Maté or Ilex paraguariensis is a medium sized evergreen tree of the holly family. Maté is indigenous to Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil, and Argentina and very popular throughout South America. Maté's taste depends on the method of leaf preparation but usually has a unique refreshing bitter herbal taste with our's at the shop having a slight honey-like sweetness. In addition to its standing as a popular tasty beverage, in herbal medicine, yerba maté is used as diuretic, a stimulant to reduce fatigue, to improve appetite, to aid gastric function, to fight obesity, depression, headaches, constipation, hay fever, stress, and to stimulate the immune system. Claims with clinical study clout include finds that yerba maté could be beneficial as a weight-loss aid, it might be useful for a variety of such disorders as “depression, disorders of attention and focus, mood and emotional disorders, Parkinson’s disease, extrapyramidal disorders, hypertension, substance abuse, eating disorders, withdrawal syndromes and the cessation of smoking.” , that is has significant antioxidant activity, it may be helpful in preventing atherosclerosis, and may aid in protecting against the development of diabetic complications. As part of a marketing campaign, maté has been said to contain no caffeine but instead a new substance "mateine". Maté does indeed contain caffeine and produces a beverage with an average caffeine content between that of tea and coffee. Maté is definitely worth a try.

   Rooibos (Aspalatnus linearis) also known as Red Bush, is a plant in the legume family , that grows in an area about 200km north of Cape Town South Africa. Rooibos is actually a primarily green bush that when oxidized (like how green tea is oxidized to black) turns red. Rooibos has lately started to be called "red tea". Rooibos is not from a tea plant and thus not tea. "Red tea" is actually what the Chinese call what we refer to as black tea (they name their teas based on the color of the liquor, not the color of the leaf). Rooibos tisane (tisane is a term meaning something that one would steep and drink the brew, like tea, but not containing any tea), is also called " mountain tea", "red bush tea", and in Japan called "long life tea". Rooibos creates a soothing caffeine-free liquor that is unique, pleasant, mild, and naturally sweet. Preliminary studies show the rooibos has antioxidant and antimutagenic properties. Therefore it may be helpful in slowing ageing and help in preventing cancer, although no clinical studies have been published. No known side effects are know even when rooibos is consumed in large quantities as a substitute for water. Rooibos is harvested in the summer, then bruised, cut and piled into mounds. In these mounds the rooibos oxidizes and turns red aided by the compounds released by the bruising and cutting. The rooibos is then spread out to dry in the sunlight, sterilized by steam, dried in commercial dryers, sifted, packaged, sent to Muggswigz, brewed, and enjoyed (well, at least some of the rooibos is). We have plain rooibos and a masala (spiced) chai made with a rooibos base instead of a black tea base. We call it Muggswigz Red.

Below is a list of some of the herbs we carry that have a reported medicinal use. We don't claim that any of these remedies will work. I didn't even write these descriptions! I just compiled and slightly edited them. I would not call the sources I compiled from reliable or credible. Anise Anise seeds act to remove excess mucus in the gastrointestinal area.

Catnip nourishes the stomach and nerves. It calms the nervous system and is used also for digestion. Catnip is also said to help ease symptoms of the flu such as nausea and diarrhea.

Chamomile This popular beverage herb can calm jangled nerves, relieve stomach distress, prevent ulcers, speed their healing, and help fight infection. Chamomile soothes the nerves and stomach. It nourishes the respiratory tract and helps alleviate discomfort associated with menstrual problems.

Clove Treatment for indigestion & diarrhea; Antiseptic

Damiana Good for strengthening the nervous and hormonal systems. It may be used as a anti-depressant in cases of anxiety and depression where there is a sexual factor. Some claim that drunk as a tea it has a relaxing effect not-unlike low doses of cannabis, and has been used for nervousness, weakness, and exhaustion. It also has an ancient reputation as an aphrodisiac and is said to increase sperm count in males and to balance hormones in women. Some argue that damiana has no active ingredients, and that its reputation as a medicinal herb are based on a series of damiana tonics sold in the late 19th century which were either inactive, or contained enough alcohol and/or coca to produce effects unrelated to the damiana.

Eucalyptus Treats respiratory ailments and skin problems; Expectorant; Cooling oil; Germicide; Antiseptic; Astringent

Fennel helps detoxify and remove waste material from the body.

Ginger root is nourishing to the gastrointestinal system. It also helps the body to eliminate wastes through the skin. Ginger enhances circulation and acts as a catalyst for other herbs, to increase their effectiveness. It helps the body relieve congestion. Ginger prevents motion sickness and may help prevent the internal blood clots that trigger heart attacks. Ginseng Ginseng stimulates the immune system, helps protect the liver from toxics, and increases stamina. In one animal experiment, it also increased sexual activity. Ginseng is nutritionally beneficial for the immune system and long term energy. It nourishes the circulatory system and enhances mental alertness and stamina.

Licorice root nutritionally supports the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, heart and spleen. This herb can soothe irritated mucous membranes and help the body get rid of unwanted mucus with its expectorant properties. Licorice Root has properties similar to cortisone and estrogen. It stimulates the adrenal glands and helps the body cope with stress. Licorice can soothe sore throats and treat ulcers. warning: Large doses can be dangerous.

Peppermint is an extremely useful plant which has a relaxing effect on the muscles, anti-flatulent properties, and stimulates bile and digestive juice secretion. It can be used in treating intestinal colic, nausea and the desire to vomit, travel sickness, ulcers, fevers, colds, and influenza. It can ease anxiety, tension, and hysteria. In painful periods, it relieves the pain and eases associated tension. Externally it can be used to relieve itching and inflammations. Peppermint calms the stomach, intestinal tract, and the nervous system. It comforts the stomach and nourishes the salivary glands to help with digestion. It has astringent properties and soothes the nervous system.

Pennyroyal Treatment for fever, nausea, gas, coughs and digestive problems; Abortifacient (causes abortion); Anxiolytic (relieves anxiety); Insect Repellant Raspberry Leaf This premier pregnancy herb is widely used to treat morning sickness and uterine irritability, and to help prevent threatened miscarriage.

Raspberry leaf strengthens the uterus wall and regulates menstrual flow. It nourishes the reproductive organs, especially the uterine muscles, and helps strengthen and prepare the body for childbirth. It is also highly valued for its soothing and astringent properties to the stomach and intestinal tract. Raspberry leaf is a nutrient-rich herb that helps balance the body so that diarrhea or constipation can be relieved

Rose Hips The "hip" is the part that remains when the petals fall off the flower. Rose hips contain vitamin C.

Valerian root nourishes the nervous system and has soothing properties. Valerian is a safe and natural sleeping aid. It helps soothe rattled nerves and assists the body in relieving insomnia. Properties of the plant have demonstrated to give calming relief to muscles, the nerves and blood vessels.

Yarrow Diaphoretic and Fever Reducer; Lowers Blood Pressure; Stimulates digestion; Tones Blood Vessels; Urinary Antiseptic; Can be used externally to treat wounds.