Cocoa:
Cacao, from which cocoa and then chocolate is derived, was named Theobroma or 'food of the gods', because of the goodness of its seeds. The tree grows 12 to 16 feet high and is generally cultivated on large estates under the shade of other trees.

It is the seeds, which are frequently referred to as beans and grow within a capsule that are highly prized. The capsule contains 20 to 30 seeds, and when they are ripe they are cut open. The seeds or beans are surrounded by a sweetish acid pulp and are usually allowed to ferment so that they may be more easily separated from the shell. The beans are then typically dried in the sun, although a steam-drying shed is sometimes used. Cocoa is then made by grinding the beans into a paste, removing part of the vegetable fat, and mixing what is left over with sugar and starch. Chocolate is prepared in basically the same way, but with more of the vegetable fat retained. The vegetable fat in cacao is called coco butter. It is a yellowish white solid that is used as an ingredient in cosmetic preparations. It has excellent emollient properties and is used to soften and protect chapped hands and lips.

Cocoa functions as an antioxidant, a mood elevator, and a mild stimulant. While cocoa is not really used medicinally it is clear that it has several health benefits, even though it is high in sugar and fat.

Coffee:
Coffee is native to the southwest of Ethiopia, but due to its tremendous popularity it is now cultivated throughout the world. The name Coffee is actually derived from Caffa, a region in Ethiopia. Coffee was introduced to Arabia in the fifteenth century and for two hundred years Arabia was the world's main coffee supplier.

At the end of the seventeenth coffee was presented to Louis 14th of France, at which point coffee's popularity began to rise. The coffee tree can reach heights of 30 feet but is kept shorter in cultivation. The dried kernel inside of the red and fleshy berries is what is used to make coffee.

Coffee functions as a stimulant, and a diuretic. While coffee is not really used medicinally, it is used as a stimulant, and the caffeine in coffee can clear the sinuses, relieve headaches, prevent asthma attacks, increase athletic performance, and act as a diet aid. Due to its high caffeine content excessive consumption may cause sleeplessness, nervousness and elevated heart rate. Coffee can also cause an upset stomach as it aids the body in producing more stomach acid.

Coffee is addictive and people who consume it regularly build up a tolerance and will develop withdrawal symptoms if they go with out it.

Chamomile:
Use of Chamomile can be seen as far back as the ancient Eygptians and Greeks who both praised the calming healing powers of this flower.

Chamomile functions to calm the nerves, sooth the stomach and relieve muscle and menstrual crams. Chamomile is used to relax frazzled nerves, soothe minor aches and pains, and calm an upset stomach. Although it is considered safe, it is advisable for people who are highly allergic to weeds to avoid Chamomile.

Mint:
The custom of having an after dinner mint can be traced back to ancient Rome, and even today a cup of mint tea after dinner is quite soothing. In Greek mythology, Minthe was a nymph beloved by Pluto. When his jealous wife, Persephone, discovered his affair, she transformed Minthe into a lowly plant. Unable to undo the spell, Pluto eased it a little so that the more Minthe was stepped upon, the sweeter she would smell.

The healing component of mint is in the leaves, which are typically used for tea. Mint functions to calm the stomach, cool the skin, ease fevers and colds and relieve minor pain. Mint is often used to aid digestion, reduce bad breath and flatulence, get rid of minor colds and fevers, and relieve minor aches and pains. While mint is considered generally safe it is best that children under 5 not consume it.

Green Tea:
Green tea is a very popular form of tea with many nutritive and protective qualities. It lowers occurrence of stroke and various kinds of cancers, has antioxidant properties, strengthens the cardiovascular system, and strengthens the immune system. As with other forms of tea, it is very safe. Although it can be high in caffeine, so excessive use can cause nervousness.