Description
Blackcurrant Superfruit
Blackcurrant has extraordinarily high vitamin C content (302% of the Daily Value per 100 g, table), good levels of potassium, phosphorus, iron and vitamin B5, and a broad range of other essential nutrients
Blackcurrants have significantly high amounts of phenolic flavonoid phytochemicals called anthocyanins. Scientific studies have shown that consumption of blackcurrants have potential health effects against cancer, aging, inflammation, and neurological diseases.
Rose Hips, A Natural Tonic
Rose hips contain vitamins C, E, and K, calcium, citric acid, iron, niacin, phosphorus, tannin, vitamin A, B1, B2, and P. As a natural stimulant it gently allows movement of the bowels, as diuretic rose hips cleanse the urinary system, as a pectoral hips are a remedy for pulmonary and other lung diseases, and as a tonic the rose hips strengthen organs.
Rose hips benefit skin, the immune system, as well as the bladder. Studies have shown that rose hips can help prevent the development of kidney stones and prevent diarrhea. Additional studies have proven rose hips are helpful to the circulatory system, respiratory system, the thymus gland and as a blood cleanser.
Hibiscus and Your Health
Hibiscus is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae. It is quite large, containing several hundred species that are native to warm-temperate, subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world. Member species are often noted for their showy flowers and are commonly known simply as hibiscus, or less widely known as rosemallow. The genus includes both annual and perennial herbaceous plants, as well as woody shrubs and small trees. The generic name is derived from the Greek word ἱβίσκος (hibískos), which was the name Pedanius Dioscorides (ca. 40–90) gave to Althaea officinalis.
Hibiscus tea is a natural source of vitamin C. It delivers a variety of beneficial organic acids, which include tartaric, citric and maleic acids. It also has the active flavonoids cyanidin and delphinidin, which gives the tea its red color. Every 100 g of hibiscus contains approximately 49 calories — 0.1 g of fat, 12.3 g of carbohydrates, 14 mg of vitamin C, 57 mg of iron and 1.7 mg of calcium. It is also rich in beta-carotene, about 300 mg per cup and 57 mg of iron.
Elderberry and the Flu
Elderberries contain flavonoids, which has been found to reduce swelling, fight inflammation, and boost the immune system. Studies have found that elderberry eases flu symptoms like fever, headache, sore throat, fatigue, cough, and body ache. The benefits seem to be greatest when started within 24 to 48 hours after the symptoms begin. One study found that elderberry could cut the duration of flu symptoms by more than 50%.
Rach –
Sweetened with a bit of raw local honey and served iced, my kids are convinced this tea is fruit punch. Little do they know they know their “Fruit Punch Tea” is loaded with antioxidants and immune supporting elderberries. Unsweetened and room temperature, I enjoy this in a wine glass in the evening. It has a great flavor profile, a gorgeous deep red color, lots of interesting flavors, and even a bit of tannin. A great wine replacement, for when I’m trying to cut calories but need something to occupy my hands at a family dinner while everyone else is pouring themselves hundreds of calories worth of wine. My SIL drank it this way when she was very early in pregnancy and didn’t want to draw attention to the fact that she wasn’t having wine. No questions asked. Just ordered my second pound, along with the Parisian Red tea to try in this same way.
Deborah –
I really like this tea. I especially like it mixed with other teas, like my Assam Breakfast. It makes any tea, including flavored teas have a wonderful berry flavor. This is also a great tea to have iced.