Mother's Little Helper (Organic)

I was initially skeptical going into this tea for it’s medicinal values. I’ve had it several times, and while the flavour is good I never noticed much of the proclaimed relaxation effect that it boasts. Valerian root doesn’t work on me all that well. I never get tired from it. If anything , it has an adverse effect and keeps me up. I have a pretty sever anxiety disorder, and almost nothing but medication fixes it when I’m in crisis mode.

I was out of my usual vice a few weeks ago and not only was I an anxious mess, but had a raging head ache. I was desperate, and after realizing that my chamomile was stale, I decided to give this a whirl. To my complete surprise, a 16 oz cup later and I was feeling a lot better. I had stopped clenching my jaw and jittering, and I will admit I was kind of at peace with everything while I was engaged with this cup of tea.

As for flavour, it’s actually pretty extraordinary for an herbal tea. I’m not a big herbal fan, but this blend of chamomile and rosehips and peppermint really balances itself out well. There’s not too much of anything happening at once. Aside from the mint flavour that permeates throughout, there is a lovely hint of citrus that adds a touch of something exciting with each sip. They do a fantastic job of covering the the Valerian root stench. It’s a very accurate nose to cup, and I enjoyed every sip of it. I do believe this has become one of my at home staples.

As a mother of two children with a husband who snores very loudly, sleep doesn’t always come to greet me at night..HOWEVER since I’ve started drinking MLH before bed at night, I have found my dreamland bliss. I couldn’t ask for anything better. It’s been a week straight that I sleep 7 hours without being woken up by my husband’s snoring. When I open up my tin can and the aroma hits my nose, I am instantly sent into a state of relaxation. I reccomend this tea 1000fold.

I got this tea from DAVIDsTEA, because I want to try herbal blend, tisane, and being organic. Certainly the cute name helps. and I love lemongrass.

But when I taste it, it disappointed me. It tastes very shallow, plain, without much sophistication of texture or aroma. I drank it in the afternoon. it didn’t make me sleepy, luckily, lol.

Does anyone recommend any really good herbal blend?

I think I like this tea more for the fact that it makes me relax than the actual flavor of it. Wish it was just a bit softer on the mint. 72

Update: tried it again, as I always do. Added a bit of honey and it was SO good. The mint, the lemon grass, the floral notes…Wonderful. 79

From the Caffeine-Free/Decaf Traveling Tea Box.

I love hibiscus plain, but it’s difficult to blend with other teas without it coming off to strong. So when I read that hibiscus was in included this blend, I got a little worried. And when I saw that the liquor was purplish, I got a little more worried. But the taste varies, surprisingly. The hibiscus takes over (but it’s not strong and overly tart), but only at first. When I let the tea rest in my mouth, it goes away and the herbs – lemongrass, peppermint, chamomile, etc. – come through. And after I swallow, the peppermint stays. Yummmm.

An excellent herbal blend. I have to keep the entire packet.

3 scoops tea
3 scoops Belgian rock sugar
3 minutes
Over Ice

This is a staple tea for me. I have a cup most evenings. Pleasantly minty and soothing. Very forgiving with steeping as well – I often go 10 minutes or more. Occasionally I add a scoop of chamomile that I grew in my garden which adds a nice flavor.

I don’t personally believe that any of the ingredients are genuine sleep aids, but they sure taste nice and there is no caffeine. It’s also excellent for when you’re sick thanks to the soothing mintyness. Very cheap too – a full tin is about $10 if I remember correctly.

I love chamomile and lemongrass, and this is lovely. Somewhat tart, but with a clean finish. Complete flavour – might taste nice with some honey but will save that for next time.

I don’t know if it placebo (we’ll try again another day to check) but I got sleepy about 5 minutes after starting to sip this. This is my first time even hearing about the valerian root, and so far I’m a fan.

The only problem is after having to replace my duvet cover when I spilled tea all over it, I have a strict no drinking tea in bed rule. I want to get in bed so badly because it is making me sleepy, but sleepy me drinking tea in bed equals costly bedding disasters. Hurry up and cool 2nd cup so I can drink you and go to sleep!

Mother’s Little Helper was under door number 11 of the 2013 DavidsTea advent calendar, but it’s a blend I’ve had in the past as well. I really like the chamomile and peppermint mixture in this tisane — it’s very soothing. It also has lemon undertones thanks to the lemongrass, but I’ll admit that I think it could do without the lemon flavor.

Though there’s hibiscus, it’s muted by the peppermint, and luckily doesn’t add much more than a nice pink color to the brew. This has valerian root, but I didn’t feel any sleepier than usual! Still, it’s a good night time tea for anyone who likes peppermint and chamomile.

Went to Davids today to get a sampling of Tisanes for evening drinking. Currently drinking their Orange Pekoe in the am, Genmaicha in the afternoon and I wanted something herbal for after dinner drinking. This one was attractive because of the Valerian, which is nice if you’re looking to go to sleep.

Hibiscus gives the liquor a nice colour and it’s one of the first flavours I pick up. That and peppermint. A little chamomile in there, but not picking up much lemongrass. I’m not sure what Valerian is supposed to taste like so I can’t comment much on what it adds to the flavour.

All in all a really nice drink. Very relaxing.