The Herb Library — Research Behind Traditional Botanicals
The Herb Library
At RevitalTea, we believe in transparency. We don't just list ingredients — we want you to understand why each herb has been valued in traditional medicine for centuries, and what modern research says about them.
Below you'll find a summary of published research on each botanical we use in our blends. These are studies about the herbs themselves — conducted by independent researchers and published in peer-reviewed journals. We encourage you to read the original studies and consult with your healthcare provider about what's right for you.
Note: The research below describes properties of individual herbs as studied by independent researchers. These are not claims about our products.
DIGESTIVE WELLNESS HERBS
Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis)
Marshmallow root has been used in traditional European and Middle Eastern medicine for over 2,800 years. It is rich in mucilage — a gel-like substance that forms a soothing coating when mixed with water. The plant's name comes from its traditional habitat in salt marshes.
What researchers have found:
A 2020 study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that marshmallow root extract demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on immune cells, with results comparable to the pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory diclofenac. 📎 Source: Bonaterra et al. — https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7090173/
A 2019 study in Antioxidants showed that marshmallow root pretreatment provided gastro-protective effects and maintained gastrointestinal mucosal integrity in animal models, with strong antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity. 📎 Source: Zaghlool et al. — https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6912529/
A 2010 study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that aqueous extracts from marshmallow roots stimulated the viability and proliferation of human epithelial cells, with upregulation of genes involved in tissue regeneration and extracellular matrix formation. 📎 Source: Deters et al. — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19961914/
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Chamomile is one of the oldest and most widely used medicinal herbs in the world. Its key active compound, apigenin, has been extensively studied for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties. Chamomile tea has been consumed for digestive comfort across cultures for millennia.
What researchers have found:
A 2010 review in Molecular Medicine Reports confirmed chamomile's anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and anti-ulcerogenic properties through multiple mechanisms including inhibition of inflammatory enzymes. 📎 Source: Srivastava et al. — https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2995283/
A 2016 systematic review confirmed chamomile's traditional use for gastrointestinal conditions including colic, upset stomach, flatulence, and diarrhea. 📎 Source: Miraj & Alesaeidi — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28222397/
Slippery Elm Bark (Ulmus rubra)
Slippery elm is a tree native to North America whose inner bark has been used by Native American communities for centuries. Its mucilage content forms a viscous gel that coats mucosal surfaces. The U.S. FDA recognizes slippery elm as a demulcent.
What researchers have found:
A 2010 pilot study found that a formula containing slippery elm significantly reduced straining, abdominal pain, bloating, and global IBS symptom severity in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. 📎 Source: Hawrelak & Myers — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20214171/
A 2018 study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine demonstrated that slippery elm acts as a prebiotic, promoting beneficial shifts in gut microbiota composition. 📎 Source: Peterson et al. — https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6065514/
A study published in Clinical Advisor reported that slippery elm showed anti-inflammatory effects comparable to 5-aminosalicylic acid (a prescription medication) in colonic tissue from patients with ulcerative colitis. 📎 Source: Langmead et al. — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12495265/
Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger has been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for over 5,000 years. Its active compounds — gingerols and shogaols — are among the most studied botanical compounds in modern research.
What researchers have found:
A 2019 systematic review in Food Science & Nutrition analyzed 12 randomized controlled trials and confirmed ginger's effectiveness for nausea, vomiting, and accelerating gastric emptying. 📎 Source: Nikkhah Bodagh et al. — https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6341159/
A 2013 review confirmed ginger's gastroprotective effects through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. 📎 Source: Haniadka et al. — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23612703/
Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare)
Fennel has been used across Mediterranean and Asian cultures for digestive comfort for thousands of years. Its primary active compound, anethole, is known for its smooth muscle relaxing properties.
What researchers have found:
A 2003 randomized, placebo-controlled trial demonstrated that fennel seed oil significantly reduced intestinal spasms and increased motility. 📎 Source: Alexandrovich et al. — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12868253/
A 2016 review confirmed fennel's antispasmodic properties and its traditional use in reducing bloating, flatulence, and abdominal discomfort. 📎 Source: Portincasa et al. — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27428401/
Peppermint Leaf (Mentha piperita)
Peppermint is one of the most extensively studied herbs for digestive comfort. Its active compound menthol directly interacts with smooth muscle in the gastrointestinal tract.
What researchers have found:
A 2019 meta-analysis in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies analyzed 12 randomized controlled trials involving 835 patients and concluded that peppermint oil is effective for abdominal pain and global symptom improvement. 📎 Source: Alammar et al. — https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6337770/
A 2014 meta-analysis confirmed peppermint oil's effectiveness, showing it was significantly superior to placebo for global improvement and pain reduction. 📎 Source: Khanna et al. — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24100754/
Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Licorice root has been used in traditional Chinese, Ayurvedic, and European medicine for over 4,000 years. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a form with the glycyrrhizin removed, making it suitable for daily use.
What researchers have found:
A 2012 randomized double-blind trial showed that DGL (marketed as GutGard) significantly reduced functional dyspepsia symptoms compared to placebo over 30 days. 📎 Source: Raveendra et al. — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21901159/
A 2019 review documented licorice root's gastroprotective mechanisms, including increased mucus production and improved blood flow to the gastric lining. 📎 Source: Sadighara et al. — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30854230/
LIVER WELLNESS HERBS
Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale)
Dandelion has been used in traditional European and Chinese medicine for centuries, particularly for liver and digestive wellness. Every part of the plant is edible and has traditional uses.
What researchers have found:
A 2013 study demonstrated that dandelion root extract protected against alcohol-induced liver damage in animal models by reducing oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. 📎 Source: Davaatseren et al. — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23528324/
A 2021 review confirmed dandelion's traditional hepatoprotective properties, including its ability to support bile flow and reduce liver inflammation. 📎 Source: Pfingstgraf et al. — https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8398753/
Artichoke Leaf (Cynara scolymus)
Artichoke has been cultivated since ancient Greek and Roman times. Its leaves contain cynarin and chlorogenic acid — compounds that are water-soluble, making artichoke particularly well-suited for tea delivery.
What researchers have found:
A 2018 randomized controlled trial showed artichoke leaf extract significantly reduced liver enzymes (ALT, AST) in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease after 12 weeks. 📎 Source: Panahi et al. — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29520889/
A 2015 review confirmed artichoke's antioxidant and bile-stimulating properties across multiple studies. 📎 Source: Ben Salem et al. — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25522473/
Milk Thistle Seed (Silybum marianum)
Milk thistle is arguably the most studied liver herb in the world. Its active compound silymarin has been the subject of over 1,000 published studies. It has been used in European herbalism for over 2,000 years.
What researchers have found:
A 2018 comprehensive review in Phytotherapy Research confirmed silymarin's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic properties across multiple human trials for liver disease. 📎 Source: Abenavoli et al. — https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6155865/
A 2017 meta-analysis showed silymarin significantly reduced liver enzymes ALT and AST in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. 📎 Source: Zhong et al. — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28353864/
Turmeric Root (Curcuma longa)
Turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 4,000 years. Its primary active compound curcumin is one of the most researched natural anti-inflammatory compounds, with thousands of published studies.
What researchers have found:
A 2016 randomized controlled trial demonstrated that curcumin supplementation significantly reduced liver fat content in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. 📎 Source: Rahmani et al. — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27270872/
A 2018 systematic review confirmed curcumin's anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifibrotic properties for liver health across human and animal studies. 📎 Source: Farzaei et al. — https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6073929/
Schisandra Berry (Schisandra chinensis)
Known as the "five flavor berry" in traditional Chinese medicine, schisandra has been used for liver wellness, stress resilience, and overall vitality for centuries in Korea, China, and Japan.
What researchers have found:
A 2008 review confirmed schisandra's adaptogenic and hepatoprotective effects, including its ability to stimulate liver regeneration. 📎 Source: Panossian & Wikman — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18515024/
A 2015 study demonstrated that schisandrin B (a lignan in schisandra) protects against liver fibrosis through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms. 📎 Source: Jiang et al. — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25576906/
The information on this page is for educational purposes only. It describes properties of individual herbs as studied by independent researchers and published in peer-reviewed journals. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any herbal regimen, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.
RevitalTea products are herbal tea blends made from traditional botanicals. They are food products, not dietary supplements or medications.