The early Khoisan people of South Africa did it, Tswana detective Precious Ramotswe of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency did it and thousands of heads of state, kings and commoners here and abroad are doing it! They are all hopelessly devoted to their cuppa Rooibos tea. Here’s why…

The wild bush that became a healing tea

South Africans have a history of being tough customers who are able to withstand difficult conditions and thrive where they are planted, just like our indigenous, wild tea bush, Aspalanthus linearis, commonly known as Rooibos (red bush).

Early Khoisan hunter gatherers first discovered the amazing healing properties of this tough bush that survives in arid conditions and in sandy, acidic soil in a 250 km area in the Cederberg Mountain Range region, north of Cape Town. They cut and bruised the green leaves between stones, stacked them in low heaps and waited for the natural oxidation process to take place and the leaves to turn a lovely, bright red (“rooi”) in the sun before using it as a refreshing drink and medicine for a variety of ailments.

During the early 17th and 18th century, Dutch settlers in the Cape soon started drinking Rooibos as an alternative to imported black tea. Dr Annique Theron, the then young mother of a colicy baby, made Rooibos famous in the 20th century when she discovered that Rooibos tea soothed her baby’s colic and stomach cramps and helped her baby sleep. Rooibos would henceforth be known as the mothers’ miracle formula.

Today, Rooibos tea is a renowned drink and herbal supplement consumed locally and internationally and used in many health and cosmetic products.

Amazing, healing properties of Rooibos

The Rooibos plant has some really amazing health properties and benefits as recoded and verified by local and Japanese researchers. They recorded the following findings:

    • It is caffeine free and low in tannin. Tannin is a common substance in most teas and decrease the body’s absorption of iron while inhibiting the proper digestion of protein.
    • It has a very high mineral content and contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc as well as trace elements, such as fluoride, manganese and copper. These minerals and trace elements are essential in maintaining healthy metabolic processes as well as keeping skin, bones and teeth healthy and strong. It also doubles as a refreshing sports drink after strenuous exercise because of its high mineral content.
    • It contains the flavonoids quercetin and rutin, with their anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the release of histamine as a result of allergic reactions.
    • It is renowned for its strong anti-oxidant content that many believe stems from the extremely high amount of flavonoids, especially aspalathin.  Flavanoids minimise cholesterol build up and prevent blood clots, thereby protecting the heart. The flavanoids in Rooibos also inhibit an enzyme that triggers diabetes-associated complications. Anti-oxidants help reduce DNA damage and the formation of abnormal cells that may trigger cancer.
    • It helps delay the ageing process by attacking the free radicals that cause ageing and weaken the immune system. Japanese researchers found that Rooibos contains a mimic of the enzyme super oxide dismutase, a powerful anti-oxidant that is able to attack and limit the damaging effects of free radicals.
    • It is a good remedy for itchy skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, nappy rash and even sunburn and acne.
    • It contains oligosaccharides that help T-cells to attack and bind dangerous germs and viruses such as the HI-virus that break down the immune system and cause conditions such as Aids. It is renowned for its anti-spasmodic properties and a great help in soothing restless babies (and adults) with stomach cramps and sleep problems. It also enhances milk production in lactating mothers. It is perfectly safe for both adults and babies as it is 100% natural without any colourants or preservatives added.
    • It helps soothe nerves and is often recommended for mild depression and as a tension reliever.
    • It is a good beverage for people prone to kidney stones and also helps control appetite.

 

Sources
James, A. Why drink Rooibos? Retrieved from: http://www.angelajamesrooibostea.com/reasons.html
Rooibos tea ( Aspalathus linearis). Retrieved from: http://www.herbsrainbear.com/encyclopedia/rooibos.htm
Rooibos-so much more than a tea substitute. 2013. Retrieved from: http://www.nyrnaturalnews.com/article/rooibos-so-much-more-than-a-tea-substitute/
Rooibos tea South African herbal supplement. Retrieved from: http://africhef.com/Rooibos-Tea-Herbal-Supplement.html