Other names for New Jersey Tea

ceanothus americanus
ceanothus americanus root extract
fresh red root
fresh red root root extract
jersey tea
red
red (ceanothus americanus) root
red root
redroot
red root bark extract, dry
red root (ceanothus americanus) extract
red root (ceanothus americanus) root extract
red root extract
red root liquid extract
red root, powder
red root root bark extract, dry
red root root (ceanothus americanus) extract
red root root extract
red root root extract, dry
wildcrafted red root dried root bark liquid extract
wildcrafted red root extract
wild harvested red root extract

Synopsis of New Jersey Tea

History

New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus) is a native North American shrub whose leaves and roots have a long tradition of medicinal use among Indigenous peoples and early American settlers. Historically, its leaves were famously brewed as a caffeine-free tea substitute during the American Revolutionary War, giving rise to its common name. Beyond its role as a patriotic beverage, New Jersey Tea has been highly valued in folk medicine for its myriad health benefits.

Traditionally, the root bark of New Jersey Tea was used as an astringent and expectorant. Native American tribes employed decoctions to support respiratory health, treating conditions such as coughs, bronchitis, and sore throats. The astringent properties made it useful in remedies for diarrhea and dysentery, while topical applications were used to aid in wound healing. The roots were also regarded for their ability to support lymphatic system health and promote detoxification, making it a popular choice for holistic wellness.

In herbal combinations, New Jersey Tea has been blended with other botanicals like mullein, licorice root, and echinacea to create supportive formulas for immune and respiratory health. Its gentle action complements more stimulating herbs, providing a balanced approach in traditional herbalism. Modern herbalists continue to appreciate New Jersey Tea for its mild, effective qualities and its role in synergistic blends that support the body’s natural defenses and cleansing processes. Overall, New Jersey Tea’s enduring legacy in both solo and combination remedies highlights its valuable contributions to natural health and wellness traditions.

Traditional and scientific validation

New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus) is a native North American shrub whose leaves have a longstanding history of use by Indigenous peoples and early American settlers, notably as a caffeine-free tea substitute during the Revolutionary War. Traditionally, various parts of the plant have been used in herbal medicine, with purported benefits for respiratory health, digestive support, and as a gentle astringent.

Scientifically, New Jersey Tea contains a range of bioactive compounds, including tannins, saponins, and ceanothic acid, which are believed to contribute to its medicinal effects. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that extracts from Ceanothus americanus may possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These findings provide a biochemical rationale for its traditional use in soothing sore throats and supporting immune function.

Despite its rich ethnobotanical history, clinical research on New Jersey Tea in humans remains limited. Most contemporary validation arises from in vitro experiments and animal studies, which suggest potential health-promoting effects but fall short of confirming efficacy in human populations. No major adverse effects have been reported in traditional or modern applications, indicating a favorable safety profile when used appropriately.

As interest in botanical ingredients grows, New Jersey Tea is increasingly incorporated into nutritional products for its historical significance and emerging evidence of bioactivity. While further clinical studies are needed to substantiate its health claims, New Jersey Tea stands out as a promising natural ingredient with deep roots in American herbal traditions and encouraging preliminary scientific support.

New Jersey Tea is used for these health conditions

Inflammation (Traditional)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)

New Jersey Tea is used to support these body systems

Blood (Traditional)
Gums (Traditional)
Lymphatics (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Spleen (Traditional)

Products containing New Jersey Tea

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.