It's no wonder why Eucalyptus is such a welcoming scent of the cold and flu season! Eucalyptus has been used for centuries to support the respiratory system, boost the immune system, and even help reduce the effects of stress and anxiety. These benefits and effects are thanks to several phytochemical constituents that give eucalyptus expectorant, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. The University of Maryland Medical Center reported that ‘one of these substances called eucalyptol or cineole has the ability to break up and loosen phlegm and mucous.' These properties can also prove beneficial for easing coughs and supporting a body fighting many common upper respiratory problems. I created our popular DecongesTea blend with this in mind, and our soon-to-be-released RespiraTea blend (stay tuned!) that will take advantage of these properties as well. But that's not all there is to eucalyptus!

Eucalyptus helps the body metabolize hormones created by stress and anxiety and reduce inflammation in the cardiovascular system, which may help prevent arteriosclerosis. In Eastern medical systems, it is often used as a wash for irritated skin and inflamed skin due to its antibacterial effects.

There has also been substantial research into how eucalyptus can lower blood sugar. Evidence shows that eucalyptus has beneficial effects on lowering blood sugar and helping in the prevention of Type 2 diabetes, although medical science has not yet determined the specific chemical constituents responsible for this effect. As with all herbs, you should always do some research first, and of course consult your doctor before starting any new supplements or herbal formulas.

Eucalyptus is available in many forms but one of the easiest ways to use it may be as a simple infusion in hot water; in addition to drinking it, breathing in the steam is a wonderful way to add value to the tisane. We carry the broken leaf on its own, but we have also included it as part of our DecongesTea and RespiraTea herbal WellTeaing blends to soothe sinus, throat and upper respiratory issues. It is great to have on hand to help out during colf and flu time!

“The strength of coffee, the health benefits of tea, and the euphoria of chocolate”, all in one beverage. Yerba Mate (pronounced YER-bah MAH-tay) is primarily sourced from South America and a common beverage of choice in Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. It is often roasted, but can also be served green. Commonly used to provide energy and hydration, mate is traditionally enjoyed from a gourd and sipped through a straw called a bombilla. Drinkers will pack the gourd half full and use the bombilla to filter it as they drink. Being a strong leafy herb, it will be resteeped several times throughout the day.

Mate contains many compounds that offer a variety of benefits for the body. It contains saponins that are known to boost the immune system and have anti-inflammatory properties. Saponins may help with chronic bladder infections and have even been seen to help modulate overactive immune responses like seasonal allergies.

But mate has been studied for many more benefits. It can be a stimulant and has been shown to be an effective weight loss aid by reducing appetite, increasing metabolism, and burning stored fat in the body. It even helps improve insulin sensitivity.

Studies have shown that mate contains vitamins A, C, B-1, B-3 and B-5 as well as vitamin E. Mate is also dense in a well-balanced mineral content like calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium, sulfur and zinc. Vitamins and minerals from herbal beverages and teas can help increase assimilation of vitamins and minerals from other dietary sources by binding them together much like antioxidants bind free radicals in the blood.

One surprising study found that women at risk of osteoporosis who drink mate regularly had 10% more spinal bone density than those not drinking mate. So it even benefits calcium absorption and bone density.

Our Discover Teas House Blend, Minty Mocha Mate Madness has a great Roasted Mate that is great for energy, focus and clarity. MetaboTea has our Lemon Mate to accentuate the weight loss properties. Whether you enjoy mate roasted or green, by itself or in a blend, yerba mate can be very useful to boost your day as well as your health!