SOS Herbal Teas have been carefully formulated and hand-blended by a qualified herbalist familiar not only with the plants' flavour profiles but also their medicinal properties. SOS Herbs believes passionately in the healing power of plants. The result is four dynamic and delicious teas that not only taste great but are nurturing to our bodies. Herbal teas are gentler than the tincture forms used by herbalists to treat specific ailments but they still have the potential to bring harmony and balance to our lives. Their soothing actions have been highly valued for centuries throughout many diverse cultures. SOS teas use a selection of medicinal herbs not often seen in commercial blends but of course they are not intended to replace modern medical treatments and any specific condition should be referred to a medical doctor. The herbs used in SOS teas are all organic or wildcrafted and sourced from trusted suppliers. Each blend uses herbs traditionally associated with a particular aspect of health in combinations to ensure a delicious and refreshing tea. The four blends all have quite different flavours and are sold as loose leaf or or in smaller taster packs of teabags.
THRIVE uses herbs traditionally associated with the immune system and the "adaptogens" that help us adapt to the stresses of everyday living. It is an excellent general tonic, a good source of vitamin C and may help us build a strong immune system. THRIVE is a red tea with a palatable berry-like flavor. It contains the following herbs:
Astragalus - a herb that has come down to us through Traditional Chinese Medicine traditionally used to fight infections, increase immunity and help treat high blood pressure.
Echinacea - now well known and widely used in immune support.
Hawthorn Berries - traditionally used for their calming and stabilising effects and as a tonic for the heart.
Rosehip - a fresh tasting excellent source of vitamin C.
Rosella - another great source of vitamin C, minerals and antioxidants.
Siberian Ginseng - far gentler in action than the better known Korean Ginseng. It is one the best adaptogen herbs traditionally used to combat fatigue and physical stress and modulate the immune system.
RELAX uses herbs traditionally associated with the nervous system to help us cope with anxiety and stress. It is excellent as a general nervine tonic and while it can be enjoyed safely during the day without inducing drowsiness its herbs may help induce sleep at night. RELAX is yellow-green in colour with gentle hints of lemon and chamomile. It contains the following herbs:
Ashwaganda - One of the most widely used herbs in Aryurvedic medicine. A beautiful herb used to combat stress and aid physical performance as well as promoting healthy sleep patterns.
Brahmi (Bacopa) - A herb used widely to focus the mind and and improve mental performance. An excellent nervine tonic that may help alleviate anxiety and enhance concentration.
Chamomile - A herb well known for its calming properties, used widely to settle restlessness and anxiety and for its soothing benefits.
Lemon Balm - Known for its calming influence this beautiful herb is used to combat anxiety, irritability and depression. One of the main carminatives in the herbalist's dispensary.
Lemongrass - Thought to be excellent for calming the nerves as well as adding a delicious flavour to the mix.
St John's Wort - This widely used herb is well know for its use in alleviation of anxiety and emotional stress. It is also used to treat sleep disorders and improve sleep maintenance. (In large doses, St John's wort has been known to interfere with pharmaceutical drugs. This is really more an issue with tinctures and tablets that contain far higher concentrations of active constituents. Teas, far more gentle in action, are rarely a problem in moderation but use caution in combination with prescription drugs.)
SOOTHE uses herbs traditionally associated with the gastrointestinal tract. It is a soothing blend that may bring relief to a stressed digestive system. SOOTHE is pale green in colour with flavours of peppermint and just a slight hint of liquorice. It contains the following herbs:
Dandelion - A herb that has been used for thousands of years with many beneficial actions. Often used as an aid to digestion and to promote healthy liver function.
Liquorice - An anti-inflammatory herb with a beneficial action on the digestive system. It has a sweetness that brings flavour to the tea without the harsh aniseed flavour of liquorice confectionary.
Nettle - Nettle tea has been drunk for centuries and celebrated for its tonifying and health-giving properties. An excellent herb and vital to the herbalist's dispensary.
Peppermint - One of the key herbs used for digestion. A calming herb that can reduce colic and and cramping while adding its beautiful flavour to the blend.
Shatavari - Perhaps an unusual addition to a digestive blend but this herb has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It is a a great tonifying and rejuvenating herb and works well in conjunction with the other herbs in this blend.
Willow Herb - Can be soothing on skin and membranes and has been used to treat a stressed digestive system. This tender herb has a slightly sweet taste and is a pleasing addition to blends.
ENERGISE uses green tea as a base with the addition of aromatic spices and herbs and is strong in antioxidants. A delicious tonifying tea with an excellent pick-me-up impact. ENERGISE contains the following herbs:
Amla Berries - otherwise known as Indian gooseberries these little berries pack a powerful punch. Rich in antioxidants and delicious in tea blends.
Holy Basil - Also known as Tulsi it is one of the most revered plants in Ayurvedic medicine. A great general tonic with a mellow flavour quite different to our culinary forms of basil.
Honey Bush - A plant from South Africa with a flavour profile not unlike rooibos but with a slighter sweeter taste. Rich in antioxidants it has been too long neglected as an excellent herbal tea.
Ginger - This beautiful warming spice is well known and adds a delicious subtle flavour. Long used for its calming and health-giving properties.
Green Tea - The health giving properties of this plant have been widely studied and its powerful antioxidants found to be highly beneficial to well-being.
Turmeric - Now extremely popular and widely celebrated for its health giving properties this spice adds a wonderful flavour to the blend.
SOS Tea Blends are available in loose-leaf bags or smaller taster packs of a dozen teabags. Go to the shop to purchase.