Why You Should Try Our Dream Tea

Below is a detailed breakdown of the ingredients in Libby Patterson Organics Dream Tea, as specified (Passionflower, Jasmine Flowers, Valerian Root, Mugwort, Skullcap, Lemon Verbena, Peppermint, Spearmint, Chamomile), along with their potential health and beauty benefits.
Ingredients and Health/Beauty Benefits

1. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
   • Health Benefits: Known for its calming properties, passionflower may increase GABA levels in the brain, reducing anxiety and promoting restful sleep. It’s traditionally used for insomnia and stress relief.
   • Beauty Benefits: By supporting better sleep, it may reduce stress-related skin issues like breakouts or dullness. Its anti-inflammatory properties could also soothe irritated skin indirectly.
   • Note: Gentle herb; avoid boiling to preserve delicate compounds.
2. Jasmine Flowers (Jasminum spp.)
   • Health Benefits: Jasmine has mild sedative effects, aiding relaxation and sleep. It’s also rich in antioxidants, which may support overall wellness.
   • Beauty Benefits: Antioxidants may combat oxidative stress, potentially slowing skin aging. Its soothing aroma can reduce stress, enhancing a relaxed complexion.
   • Note: Gentle flower; high heat can degrade its fragrance and benefits.
3. Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis)
   • Health Benefits: A well-known sedative, valerian root promotes deep sleep and reduces anxiety. It may also ease muscle tension.
   • Beauty Benefits: Improved sleep quality can enhance skin repair and reduce under-eye circles or puffiness caused by fatigue.
   • Note: Root requires simmering (not boiling) to extract benefits; handle separately from gentle herbs.
4. Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)
   • Health Benefits: Often used to enhance dream vividness and recall, mugwort may also calm the nervous system and support digestion.
   • Beauty Benefits: Better sleep and reduced stress may improve skin tone and clarity. Its mild detoxifying effects could aid in clearer skin.
   • Note: Gentle herb; avoid boiling to retain volatile oils.
5. Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)
   • Health Benefits: A nervine herb, skullcap may reduce anxiety, stress, and insomnia. It’s also used for its muscle-relaxing properties.
   • Beauty Benefits: Stress reduction and better sleep may minimize tension-related aging signs like fine lines.
   • Note: Gentle herb; high heat can diminish its potency.
6. Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora)
   • Health Benefits: Known for its calming effects, it may reduce stress and aid digestion. It’s also antioxidant-rich.
   • Beauty Benefits: Antioxidants may protect skin from free radical damage, while improved digestion can enhance skin glow.
   • Note: Gentle herb; avoid boiling to preserve its citrusy aroma and benefits.
7. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
   • Health Benefits: Peppermint relaxes muscles, aids digestion, and provides a refreshing lift that complements sedative herbs.
   • Beauty Benefits: Its antimicrobial properties may support clearer skin, and improved digestion can enhance overall radiance.
   • Note: Moderately hardy; can tolerate slightly higher heat but benefits from gentle handling.
8. Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
   • Health Benefits: Similar to peppermint but milder, spearmint soothes digestion and has a gentle calming effect.
   • Beauty Benefits: May reduce hormonal acne (due to anti-androgenic effects) and improve skin clarity through digestive support.
   • Note: Moderately hardy; gentle brewing preserves flavor and benefits.
9. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
   • Health Benefits: A classic relaxant, chamomile promotes sleep, reduces anxiety, and soothes digestion.
   • Beauty Benefits: Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may calm irritated skin and reduce redness, while better sleep enhances skin repair.
   • Note: Gentle herb; boiling destroys delicate compounds.

Usage Suggestions

• Purpose: Ideal for evening use to unwind, promote restful sleep, and potentially enhance dream vividness. Sip 1-2 cups 30-60 minutes before bed.
• Dosage: Use 1-2 teaspoons of the loose tea blend per 8 oz of water. Adjust based on preference for strength.
• Complementary Use: Pair with a relaxing ritual (e.g., reading, meditation) to amplify calming effects. Avoid caffeine or stimulating activities post-consumption.

Brewing Instructions Using a French Press
French presses are excellent for herbal teas as they allow full infusion and easy straining. Since this blend includes both gentle herbs (e.g., chamomile, passionflower) and a root (valerian), a two-step process ensures optimal extraction without damaging delicate components.

1. Preparation:
   • Measure 1-2 teaspoons of Dream Tea per 8 oz of water into the French press.
   • Separate valerian root if possible (if pre-mixed, proceed with care).
2. For Valerian Root (if separable):
   • Simmer 1 teaspoon valerian root in 1 1/3 cups water on low heat (not boiling, ~190°F/88°C) for 20-30 minutes in a small pot. This extracts its sedative compounds without harshness.
   • Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. For Gentle Herbs:
   • Heat water to 190°F/88°C (just below boiling). Never boil gentle herbs like chamomile, jasmine, or mugwort, as high heat degrades their volatile oils and active compounds.
   • Pour the hot water (or cooled valerian infusion) over the remaining herbs in the French press.
4. Steeping:
   • Let steep for 10-15 minutes with the lid on but plunger up. This longer steep time suits the blend’s relaxing purpose and ensures flavor and benefit extraction.
   • Gently press the plunger down to strain.
5. Serving:
   • Pour into a cup and enjoy warm. Add honey or a lemon slice if desired, though the tea’s natural flavors (citrusy lemon verbena, minty notes) may suffice.

Tips: Never Boil Gentle Herbs & Pour-Over Method

• Why Avoid Boiling: Gentle herbs (chamomile, jasmine, passionflower, mugwort, skullcap, lemon verbena) contain volatile oils and delicate compounds that break down at boiling temperatures (212°F/100°C). This reduces flavor and efficacy. Aim for 175-190°F/80-88°C.
• Pour-Over Method Alternative:
  • Place 1-2 teaspoons of the tea blend (excluding valerian root) in a pour-over coffee filter or reusable tea strainer over a cup.
  • Heat water to 190°F/88°C, then slowly pour it over the herbs in a circular motion, ensuring even saturation.
  • Let drip for 10-15 minutes. For valerian, pre-simmer as above, then use that infusion as the pour-over liquid.
  • This method protects gentle herbs and allows precise control over steeping.
• Temperature Tip: If you lack a thermometer, boil water, then let it sit for 1-2 minutes to cool slightly before pouring.

Final Notes
This Dream Tea blend from Libby Patterson Organics, with its mix of sedative, dream-enhancing, and soothing herbs, is crafted for relaxation and rejuvenation. The French press method balances convenience with care for the herbs’ integrity, while the pour-over option offers a gentler alternative.
Enjoy your dreamy brew! For daytime usage relaxing teas try our Nerve Tonic Tea.