Added/Modified on July 4, 2014
Also Known As: Red Bush, rooibosch, bush tea, redbush tea, South African red tea, or red tea.
Popular in Southern Africa for generations, Rooibos Tea is now consumed in many countries. The Rooibos tree is unique to a small region in the Western Cape Province.
Usually the leaves and stems are oxidized to enhance the flavor and produce a distinctive mahogany color.
After harvesting the long stems are removed, chopped finely, bruised and fermented. The herb is then left to dehydrate in the sun.
A green, un-oxidized rooibos tea is also produced, but the process makes the tea more expensive and gives it a malty, slightly grassy flavor.
What is Rooibos Tea? Rooibos Tea is made from the dehydrated leaves and stems of the Rooibos Tree. It comes in tea bags or as bulk dried leaves.
Rooibos Tea Preparation:
Loose Tea: ◦1 to 4 tsp dried Rooibos leaf
◦1 cup boiling water
Steep for up to 10 minutes. Taste; add milk and sweetener if desired.
Rooibos Tea Bag:
◦1 tea bag per cup water
Pour boiling water over tea bags and let steep. The longer the tea steeps the more antioxidants it will contain. The tea will be a deep mahogany color.
Home Remedies Using Rooibos Tea:
Throughout the 17th, 18th, and early 19th century European settlers and botanists marveled at curative properties of the tea made by country people in Africa. This tea was Rooibos.
Rooibos tea is rich in anti-oxidants and flavonoids. It has as much as 50 times more SOD than Green Tea, as well as some anti-oxidants not found in other teas.
Today Rooibos tea is used to treat headaches, irritability, and as a sleep aid. It is helpful in treating mild depression, hypertension, and to soothe the central nervous system. A natural appetite suppressant, rooibos tea doesn’t act as a stimulant for those trying to loose weight.
With its anti-spasmodic properties, Rooibos tea is an effective treatment for cramps and colic in infants. It is also used to relieve nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach ulcers and constipation. Rooibos tea serves as a calcium, manganese, and fluoride supplement. It is known to help in the development of strong teeth and bones.
Other nutrients help promote healthy skin and a strong nervous system.
Topically Rooibos tea can be used on skin irritations like eczema, diaper rash, and acne. It relieves itching and redness when applied to an infected area.
Research on Rooibus includes, “In vitro and animal studies have shown that rooibos can modulate immune function, exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, and may prevent oxidative stress and play a role in alleviating symptoms associated with type-2 diabetes.”
Side Effects of Rooibos Tea:
There are few side effects noted for Rooibos tea. It does have a low level of tannin, which can slow the absorption of iron found in food.
If you have an iron deficiency you should check with your health practitioner before consuming Rooibos tea. This tea is caffeine-free.
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