I’m sure many of us are familiar with the therapeutic benefits of many herbs, however for most of us the therapeutic benefits of our own Australian Native Plants sometimes remain a mystery.

Sometime ago we came across an Australian natural health food company specialising in Australian Native Plants. The range known as Roogenics includes Australian Native bush teas, spices, infused honeys as well as infused olive oil. This family owned and run business works closely with Indigenous communities and elders plus small farmers around Australia. This special bond has enabled Roogenics to access rare and well-regarded medicinal bush plants together with traditional knowledge which has been handed down through generations. Roogenics’ mission is to assist in encouraging the local food movement within our country and to promote the development of Australian culture whilst educating us all on the therapeutic benefits of Australian Native Plants.

To this end I thought it would be interesting to write about some of the therapeutic benefits of the Roogenic tea combinations. Below is just some of their range.

Native Relief (Organic Lemon Myrtle and Rose) is a refreshing, tasty drink combining Lemon Myrtle, Red and Pink Rose Petals and Native Lemongrass. I’m sure many of us know of Lemon Myrtle which contains antioxidants as well as anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties. Another interesting native plant is Native Lemongrass which has traditionally been used to remedy skin conditions, headaches, fevers, respiratory tract infection and muscle cramps. Rose Petals are thought to aid digestion plus are high in Vitamin C. This tea has quite a refreshing, fruity flavour and whilst not being overpowering can be served hot or chilled.

Native Hydration (Organic Lemon Myrtle and Mint) is a delicious combination, especially as we come into summer. Lemon Myrtle has the above benefits plus Mint is well known for aiding digestion. This tea can be enjoyed hot or is perfect served as an iced tea. It is great to carry in your water bottle and sip throughout the day.

Native Strawberry is a beautiful flavour combining Hibiscus, Lemon Myrtle, Strawberry Gum Leaf, Mint, Freeze Dried Strawberries and Natural Strawberry Flavour. Native Strawberry Gum is thought to assist digestion, plus hibiscus and strawberries are high in antioxidants. This brightly coloured tea has a lovely berry flavour and can be served hot or cold. It’s a great drink for kids and can be frozen into popsicles for a summer treat.

Super Detox combines Lemon Myrtle, Ginger, Mint, Hibiscus and Beetroot. Lemon Myrtle has been included for its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, Ginger helps with stimulating digestion, and Mint soothes the digestive tract. Hibiscus contains anthocyanins to help support liver function and Beetroot may assist the liver in cleansing the body as well as oxygenating and improving circulation. With the festive season around the corner it may be time to undertake a detox. Substitute your coffee with this tasty detox tea.

Native Anti-Inflammatory combines the well-known anti-inflammatory herb, turmeric with Native Lemongrass, Lemon Myrtle, Tasmanian Pepperberries and Black Pepper. An interesting study by Griffith University (1) found Native Lemongrass may act as a natural asprin and painkiller. Lemon Myrtle, Pepperberries and Black Pepper are added to help the body absorb the Turmeric. There’s been many positive testimonials about this tea helping with arthritis.

Native Happiness has a real summer zing to it with ingredients to help ease stress, reduce anxiety and help us focus. Ingredients include Lemon Myrtle, Freeze Dried Mango, Aniseed Myrtle, Mint, Passionflower, Ginseng, Jilungin and Natural Mango Favour. This is one of the best iced teas you will taste!! with its natural mango flavour. Of course, it can also be consumed as a hot drink.

Native Relaxation has been specifically created to help with relaxation and sleep. Once again, this tea contains Lemon Myrtle, Native Lemongrass, Strawberry Gum and Aniseed Myrtle. It also contains Jilungin which has traditionally been used to focus and calm the mind. Other ingredients include well known calming herbs such as Chamomile, Lavender, Passionflower as well as Dandelion Leaves. Sleep is often a difficult problem to treat however there are many positive testimonials on the effectiveness of this tea. Many have tried numerous relaxation teas over time, however find this tea works incredibly well.

One of the great selling points for these teas is their affordability. Because all of these teas can be brewed 3 times before being discarded, the cost of a cup of tea is only 38 cents per cup. When you look at the therapeutic benefits plus the joy of drinking such tasty teas, I think that’s a bargain!!

We also stock in store their delicious chai teas, which come in three flavours. As well we also stock some of their native spices such as Milled Lemon Myrtle, Roasted and Milled Wattleseed plus their Pepperberries. Their Australian Honey infused with Lemon Myrtle is a taste sensation and is great added to teas, especially when they are chilled. Another special product is their Olive Oil infused with Lemon Myrtle and Pepperberry.

If you are looking for a special and different Christmas gift idea, to my mind you really can’t go past these unique products.

Call in to see Bev and the team in store at 5 North St, Batemans Bay or phone on 0244729737. Don’t forget to tune in to Bev on 2EC every Wednesday at 12.30pm on go Get Healthy.

1. Isolation of Bioactive compounds that relate to the anti-platelet activity of Cymbopogon ambiguous Grice, Darren, Rogers, Kelly & Griffiths, Lyn. (2010)