Hi stackin,

No it is not placebo effect that Kombu Cha is really giving you energy and vitality.
As a Korean, I learned about it how they make this in Korean way. Not sure if Chinese, Japanese or Koreans are the one to come up with this concoction.
I tasted the Kombu Cha several times but did not continue drinking it....not sure why not. I will look for it the next time and drink the brand you like.