Rooibos Tea and its Wonderful Health Benefits

Rooibos Tea is also referred to as Red Bush Tea, but it doesn’t come from the tea plant. This tea is actually made from the herb of the same name. This herb is native to South Africa, and was first grown in an area known as Cedarburg. Thankfully, you don’t have to go all the way to South Africa to get it, because it’s become popular all over the world thanks to its reported healing benefits. Actually, exports of this herbal tea have grown into the billion dollar range and have been there since around the middle of the last century.

The health benefits of Rooibos Tea

This tea is unique in the fact that it is caffeine free and it only has half the amount of tannin as conventional tea. Not only is this herbal beverage refreshingly smooth to drink instead of regular coffee or tea, but drinking it has added health benefits. It is a rich source of many vitamins, minerals and potent antioxidants. This drink also doesn’t aggravate the kidneys in any way, because it doesn’t contain any oxalic acid.

Researchers in Japan did several studies involving the tea throughout the 1960’s, and they found that Rooibos Tea contains a highly potent antioxidant with similar characteristics to superoxide dismutase. This plant compound is believed to slow the aging process.This tea also contains a plant compound called quercitin, this compound is believed by scientists to have powerful anti-inflammation effects. In addition, this herb is also found to contain a substance called aspalathin which is beneficial against atherosclerosis as well as heart disease. Because of these properties, it is heavily promoted as an anti-aging tea in Japan. Japan imports large amounts of the tea every year.

Research in France found that hair lotion which contained the herb stimulated faster hair growth as well as improved hair condition. The herb was also found to cause no allergic reactions. Studies on the tea done in South Africa found that it contains about the same amount of plant substances called polyphenols as Green Tea. Polyphenols are powerful plant substances known to protect the body from the damage caused by free radicals.

This herb has been shown to be beneficial for many health conditions and concerns. It aids the digestive process, alleviates nausea, vomiting, and is helpful for stomach cramping as well as constipation. It’s also known to calm and soothe the nerves and alleviates irritability, insomnia and depression.

Expectant and nursing mothers can supplement their use of manganese, calcium and fluoride by drinking the tea. Doing this promotes strong teeth and healthy bones for their newborns. The herb can be used with every diaper change, this alleviates diaper rash and relieves colic when it’s given to the newborn.

Preparing Rooibos Tea

Preparation of Rooibos is the same as with any conventional tea. First, heat up a pot using boiling water and then place one teaspoon of tea or tea bag per cup desired into the pot. Pour over boiling water and let it steep for a few minutes. The longer it is left before drinking, the more antioxidants will remain in the tea. This tea can be drunk plain, or it can be served with hot or cold milk or lemon. It can be lightly sweetened with honey or sugar or just left without any sweetening. This herb also makes a delicious iced tea.

In South Africa, Rooibos Tea is often used for every day cooking, because it not only adds beneficial minerals and antioxidants to the diet and aids digestion, it also enhances the flavors of the cooking. Just substitute the water in any recipe with this tea.