Native to Eurasia and first used by ancient Egyptians, Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) has daisy-like flowers and a long and storied history as a gentle, soothing herb. In traditional German herbalism, Chamomile was so popular it was called alles zutraut, meaning “capable of anything.” With its pleasing sweet apple aroma, it has always been one of the world’s favorite teas. In addition, its fragrance makes Chamomile a pleasant addition to potpourris and aromatic dried flower arrangements. Cosmetically, Chamomile makes a wonderfully soothing bath, a penetrating facial, and it can be used to bring golden highlights to brown hair.

Often brewed as a coffee substitute, the roots of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) can also be used as an ingredient in root beer. The cleaned, raw roots can also be sliced into salads or cooked and added to other vegetables. The taproot is white on the inside and dark brown on the outside and grows up to six inches long. The plant first appeared in the 10th century journals of Arabian physicians. By the 16th century, the British considered Dandelion a valuable herbal plant and it has held a distinguished place among European herbalists for centuries. When the whole plant is used, Dandelion may work as a natural dye and turn a fabric a deep magenta.

Senna (Senna alexandrina) is a small, peelable-bark shrub that grows in the upper Nile regions of Africa and the Arabian peninsula. Senna was used over 3500 years ago by ancient Egyptian physicians. According to a rare and amazing Egyptian medical papyrus dating to the 16th century B.C., Senna was prescribed by the physicians for their distinguished patients. It was also used extensively by Arabian physicians, according to their 9th century A.D. writings. Senna was introduced to Europe before the Crusades and has been widely used ever since. The Native Americans also employed the use of American Senna, a variation of the European species. Senna is often combined with various aromatic herbs.

Catnip (nepeta cataria) has been appreciated by thepeople for at least 2000 years. The plant was familiar to early Roman cooks and physicians and has long been a part of people's gardens and health repertoires. It is often enjoyed as a tea for its soothing relaxing benefits.

Native to the Mediterranean region, Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) is indigenous to both western and central Europe and is now found in the United States. An annual or biennial herb growing up to 10 feet tall, Milk Thistle has a large bright purple flowering head. It is often considered a pesky weed. It gains its name from the milk white veins that streak its prickly edged leaves. The plant contains the natural chemical substance Silymarin, an active constituent highly concentrated in the fruit, but also found in the seeds and leaves. Milk Thistle has been used as both a food and a health aid for hundreds of years. It makes a delicious salad green and cooked vegetable, as well as a wholesome tea.

Renowned for its slimming and calming benefits for over 1,500 years. Legend has it that early Chinese emporers and monks trained monkeys to pick the superior tea leaves for this special blend from tea plants on the edge of cliffs, high in the mountains of southern China and Taiwan. When used in conjunction with a balanced diet, this tea emulsify fats in the digestive tract to hasten digestion. The natural essential oils in the tea leaves. Helps increase metabolism to improve digestion allowing the body to relax after meals. Enjoy a light, satisfying taste and rich golden color. 99.9% caffeine free. Includes a 7-day balanced diet plan.

The practice of drinking Green Tea (camellia sinensis) was brought to Japan by monks returning from their studies at the great Zen monasteries of 12th century China. For then, tea functioned as an aid to meditation, as a health aid, and as a tool to propagate Zen. As the years went by, tea and the reason for drinking it changed, but it never went out of fashion. Today, Green Tea is one of the three major non-alcoholic beverages in the world. Green Tea is a typical non-fermented tea that is enjoyed by many and is immensely popular in Japan. It is utilized as both a daily beverage and as a healthful drink. Green Tea contains a rich natural source of polyphenols and bioflavanoids. Recent studies have identified the valuable active constituents of Green Tea and continue to review its historical uses. There are two methods for making the best cup of tea. One is called an infusion which is used whenever you are brewing a cup of tea from leaves or flowers or other soft or fragile materials. The second method is a decoction which is used whenever you are brewing a cup of tea from bark, roots, seeds, or other hard materials.

Small branched shrub found mainly in moors, humus rich- soil and open woods from low-lands to mountains, Bilberry (vaccinium myrtillus) bears small blue-black, many seeded berries. Also commonly known as whortleberry, Bilberry has been a source of fresh jam for hundreds of years. Extensively written about in 16th century herbals, this berry is native to northern Europe and Asia; with its nearest American counterpart being the huckleberry. During Word War II, Royal air force pilots swore that eating Bilberry jam prior to night missions significantly improved their visual acuity in the darkness.

Burdock (Arctium lappa) is a native to Europe and Asia, and if allowed, can grow in almost any uncultivated space. It was used by India's traditional Ayurvedics and by the early Chinese for its very valuable health properties. In addition to its healthy benefits, the stalks form a delicate vegetable, similar in flavor to asparagus when boiled, and a pleasant salad when eaten raw with vinegar. Burdock is greatly cherished in the Orient, especially in Japan where it is known as Gobo and the root is used in everyday cooking. The name is a combination of bur, from its tenacious burrs, and dock, Old English referring to its large leaves. And, as its name suggest, it is a plant which bears seeds in big round bristly cones that stick to clothing and animal fur. Many modern-day herbalists continue to use Burdock for its health benefits.

An erect shrub with small pink or white flowers, Blueberry (Vaccinium Myrtillus) is native to North America and is now harvested throughout Europe. It bears large, smooth-skinned berries that turn to a deep purple as they mature. Apart from their size and preferred, sweet taste, Blueberries are distinguishable from other species of its botanical family because of its colorless juice. Blueberries grow in clusters and are available from July to September. They are often used in jam, juice compote and are also suitable for fruit salads and pastry fillings. The leaves have historical use for their health benefits and are often enjoyed as a refreshing tea.

A perennial with male and female plants, Nettle (Urtica dioica) grows up to four feet tall and has toothed, pointed leaves that sting when touched. The sting causes a burning sensation. This is because each hair consists of a sharp, hollow spine that breaks off easily, allowing the liquid inside, formic acid, to be released into the object causing the injury. In spite of its stinging, Nettles are of considerable use in many ways, including culinary; they contain Vitamins A and C, iron and a variety of other minerals. The young shoots can also be boiled as a vegetable. Nettle fibers can be spun into rope and made into cloth. Cosmetically, Nettle is a good cleanser, especially for oily skin. As a tea, Nettle may be taken hot or cold and many prefer it sweetened and flavored with lemon.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a tropical perennial that grows from an aromatic, tuberous rhizome that is knotty shaped and buff colored. The name Ginger is derived from the Sanskrit “gringa” or horn and “vera” meaning body, in reference to the shape of the root. Ginger has a recorded history of use in China dating from the 4th century B.C. Used for hundreds of years as a spice for cooking, Ginger is also used for its soothing properties. Ginger is available fresh, dried ground, and in dried pieces. It can be added to beverages, fruits, salads, meats, poultry, and vegetables and is a favorite in stir-fry cooking. Combined with onions and garlic, it adds an agreeable warming flavor to any main entree.

A perennial plant native to the United States, Echinacea was used by the Plains Indians more than any other plant. Also known as purple coneflower or black sampson, Echinacea has been used extensively for its many health benefits. Another plant highly revered by American Indians was the versatile Golden Seal (Hydrastis canadensis). Often referred to as “yellow root,” the brilliant golden juice was extracted from its roots and used as an ornamental dye for clothes, weapons, face paint and as a traditional herb for health concerns. Early settlers adopted the use of Golden Seal which, along with Echinacea, quickly became a mainstay of American herbalism.