Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a flavorful, sweet herb that has been used for thousands of years and is still one of the most widely used herbs in all herbal systems. Licorice has been used traditionally to support the skin and the liver. It also is thought by herbalists to help soothe indigestion and the throat.

The shells of the cocoa bean, cocoa shells are a source of chocolate, and more recently have been receiving attention as a natural source of antioxidants.

Orange peel, as with all citrus peels, is used in traditional herbal medicine to support the digestive system. Traditionally, citrus peel was used to support normal function in the chest and diaphragmatic region. Citrus peel is pungent, bitter and warm.

Ginger Root, the underground stem, or rhizome, of the plant Zingiber officinale, has been used in many herbal traditions since ancient times. In Ayurveda, ginger is known as the wonder herb, and it's no wonder, since Ayurveda uses ginger for a wide variety of conditions, including supporting digestion. Historically, ginger root was one of the most respected herbs for supporting joint health. Ginger has also been traditionally used to support healthy peripheral circulation, so it can help warm up cold hands and feet, and will also promote sweating when that is needed.

Botanically-speaking, fennel seeds are not seeds, but are the fruits of the sweet fennel plant, an herb that has been cultivated for culinary and medicinal use for thousands of years. In India, fennel seeds are routinely chewed after meals to support digestion and to act as an herbal mouth freshener.

Anise Seed is a tasty culinary herb from the parsley family. In the herbalist's world, anise seed is known mainly for supporting the digestive system, helping to reduce gas and support efficient digestion. Today, throughout Asia and Europe, anise seed is used to help support respiratory and throat function.

Cinnamon Bark comes from a small evergreen tree that is native to Sri Lanka. Cinnamon is a pungent, sweet and hot spice that can warm and invigorates the body and support function of the respiratory and digestive systems. It can also help to promote circulation to the joints and support immune function.

Cardamom seed is a uniquely flavored culinary herb in the ginger family. But cardamom seed is more than its delicious flavor. This herb is warming and has been traditionally used to support healthy stomach and digestive function as well as the respiratory system.

Clove Buds are the aromatic dried flower buds of a tree in the Myrtle family. The English name clove derives from Latin clavus (nail), as the shape of the buds resembles small nails. Clove bud is widely used as a spice in ancient Asian herbal traditions. With a warming quality, clove supports circulation and digestion.

Cayenne Pepper is a stimulating herb made from the dried pods of a certain variety of chili pepper. Well known for its fiery heat and pungent smell, cayenne is not only a popular culinary herb in many cuisines, but has also been used medicinally for thousands of years. Cayenne and other chilies, especially the red varieties, supports the production of endorphins, the mood elevating brain chemicals responsible for the "chili eater's high;" hence cayenne is used to support balanced mood.

Not only is Black Pepper one of the most widely used culinary spices in the world, it also has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine. A spicy herb that can help support digestion, it also supplies antioxidants, which can help to reduce free radicals. As a diuretic, black pepper can support water balance in the body.

Natural flavors are derived from natural sources such as spices, fruit, herbs, roots, or many other plants or foods, whose significant function in food is flavoring.

To enjoy the invigorating spice of our Aztec Sweet Chili, bring water to boiling and steep for 5 to 10 minutes. For a stronger tea, use 2 tea bags. Add a little cream, milk or milk substitute and your favorite sweetener to this tantalizing tea delight.