This page describes the taste characteristics and therapeutic qualities associated with the herbs used in our house blends.

• Chamomile - light apple like taste and aroma. It relieves nausea, promotes sleep, relieves anxiety and soothes digestive disorders.
• Fennel - similar to anise or licorice, sweet and slightly bitter. Arouses one's appetite, aids digestion and decreases intestinal gas.
• Ginger - spicy and slightly biting like pepper. Helps relieve indigestion, increases circulation and increases energy.
• Hawthorne berries - taste is bland and fruity like crab apple. Excellent as a tonic as it helps regulate the heart function, balances blood pressure and increases flow of oxygen to the brain.
• Hibiscus - very tart and lemony. Tends to be thirst quenching. Brews a rosy red liquor.
• Lavender - strong floral aroma, slightly sweet. Soothes and strengthens the nerves. Stimulates blood flow to muscles. Relieves fatigue, depression, flatulence and nausea.
• Lemon Balm - lemony. Soothes nerves, lifts spirits, aids digestion. Relieves digestive disorders like intestinal gas and nausea.
• Lemon Grass - very lemony, fragrant, grassy. Excellent digestive, relaxes stomach muscles, relieves cramps and intestinal gas.
• Mint - refreshing and aromatic. Peppermint lifts the spirits, stimulates circulation, and calms an upset stomach. It has the strongest medicinal effect of the mint family. All mints aid digestion and relieve nausea.
• Nettle - slightly tannic, mildly pleasant tasting. A good tonic to build blood, kidney function and core energy.
• Oatstraw - somewhat sweet, mildly pleasant taste. Calms, tones, and strengthens the nervous system.
• Orange - sweet and citrusy. Stimulates digestion, relieves flatulence.
• Rose - Hips have a fruity taste, mildly tart and astringent. Excellent source of vitamin C. They strengthen the heart and brain and nourish the blood and reproductive system. Petal add a sweet aroma to blends.
• Rosemary - piney, highly aromatic. Stimulates digestion. Relieves indigestion, intestinal gas, headache. Acts as a stimulant.

The information presented here was derived from Herbal Teas by Kathleen Brown (Storey Books), The Book of Herbal Drinks by Sara Perry (Chronicle Books), and The Book of Coffee & Tea by Shapira (St. Martin's Press).