Seasons/Availability
Hoja Santa leaves are available throughout the year.

Current Facts
Hoja Santa is classified botanically as Piper auritum and belongs to the Piperaceae family, commonly known as the pepper family. The term “Hoja Santa,” translating to “sacred leaf” in Spanish, is also referred to as the Root Beer Plant in English-speaking regions such as the Southern United States due to its characteristic aroma reminiscent of sassafras, a primary flavoring for traditional root beer. Other names for this herb include Mexican Pepperleaf, Sacred Pepper, False Kava, and Yerba Santa—distinct from plants within the genus *Eriodictyon*, which share the Yerba Santa name.

Nutritional Value*
Hoja Santa is rich in phytochemicals renowned for their medicinal benefits, with diuretic and anesthetic properties. Historically, the Aztecs utilized the herb as a digestive aid, stimulant, pain reliever, and topical remedy for skin irritations, as well as treatments for bronchial infections and asthma. The leaves feature aromatic oils similar to sassafras, primarily safrole, which accounts for their shared fragrance. However, while safrole was identified as carcinogenic in animal studies and banned from use in commercial food products in the US since 1960, naturally occurring safrole in plants such as Hoja Santa, sassafras, cinnamon, and basil exists only in minimal amounts, posing little risk when consumed moderately. Hoja Santa has been safely enjoyed for centuries across Central and South America.* *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This products is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product. Not for daily long-term use.

Applications
Hoja Santa leaves are typically used fresh in cooked dishes such as boiling, frying, or sautéing since their tough veins make them unsuitable for raw consumption. Cooking tenderizes the leaves while preserving their flavor and vibrant green color. They are highly regarded in Mexican cuisine and essential in staples like mole amarillo and mole verde from the Oaxaca region. In Yucatán, Hoja Santa contributes to Verdín—a green liquor—and in central Mexico, it flavors chocolate drinks rooted in Aztec traditions. The leaves also enhance Veracruz-style sauces made with olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, white wine, capers, olives, green chiles, parsley, cilantro, and butter. They are frequently added to stews like pozole and egg-based dishes or used as wraps for cheeses, meats, or fish for steaming or baking. For wrapping purposes, remove the central vein and use the flexible lobes to encase fillings. Hoja Santa can substitute banana leaves or corn husks in tamales while remaining part of the dish thanks to its edible nature. Fresh leaves pair superbly with cilantro, lime, garlic, chile peppers, and tomatillos and can also be featured in desserts like ice cream or panna cotta. Dried Hoja Santa leaves can also be used as a spice.

Ethnic/Cultural Info
A Mexican legend explains how Hoja Santa earned its name as the “sacred leaf.” According to the tale, the Virgin Mary would hang baby Jesus’s freshly-laundered diapers on this plant to infuse them with a pleasant fragrance. While charming, the story is considered implausible given that Hoja Santa is native to tropical Meso-America and unlikely to have grown naturally in the Middle East during biblical times. Another possible origin of its name is tied to its use by ancient Aztecs for spiritual rituals. In Nahuatl—the indigenous language still spoken by some communities—the word for this significant plant is believed to reflect its ceremonial importance in their culture.

Our Organic Hawaii grown Hoja Santa leaves are non-gmo, vegan, and sustainably grown in a pristine, isolated Hawaiian rainforest environment.

Free of gluten. Free of caffeine. Packaged in compostable and biodegradable, non-gmo, plant based resealable pouches.

Your purchase helps regrow and diversify Native Hawaii rainforest, small family farms, and organic farming.

Mahalo!

Hoja Santa Tea Brewing Instructions (makes 3-4 cups).

1. Add enough Hoja Santa leaves to cover the bottom of a medium pot (stainless steel recommended).
2. Fill pot with filtered water, cover, and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to medium low, stir, and simmer for about 15 more minutes stirring occasionally.
4. Turn off heat, let it cool a bit.. strain and enjoy!
5. Tip: Good with honey. Refrigerate unused portion.

Super simple and delicious culinary applications:

1. Wrap fish or meat in Hoja Santa leaves and cook by steaming or covered in a pan to lock in the moisture and flavor. Keep heat to no more than medium high to prevent burning of the leaves.
2. Add dried Hoja Santa leaves to soups for a refreshing flavor. Add at the beginning of your soup making process.
3. Boil some leaves for a refreshing tea (follow Tea Brewing steps listed above).
4. Add dried Hoja Santa leaves to your favorite stir-fry to give it a refreshing zing. Ovoid very high heat and cover when not stirring to lock in the amazing flavor.
5. Try using Hoja Santa leaves in traditional ethnic recipes mentioned above for an authentic and delicious meal!
6. Enjoy!

The taste is described as punchy and refreshing, offering a fresh, herbal profile similar to the oil’s camphoraceous aroma but derived directly from the 100% Melaleuca quinquenervia leaves.

Niaouli leaf tea is traditionally used to treat headaches, colds, and general sickness, as well as to break fevers and ease congestion.*

Indigenous Australians and people in Madagascar have historically consumed crushed leaves steeped in water to relieve muscular aches and pains and support the immune system against respiratory infections.* 

The tea leverages the leaf’s antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which are preserved in the infusion, to help the body fight off minor infections.* 

 While the essential oil is highly concentrated, the decoction of leaves offers a milder method to access these benefits for general wellness and respiratory comfort.* 

• Respiratory Support: Helps clear congestion and soothe sore throats associated with colds and flu.* 
  
• Pain Relief: Alleviates headaches and musculoskeletal aches and pains.* 
  
• Fever Reduction: Traditionally used to help break fevers and reduce inflammation.* 
  
• Immune Boosting: Provides mild antimicrobial protection against common pathogens.*

Generally safe for most people, but those allergic to Niaouli and/or underlying health conditions and/or on medication should consult a healthcare provider due to potential interactions with blood sugar or blood pressure drugs.*

Our Organic Hawaii grown Niaouli leaf is non-gmo, vegan, and sustainably grown in a pristine, isolated Hawaiian rainforest environment.

Free of gluten. Free of caffeine. Packaged in compostable and biodegradable, non-gmo, plant based resealable pouches.

Your purchase helps regrow and diversify Native Hawaii rainforest, small family farms, and organic farming.

Mahalo!

Brewing Instructions (makes 3-4 cups).

1. Add enough Niaouli leaves to cover the bottom of a medium pot (stainless steel recommended).
2. Fill pot with filtered water, cover, and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to medium low, stir, and simmer for about 15 more minutes stirring occasionally.
4. Turn off heat, let it cool a bit.. strain and enjoy!
5. Tip: Good with honey. Refrigerate unused portion.

 The taste is often described as subtly sweet, reminiscent of tropical fruits, and it is naturally caffeine-free. 

Pitanga leaf tea is primarily valued for its ability to regulate blood sugar, lower high blood pressure, and reduce cholesterol.*

It contains bioactive compounds like anthocyanins and flavonoids that improve insulin sensitivity and promote vasodilation for better cardiovascular health. *

Key benefits include:

• Anti-inflammatory Action: Helps alleviate symptoms of arthritis and respiratory issues by reducing inflammation markers. *
  
• Diuretic and Detoxifying: Aids in eliminating excess fluid, reducing water retention, and supporting kidney function. *
• Digestive Health: Acts as an astringent to treat diarrhea and soothe stomach pain or digestive discomfort. *
  
• Immune Support: Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants that fight free radicals and boost overall immunity. *
  
• Fever Reduction: Traditionally used in Brazil and Uruguay to lower fever and treat colds, often when mixed with lemongrass. *
  

Generally safe for most people, but those allergic to Pitanga and/or underlying health conditions and/or on medication should consult a healthcare provider due to potential interactions with blood sugar or blood pressure drugs.*

Our Organic Hawaii grown Pitanga leaf is non-gmo, vegan, and sustainably grown in a pristine, isolated Hawaiian rainforest environment.

Free of gluten. Free of caffeine. Packaged in compostable and biodegradable, non-gmo, plant based resealable pouches.

Your purchase helps regrow and diversify Native Hawaii rainforest, small family farms, and organic farming.

Mahalo!

Brewing Instructions (makes 3-4 cups).

1. Add enough Pitanga (Surinam Cherry) leaves to cover the bottom of a medium pot (stainless steel recommended).
2. Fill pot with filtered water, cover, and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to medium low, stir, and simmer for about 15 more minutes stirring occasionally.
4. Turn off heat, let it cool a bit.. strain and enjoy!
5. Tip: Good with honey. Refrigerate unused portion.

Mango leaf tea does not taste like the fruit

 It has a mild, earthy, and savory-sweet flavor profile that is often compared to high-quality green tea or a mild oolong, but without the grassy bite or astringency. 

• Texture and Aroma: The brew has a smooth, hydrating mouthfeel and a subtle, dry aroma with hints of pine or woodsy notes. 
  
• Comparison: It is distinct from fruit-based teas, offering a sophisticated, herbal complexity rather than a sweet, tropical mango taste. 
  
• Serving Suggestions: Because the flavor is earthy and savory, it pairs well with lemon, ginger, or a drop of honey.

When properly brewed your Mango tea infusion would turn a light green color.

 The tea is rich in bioactive compounds like mangiferin, quercetin, and catechins, which provide potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. *

Key potential benefits include:

• Blood Sugar Control: Tannins and anthocyanins in the leaves may help improve insulin production and glucose distribution, making it beneficial for managing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.*
  
• Weight Management: The leaves contain papain enzyme and leptin hormone, which aid in breaking down fat deposits and boosting metabolism.*
  
• Respiratory Relief*: Traditional use suggests the tea acts as a natural expectorant, helping to soothe airways and reduce symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and colds.*
  
• Cardiovascular Health: Antioxidants may help lower bad cholesterol (LDL), support artery health, and regulate blood pressure.*
• Liver and Digestive Support: The tea promotes liver health, aids in fat breakdown, and has a mild diuretic effect that helps flush out toxins and reduce bloating.*
  
• Skin and Hair Health: Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress, potentially reducing wrinkles and supporting hair growth by repairing damaged follicles.*

Generally safe for most people, but those allergic to Mango and/or underlying health conditions and/or on medication should consult a healthcare provider due to potential interactions with blood sugar or blood pressure drugs.*

Our Organic Hawaii grown Mango leaf is non-gmo, vegan, and sustainably grown in a pristine, isolated Hawaiian rainforest environment.

Free of gluten. Free of caffeine. Packaged in compostable and biodegradable, non-gmo, plant based resealable pouches.

Your purchase helps regrow and diversify Native Hawaii rainforest, small family farms, and organic farming.

Mahalo!

Brewing Instructions (makes 3-4 cups).

1. Add enough Mango leaves to cover the bottom of a medium pot (stainless steel recommended).
2. Fill pot with filtered water, cover, and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to medium low, stir, and simmer for about 15 more minutes stirring occasionally.
4. Turn off heat, let it cool a bit.. strain and enjoy!
5. Tip: Good with honey. Refrigerate unused portion.

Wormwood leaf tea has a slightly astringent herbal aroma with a slight hint of sweetness and can be consumed without sugar or sweeteners. When properly brewed your Wormwood tea infusion would turn a light green color.

Our Organic Hawaii grown Wormwood tea is non-gmo, vegan, and sustainably grown in a pristine, isolated Hawaiian rainforest environment.

Free of gluten. Free of caffeine. Packaged in compostable and biodegradable, non-gmo, plant based pouches.

Your purchase helps regrow and diversify Native Hawaii rainforest, small family farms, and organic farming.

Mahalo!

In the Middle Ages, Mugwort was known as “Mother of all Herbs.” Beneficial properties of Mugwort have been known in Europe and Ancient China for a really long time with various traditional uses: from wellness tea, to culinary, from acupuncture (moxibustion) to dream enhancement, even protection from pests, wild animals, and evil; and divination.

The spiritually protective aspect of Mugwort is noted by the fact that it was also known as Saint John’s Plant. Grieve’s Modern Herbal (1931) states that “in the Middle Ages, the plant was known as cingulum Sancti Johannis, it being believed that John the Baptist wore a girdle of it in the wilderness…a crown made from its sprays was worn on St. John’s Eve to gain security from evil possession, and in Holland and Germany one of its names is ‘St. John’s plant’, because of the belief that – if gathered on St. John’s Eve – it gave protection against diseases and misfortunes.”^[16]

A thorough PubMed article points out that: “For many centuries, this species has been mainly used for treating gynecological ailments and gastrointestinal diseases [3,4,5,6,7]. Recently, researches have proved that this species exhibits antioxidant, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, antispasmolytic, analgesic, estrogenic, cytotoxic, antibacterial, antifungal, hypotensive, and broncholytic effects [8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17]. [for educational purposes]

In Ayurveda Mugwort is considered good for balancing Vata Dosha.

Mugwort leaf tea has a slightly astringent herbal aroma with a slight hint of sweetness and can be consumed without sugar or sweeteners. When properly brewed your Mugwort tea infusion would turn a light green color.

Our Organic Hawaii grown Mugwort tea is non-gmo, vegan, and sustainably grown in a pristine, isolated Hawaiian rainforest environment.

Free of gluten. Free of caffeine. Packaged in compostable and biodegradable, non-gmo, plant based resealable pouches.

Your purchase helps regrow and diversify Native Hawaii rainforest, small family farms, and organic farming.

Mahalo!

Beneficial properties of Noni were so prized by the Ancient Polynesians, that they brought it to Hawaii as one of their most important Canoe Plants sailing thousands of miles across the vast Pacific Ocean..

Noni leaf tea has a mild earthy, slightly astringent, lightly bitter taste and can be consumed with honey to balance out it’s taste profile. When properly brewed your Noni tea infusion would turn a light green color.

Our Organic Hawaii grown Noni is non-gmo, vegan, and sustainably grown in a pristine, isolated Hawaiian rainforest environment.

Free of gluten. Free of caffeine. Packaged in compostable and biodegradable, non-gmo, plant based resealable pouches.

Your purchase helps regrow and diversify Native Hawaii rainforest, small family farms, and organic farming.

Mahalo!

Brewing Instructions (makes 3-4 cups).

1. Add enough Noni leaves to cover the bottom of a medium pot (stainless steel recommended).
2. Fill pot with filtered water, cover, and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to medium low, stir, and simmer for about 15 more minutes stirring occasionally.
4. Turn off heat, let it cool a bit.. strain and enjoy!
5. Tip: Good with honey. Refrigerate unused portion. Left over Noni leaves can be brewed once more!

Beneficial properties of Loquat leaves are listed in the Pharmacopoeia of Japan (Nippon Yakkyoku-hō) the official record of herbal remedies published by the Japanese government since 1886. Loquat tea is called “Biwa cha” in Japan.

Studies of beneficial properties of Loquat leaf are referenced here for educational purposes.

Loquat leaf tea has a mild and pleasant, earthy aroma with a slight hint of sweetness and can be consumed without sugar or sweeteners. When properly brewed your Loquat tea infusion would turn a light reddish brown color.

Our Organic Hawaii grown Loquat is non-gmo, vegan, and sustainably grown in a pristine, isolated Hawaiian rainforest environment.

Free of gluten. Free of caffeine. Packaged in compostable and biodegradable, non-gmo, plant based resealable pouches.

Your purchase helps regrow and diversify Native Hawaii rainforest, small family farms, and organic farming.

Mahalo!

DIRECTIONS: For external use only.
Roll on over the skin and rub it in over the area of concern.
Let it absorb for at least 5 minutes.

Caution: Discontinue use if irritation occurs. Noni
stains fabrics. Do not use on deep cuts or puncture wounds.
Store in a cool, dry place away from children
and sunlight. Refrigerate for a cooling effect.
Please reuse or recycle this fine glass bottle.

Made with Aloha and great care on the Big Island of Hawaii.