Small Batch Jungle Teas
Wild herbal teas foraged in the jungles of Africa. So unique and nutrient-dense: they are published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
150 years ago, thousands of European explorers had died in the jungles of Africa from disease. Africa was called “White Man’s Grave“. Then, with thousands of Europeans saved from the brink of death, David Livingstone and Robert Moffat requested a commission to investigate exporting the panacea, Zumbani (“Fever Tree/Lemon Bush“), from African jungles to mainland Europe as a medicinal commodity; the commission ignored that request to focus on gold and gemstones.
Disclaimer: The U.S. National Institutes of Health and the U.S. National Library of Medicine are U.S. government institutions. The research we link to belongs to the U.S. government and its agencies. It is for educational purposes about these plants. It is not an endorsement of our company.
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Zumbani (lippia Javanica)
Thousands of early Europeans in Africa perished of fevers, pneumonia, and many other infections. Only after the locals introduced the ailing survivors in southern Africa to Zumbani, did the settlers survive the sudden environmental and biological attacks to their bodies and manage to form a sustainable society. Click arrow to see lab research data.
Marange (Fadogia ancylantha)
A native southern African wild herbal tea traditionally only served to African royalty for promoting longevity and to ailing warriors for its rejuvenating properties, it is found nowhere else in the world. It is now primarily consumed for its "anti-diabetic" (effect on blood glucose) and unsurpassed anti-microbial properties. See lab research data below.
Zumbani vs Marange — At a Glance
| Feature | Zumbani (Lippia javanica) | Marange (Fadogia ancylantha) |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor Profile | Smooth, aromatic, gently citrus | Deep, smoky, earthy, grounding |
| Lab Research | Arthritis, Microbial Infections, Immunity, Respiratory, Fevers, Pneumonia, Malaria etc. | Diabetes, Digestive Health, Immunity, Microbial Infections |
| Grow Region | Southern Africa | Southern to Central Africa |
| Caffeine | None | None |
| Harvest Method | Seasonal Small Batch Forage —Summer-Fall | Seasonal Small Batch Forage —Fall-Winter |
| Processing | Whole leaves, sun-dried, chopped | Whole leaves, sun-dried, chopped |
| Key Plant Properties | Abundant antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds | Rich in antimicrobial and antioxidant activity |
| Cultural Role | Healing herb, tea, and historical household staple | Popular daily tea and herbal tonic in rural communities |
| Taste Experience | Light, refreshing, citrus | Bold, earthy, smoky, comforting |
Zumbani and 'White Man's Grave'
The Lost Jungle Leaf That Changed History
Short - Zumbani and White Man's Grave
A Little About Us
Here's A Brief Overview
If you ever find yourself sitting across from a doctor discussing the possibility of an organ transplant, it will change your life forever – hopefully for the better! I could spend hours telling you about my profound epiphany but in short, that’s where my journey began.
I embarked on a strict path to live a healthy life, studying and exploring how to achieve a balance. Using plants and herbs as food became a focal point of my new obsession. From learning different cultural applications, historical uses and reconciling that with modern lab research, it’s amazing how many wild miracle plants are little-known or just plain forgotten.
These plants still exist in many jungles and forests around the world, within and around many underprivileged communities. It is possible to create a mutually beneficial trade with these communities; to help raise their standard of living while we benefit from these wild miracle plants in an uncertain future.
For example, in Africa, our goals are to assist in promoting literacy programs for children through Educating Africa™, planting trees through The Tree Project®, and digging some freshwater wells along the way. A mutually beneficial global trade is a major driving force, we all have a responsibility for each other!
How do they grow?
Our teas are better than organic, they are wild; untouched by human hands until they are foraged. They grow undisturbed in their natural habitat as they have for thousands of years. We forage sustainably to ensure that the plants continue to grow abundantly year after year.
The soils in which these plants grow give them their unique flavor characteristics. Our foragers brave the forest floors so that you don’t have to.
What are the health benefits?
The benefits are potentially numerous and wide-ranging based on lab testing of these teas. Test results are published in the U.S National Library of Medicine for the management and prevention of Diabetes, Arthritis, Pneumonia, respiratory illnesses, Malaria, Fevers, etc. The antioxidant levels put supermarket tea to shame. Historically, many Europeans tried to export export these teas to mainland Europe, but gold and gems always won the battle when it came time to choose their investments.
What else is out there?
After moving from the U.S. to my beautiful Canada, I noticed that our bodies are being polluted by the same toxic elements. I don’t believe we were made to consume mass-produced factory food which has introduced innumerable ailments and diseases. I travel to find wild herbs and plants – nutrient dense and little-known. Those super-plants which our ancestors consumed; natural, pure, unadulterated– what you’d call jungle plants. Zumbani and Marange are “two of the most powerful plants on earth”.
Limited Seasonal Harvest
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Our Projects and Other Goals
We Love Science
We're always curious to see more reasons our plants are "super-healthy", staying up to date will all modern lab research, clinical trials and breakthroughs.
We Hate Artificial
Our bodies are not designed to consume synthetically manufactured foods or additives such as dyes and chemicals, avoid those like the plague.
Wild Harvested
Harvested right from the forest-floor, no interference from human hands until the very last moment; as it was done thousands of years ago.
Dawn 'Til Dusk
Our teas are caffeine-free, that means you can drink them anytime - day or night, without worrying about affecting your mood or schedule.
We Want to Be Your Favorite Online Store.
We continuously strive to provide you with exceptional service based on our 'Customer Success' focus. We ensure quick responses to your communications, orders, and returns.
You can contact us during normal business hours using the number on our contact page. Alternatively, any communications may be addressed to us via email 24/7. Please feel free to contact us should any need arise, great or small. Our typical response time is within 24 hours of receiving your inquiry.
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Packaging Standard
Our stringent packing ensures that our teas and products stay safe even during shipping and ensure a long shelf-stable life.
Easy Returns
In the unlikely event that you experience any issues with your order, we have a quick and seamless returns process.
Limited By Nature
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Frequently Asked Questions
Our journey begins deep in the wild landscapes of Africa, where generations have relied on powerful native plants for daily wellness. Guided by traditional knowledge and modern scientific research, we source rare jungle teas like Zumbani and Marange directly from their natural environments — responsibly harvested, minimally processed, and shared for the first time beyond their ancestral homes. These are not ordinary teas. They are living traditions, rooted in culture, shaped by nature, backed by modern science, and now thoughtfully brought to your cup.
Jungle teas are herbal infusions made from jungle-foraged plants traditionally used in ancient African communities for wellness and daily nourishment. Unlike conventional teas, they are naturally caffeine-free and minimally processed.
Our Zumbani and Marange teas are responsibly sourced all the way from Southern Africa to Central Africa, where they grow naturally in the wild and have been used locally for generations.
Yes. Published laboratory studies have identified an abundance of antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory compounds in both plants. Published research shows properties against ailments such as arthritis, pneumonia, fevers, diabetes, respiratory conditions and more. Many other traditional uses are now being explored through modern research studies. Visit our ‘About’ page for links to some of this research in the United States National Library of Medicine.
Simply steep one teabag in boiling water for 3–6 minutes. Adjust strength to taste and enjoy hot or cold.
Zumbani has a smooth, gently complex citrus-like flavor, while Marange offers a deeper, earthy, smoky profile. Both are enjoyable on their own without sweeteners.
No. Both Zumbani and Makoni are naturally caffeine-free, making them suitable for any time of day.
None. Our teas contain only pure, plant leaves — no additives, preservatives, or artificial ingredients. Only special blends available occassionally contain other natural flavors.
Traditionally, both teas are consumed regularly as part of daily life. As with any herbal product, we recommend starting with small amounts and listening to your body.
These teas have always been used by local African communities. They were discovered by the rest of the world before the colonization of Africa when all new Europeans to southern Africa died from disease, and Africa was called “White Man’s Grave”. Europeans only began to survive the when locals introduced them to these jungle teas helping their immune systems acclimate to the African environment.
Yes. Our teas are gathered responsibly in limited quantities to protect wild plant populations while providing fair income to local harvesters.
Jungles Are Life is proudly a Canadian company, operating from Ottawa Canada.