Anatomy of a Blend: Soothe Sayer

There’s a delicate balance between flavor and function at work in the eclectic combination of ingredients in this revitalizing infusion. In formulating Soothe Sayer, Head Teamaker Ravi Kroesen drew inspiration from the Swiss health spas of the early 20th Century. Through his expertise and deep knowledge of botanicals, he succeeded in distilling the invigorating atmosphere of an alpine chalet into a cup of tea. Soothe Sayer includes, among other ingredients, wild cherry bark, elderberry, and echinacea, all of which are said to be beneficial for throat ailments. Combined with licorice and ginger, this soothing elixir is poised to provide relief from cough or congestion all winter long. Rich Northwest peppermint, tart elderberry, and a dash of nutmeg will evoke pleasant memories of “bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens.” Without a doubt, Soothe Sayer will find its place amongst your favorite things during the yuletide season this year.

In the spirit of transparency, a core value here at Smith, we have deconstructed the organic ingredients in Soothe Sayer below, sharing how each individual ingredient contributes to the final infusion:

Peppermint: Peppermint is a hybrid plant, made from watermint and spearmint. It turns the refreshing and distinctive menthol-flavor that spearmint is known for up another notch, hence the name “pepper” mint. The high quantities of menthol stored in peppermint leaves are known to make it a natural sinus cleanser; it’s also thought to settle the digestive system.

Cacao: Cacao is known for its velvety mouthfeel, and for producing a broad spectrum of tasting notes, from fruity and floral to nutty and spicy. What’s more, cacao contains more calcium than milk, and is known to be densely packed with magnesium, iron, and a variety of antioxidants.

Ginger: Adored for its zest, ginger brings its characteristic warmth and subtle sweetness to Soothe Sayer. Known to settle digestive aches and pains, ginger is also widely sought after for its antibacterial properties.

Nutmeg: Few spices are as robust or as intense as nutmeg. Baked into tarts and pies, it turns heads with its sweet, nutty aroma, but nutmeg is also said to detoxify the body and improve overall complexion.

Elderberry: Although they’re about half the size of a blueberry, elderberries pack a huge punch in terms of both flavor and nutritional value. The ancient Greek physician, Hyppocrates (known as “the father of modern medicine), liked to refer to the elderberry tree as his “medicine chest.” These moderately sweet berries are dangerous to humans when eaten raw, but once cooked, they’re an extremely rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants.

Wild Cherry Bark: Rich in minerals such as zinc, iron, and calcium, wild cherry bark has been coveted by Europeans for its purported antibacterial properties for hundreds of years. Today, this ingredient is commonly found in cough syrups because of its known ability to relieve congestion.