BE PREPARED! Sign up for our COVID Webinar

Even though it is summer, the days still start fast and most of us reach for something energizing like coffee to start off our day.  The bad news is coffee is very hard on the kidneys, heart, and the adrenal system. Herbs4You has a wonderful alternative to coffee, our Good Morning Brew. Let’s take a look at what is in this formula and consider changing one morning habit!

Ingredients:
Chicory Root

Burdock Root
Dandelion Root
Pau d’Arco
Yerba Mate

 

Chicory Root often used for a coffee substitute, but it also has a wealth of health benefits, such as: the ability to ease digestive problems, prevent heartburn, reduce arthritis pains, detoxify the liver and gallbladder, prevent bacterial infections, boost the immune system, and reduce the chance of heart disease. It is also a natural sedative, can protect against kidney stones, and benefit attempts to lose weight. In addition, it is caffeine free, and very similar in taste to coffee. Some blends of coffee even include chicory as well.

Chicory contains iron, manganese, copper, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, folate, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, A, and C. It contains inulin, a prebiotic fiber, that aides in calcium absorption. It is advised not to use chicory when pregnant or if you have any pre-existing conditions.

Burdock Root a blood purifier that has been used to neutralize and eliminate toxins in the system. It is one of the best herbs for chronic skin problems. It increases the flow of urine, and is excellent for gout, rheumatism, canker sores, syphilis, and leprosy.  You can make a salve and apply externally for skin eruptions, burns, and wounds.

Burdock root contains amino acids, calcium,chromium, copper, Iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, zinc, and vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C. It has beta carotene, inulin, and acetic acid along with several other phytochemicals. The main thing to be cautious about is that it can interfere with iron absorption, and should not be used by pregnant or nursing women, diabetics, or anyone with a heart condition.

Dandelion Root– a great herb for the liver, as it increases its activity and helps to detoxify it. Dandelion root also increases the flow of urine and is slightly laxative. It has been used to aid digestion, is useful in all kinds of kidney trouble, diabetes, dropsy, and inflammation of the bowels, and has a beneficial effect on female organs.

Dandelion Root contains calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, and vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C. Some of the many phytochemicals include Beta-carotene, caffeic acid and lutein. Warnings for this herb include not using it in combination with diuretic medications, and if you have gallstone/bilary tract obstruction of any kind.

Pau D’Arco has a detoxifying effect on the whole body, including the blood vessels, the lymphatic system, cells, tissues, and organs. It is anti-inflammatory, inhibits Candida albicans, prevents colds and flu, stimulates production of red blood cells, has strong antioxidant properties, is a powerful anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial, fights parasites, accelerates healing of skin wounds, and strengthens the immune system.

Pau D’Arco has three phytochemicals in its bark: beta carotene, beta-sitosterol, and lapachol. There are no cautions or warnings to heed with this herb, and also, no vitamins- its benefits come from the medicinal properties, not from its nutrient content.

Yerba Mate Yerba Mate is a plant not native to American soil, it is from southern Brazil. It has been found to contain most all of the vitamins needed to sustain life. It helps deliver oxygen to the heart and muscles and has thermogenic properties, meaning it helps to burn fat. It contains xanthine alkaloid called mateine, which acts like caffeine but without the side effects. It stimulates the mind, eases depression, and increases concentration but does not interfere with sleep. Yerba Mate also fights free radicals, cleanses the blood, and suppresses the appetite. It fights aging, stimulates the production of cortisone, and tones the nervous system. It also enhances the healing properties of other herbs, making its synergy in this brew just perfect.

Yerba Mate contains Choline, inostol, nicotinic acid, pyridoxine, trace minerals, and vitamins B3, B5, B6, C, and E. 


As you can see, Good Morning Brew is a wonderful way to start your day! It is made with tougher herbs, so it must be simmered on the stove for at least 20 minutes and then strained.

You can also make a wonderful version of “Iced Coffee” using your natural sweetener of choice (I suggest stevia extract or honey), some cream or almond milk, and either blending it with ice or just pouring it over ice. Enjoy on those hot summer days!

 

We’re here to help YOU!
Ruth Hidalgo, Production Manager

 

About the Author

 

Ruth Hidalgo

Ruth Hidalgo

Assistant Herbalist/Production Manager
Ruth Hidalgo is a home herbalist and a natural health enthusiast who has been using 
herbs medicinally for 22 years. She received her certification from the HomeGrown Herbalist School of Botanical Medicine. She has also been a guest on conference calls on natural health, and hosts a blog titled “Ruth’s Remedies”.