and minerals. (5)

NOTE: 

Dandelion has also been found to interact with diuretics, lithium, and Cipro.

Cacao Nibs: (Theobroma Cacao)

The cacao bean was said to be first domesticated 5,300 years ago, in equatorial South America, before being introduced in Central America by the Olmecs (Mexico). More than 4,000 years ago, it was consumed by pre-Hispanic cultures along the Yucatán, including the Maya, and as far back as Olmeca civilization in spiritual ceremonies. (6)

The cacao nib itself, are crumbled bits of dried cacao beans, which grow on the cacao tree. Cacao nib producers dry and crack the beans into small pieces. 

Some added health benefits of cacao nibs are that my may contain antioxidants, which help reduce cell damage in your body that may help to prevent disease including heart disease. Cacao contains more heart-healthy flavonoids than red wine and linked to improve heart health. Cacao nibs contain healthy fats and other compounds that can increase the levels of the hormones serotonin and dopamine in your brain, which impacts your mood. Cacao nibs are also an excellent source of iron, magnesium, protein, potassium, and fiber. 

Honeybush: (Cyclopia)

Honeybush (Cyclopia spp.) is an endemic South African fynbos shrub that grows naturally on the sandy coastal plains and mountain slopes of the Western and Eastern Cape. 

In 1772 the Swedish botanist Thunberg recorded that he found “honigtee” during one of his field trips at the Cape. The use of honeybush tea, however, was first documented in 1705, over 60 years before Thunberg found it. The earliest record of the early colonists at the Cape using it for medicinal use dates back to 1830. The earliest evidence of scientific research – when scientists documented that this herbal drink is caffeine free – comes from 1881. (7)

It has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries. Its antioxidants — namely mangiferin and hesperidin — confer it a variety of health benefits, including antidiabetic and cancer-fighting properties, as well as improved bone and skin health. 
Honeybush contains antioxidant properties, may help lower bad cholesterol, has anti-aging properties that help with skin elasticity, anti-mutagenic and anti-cancer properties, and can help support health hormone production due to its phytoestrogen properties. 

Cloves: (Syzygium Aromaticum)


The clove tree (Syzgium aromaticum, or Eugenia caryophyllis) is also indigenous to the Moluccas, and they were probably imported from the Spice Islands into China more than 2000 years ago. From the 8th century, cloves became increasingly popular in Europe, and along with nutmeg, the importation of this coveted spice helped the enterprising Venetians become extraordinarily wealthy. (8)

Unlike most spices, clove has a medical value. It contains eugenol which is an effective local anesthetic, and this has long been used in dentistry. Other constituents include salicylic acid. Clove, which is an aphrodisiac (with properties similar to those of rhinoceros horn – i.e. an imaginary symbol of potency), was a highly valued flavor, a possible food preservative, and a pharmaceutical panacea in past centuries. (9)

Some benefits of cloves include that cloves also have antiseptic, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties that keep common infections, cold, and cough at bay, antioxidant properties, helps improve digestion, boosts metabolism, anti-inflammatory properties, helps clear phlegm due to eugenol property, high in vitamin E & K helps in fighting bacterial infections and lower the temperature in the body, may help in clearing harmful toxins from the body. (10)

Aroma and Flavor

Earthy aroma with a hint of caramel and chocolate, with a heavy and bold roasted flavor.

Tasting Notes PDF HERE: Print as many as you want when you get your box in! This is also fun to do with friends & family. 

GET YOUR BOX

New here? If you are on the fence about getting your box here’s what you can expect each month:

What You Get In Your Monthly Tea Box:

Small Batch Loose Leaf Tea & Seasonal Infused Honey!

Tea

Hand-crafted organic small batch loose leaf tea.

GET YOUR BOX

(Above Image: A variation of what our tea boxes may look like, small apothecary gifts may vary. Tea, honey, and reusable bags are consistent.)

16+ Delicious cups 

Your monthly tea box makes 16+ fresh cups! 

Local Infused Honey 

The perfect pairing with your tea, infused with different herbs to bring you different flavor profiles of honey. 

FREE Shipping 

Explore loose leaf tea, shipped for FREE.

More Details

Your tea will make 16+ cups or 48+ re-steeped cups. Your tea box also contains reusable muslin tea filters + monthly herbal tea plant profile + steeping information.

ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS INCLUDE:

  • Hand-crafted organic loose leaf herbal tea
  • 1.5 oz. Jar of organic seasonally- infused honey
  • Each Tea Box makes 16+ cups (48+ if you re-steep)
  • Reusable and biodegradable filters
  • Steeping guidelines and tasting notes
  • Exclusive 15% discount on tea in the apothecary shop
  • Small gifts from the apothecary - items vary, not specific
  • 50% off MEMBERS ONLY portal (coming SOON!)

What Makes Our Tea Boxes Stand Out Compared To Store Bought Tea Boxes

-Loose leaf tea + combinations

-Biodegradable packaging 

-Small Businesses Support

-Fresher

-Detailed information

-Customizable 

-Shipped directly to you

Disclaimer: It is the policy of Blu Radical Apothecary LLC not to advise or recommend herbs for medicinal or health use. This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement of any particular medical or health treatment.

Steeping Guidelines/Directions 

  1. 205 degrees F water
  2. 1-2 teaspoons per 8 ounces of water.
  3. Steep for 5-7 minutes
  4. Strain.
  5. Enjoy!

Notes:

Get creative with it, you can still froth your favorite creamer or milks to use in you herbal coffee! Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cacao power to the top of your froth too, yum!

Back to blog