Chaste tree berries are also known as vitex or "monk's pepper." Vitex "trees" grow from 3 to 18 feet high and produce dark purple aromatic berries about the size of peppercorns that smell and taste like fresh ground pepper.

The ancient Greeks thought vitex encouraged chastity, so leaves of the plant were strewn on couches associated with Demeter, the goddess of agriculture. As this legend was passed on, monks would carry the leaves in their pockets to assist in their vows of celibacy.

The Elder is a legendary tree, considered magical and sacred in folklore and myths. Some herb manuals refer to it as the medicine chest of the country people.

The Elder tree produces creamy-white flowers in late spring which give way to bunches of juicy, purplish black berries in early autumn. Birds love Elderberries and will eat entire crops if given the opportunity, so harvesting must be done quickly.

Today, Elderberries are prized for making juice, pies, desserts and, of course, they make a great fruity tea, hot or cold.

Hawthorn is found mostly in Europe, eastern Asia and eastern North America and its use has been growing since the 1800's. In Britain, Hawthorn was an important part of many May festivals and was known as 'May flower'. In France, Hawthorn goes by the name "l'epine noble" (a noble thorn) from the belief that the crown of thorns worn by Christ was made of its branches.

Hawthorn is a member of the Rose family: rosaceae. It's a small, compact shrub-tree with white bark, hard wood, and sharp thorns. It produces small berries called "haws" which look like tiny apples or Rose Hips. Enjoy!

Juniper is a small evergreen with silver-green needles and tiny yellow flowers that bloom in late spring. Once pollinated, the flowers give way to Juniper's gift, its berries, which are harvested when they turn from green to silvery purple.

Juniper berries are a common ingredient in herbal remedies, thanks to their special properties. They also taste great in marinades, having a sweet, aromatic and slightly spicy flavour. These unique properties make Juniper berry tea an ideal choice for health or pleasure.