Research Library

The Science Behind Every Sip

Every Herbal Heroes blend is formulated by a clinical herbalist in training and cross-referenced against peer-reviewed pediatric and phytotherapy research. Below is the current evidence base, grouped by hero, so parents can see exactly why each herb is in the pouch.

Reading the studies below is not medical advice. It is the research trail we follow. Always talk to your child’s healthcare provider before starting any herb, especially if your child takes medication or has a health condition.

Focus Friend

Blue Butterfly Mint Tea

Peppermint Leaf, Lemon Balm, Chamomile Flowers, Butterfly Pea Flowers

Focus Friend pairs three cooling nervines (peppermint, lemon balm, chamomile) with butterfly pea flower for a caffeine-free calm-focus blend. The research base sits at the intersection of pediatric attention studies and adult cognitive-calm trials.

Peer-reviewed citations

Gromball J, et al. (2014). Hyperactivity, concentration difficulties and impulsiveness improve during seven weeks’ treatment with valerian root and lemon balm extracts in primary school children. Phytomedicine, 21(8-9): 1098-1103. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24837472
Naturopathic Pediatrics (2024). Clinical evidence for the use of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) in children. naturopathicpediatrics.com/chamomile-review-2024
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Chamomile: usefulness and safety. NIH NCCIH. nccih.nih.gov/health/chamomile
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Peppermint oil. NIH NCCIH. nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermint-oil
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2025). Listing of color additives exempt from certification: butterfly pea flower extract. Federal Register, 90 FR 20141. federalregister.gov/2025-08248

Super Shield

Sunny Citrus Defense Tea

Rooibos, Dried Orange Peel, Dried Apple, Ceylon Cinnamon Bark, Dried Ginger Root, Turmeric Root Chips, Echinacea, Safflower Petals

Super Shield is our warming, citrus-forward immune season blend. Rooibos and orange peel give a bright, kid-friendly base while echinacea, ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric contribute the herbs most studied for pediatric immune support.

Peer-reviewed citations

Ogal M, et al. (2021). Echinacea reduces antibiotic usage in children through respiratory tract infection prevention: a randomized, blinded, controlled clinical trial. European Journal of Medical Research, 26(1): 33. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PMC8028575
Nikkhah Bodagh M, Maleki I, Hekmatdoost A (2018). Ginger in gastrointestinal disorders: a systematic review of clinical trials. Food Science & Nutrition, 7(1): 96-108. doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.807
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Turmeric. NIH NCCIH. nccih.nih.gov/health/turmeric
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Cinnamon. NIH NCCIH. nccih.nih.gov/health/cinnamon

Happy Hug

Pink Berry Rooibos Tea

Rooibos, Dried Berry Pieces, Rosehips, Tulsi (Holy Basil), Dried Orange Peel, Lavender Flowers, Dried Apple

Happy Hug centers the two most well-studied “comfort” nervines for kids: lavender and tulsi (holy basil). Rooibos and berries make the cup gentle and craveable. The evidence base focuses on mood, stress physiology, and gentle nervous-system support.

Peer-reviewed citations

Cohen MM (2014). Tulsi — Ocimum sanctum: a herb for all reasons. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 5(4): 251-259. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PMC4296439
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Lavender. NIH NCCIH. nccih.nih.gov/health/lavender
Ramsey JT, et al. (2019). Lavender products associated with premature thelarche and prepubertal gynecomastia: case reports and endocrine-disrupting chemical activities. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 104(11): 5393-5405. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PMC6773459

Why we include Ramsey 2019: this paper looked at concentrated lavender essential oil applied topically, not culinary-dose lavender flowers steeped in tea. We cite it so parents can read the safety context themselves. Our Happy Hug blend uses a small amount of dried lavender bud infused in water, well below any exposure discussed in the literature above.

Calm Tummy

Gentle Belly Tea

Peppermint Leaf, Chamomile Flowers, Dried Ginger Root

Calm Tummy is the simplest blend, and the one with the deepest pediatric research base: chamomile, peppermint, and ginger are the three herbs most consistently studied for children’s functional GI complaints (cramps, indigestion, gas, mild nausea).

Peer-reviewed citations

Anheyer D, Frawley J, Koch AK, Lauche R, Langhorst J, Dobos G, Cramer H (2017). Herbal medicines for gastrointestinal disorders in children and adolescents: a systematic review. Pediatrics, 139(6): e20170062. doi.org/10.1542/peds.2017-0062
Naturopathic Pediatrics (2024). Clinical evidence for the use of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) in children. naturopathicpediatrics.com/chamomile-review-2024
Nocerino R, Cecere G, Micillo M, De Marco G, Ferri P, Russo M, Bedogni G, Berni Canani R (2021). Efficacy of ginger as antiemetic in children with acute gastroenteritis: a randomised controlled trial. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 54(1): 24-31. doi.org/10.1111/apt.16404

How we formulate

1. Research

Every candidate herb is screened against current peer-reviewed pediatric literature and traditional-use monographs before it enters a blend.

2. Formulate

Blends are built by a clinical herbalist in training, matching each herb to a specific body signal a child might feel.

3. Safety-Check

Doses stay at culinary tea levels, well below therapeutic thresholds. Every ingredient is cross-checked for pediatric interactions and contraindications.

4. Small-Batch

Hand-blended in small batches so nothing sits on a shelf and each pouch is fresh, labeled, and dated.

Have a question about the research? Email hello@elijahbrokethegate.com.