Rooibos tea originates from South Africa, from a plant called Aspalathus linearis. It grows only in the Cederberg region, 250km north from Cape Town. The dried leaves of this plant are aromatic and in South Africa, they have been used as a medicine for a long time.
Many of you might not be too familiar with rooibos tea, as it is not as popular as green tea. Even so, rooibos tea has plenty of benefits and it is also packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some sources claim that it contains up to 40 times more antioxidants than green tea!
The tea is harvested annually and after it is cut into its specific form, the tea is bruised to trigger the fermentation. After the oxidation process, the leaves change color from green to the well-known brick-red and gets the specific aroma.
Rooibos Tea Benefits
Herbal tea is a world-wide popular beverage. The presence of polyphenols in these herbal teas increases the effect they have against oxidative stress.
Because it is packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it brings many benefits if consumed regularly.
1. Lowers stress-induced symptoms
As it is naturally calming, rooibos helps to reduce the symptoms of stress. It contains compounds that can help to alleviate anxiety and stress by reducing the production of the stress hormone called cortisol.
2. It is rich in Polyphenols
Herbal teas in general, including rooibos tea, have a protective effect against oxidative stress. This is mainly due to the polyphenols present in this beverage.
3. Contains No Caffeine
Rooibos tea is naturally caffeine-free and it contains a low percentage of tannins. This makes this tea an ideal drink for children and pregnant women.
4. Protects the body against heart diseases
This tea contains powerful antioxidants like polyphenols, particularly flavonoids. They help to fight against free radicals and help to protect the body against heart diseases. It also helps in lowering blood pressure, which is a great natural remedy for people suffering from hypertension.
5. Improves Bone Health
Drinking rooibos tea helps in promoting strong and healthy bones and teeth due to the content of minerals. The main minerals to help with bone health are manganese, calcium, and fluoride.
6. Helps with Skin Care
Used on the skin, this tea can soothe irritations, similar to chamomile tea. Rooibos is often used to bathe babies and children who suffer from allergic skin conditions, like eczema, nappy rash.
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7. Soothes Stomach Cramps
Rooibos tea helps relieving cramps, spasms and abdominal pains. It has a soothing effect especially for babies suffering from colic, stomach cramps and restlessness. It is ideal to drink before a meal to prevent cramps and help with digestion.
8. Delays Aging
According to this report on rooibos tea, approved by U.S. Embassy, an important role of its proponents, polyphenols and other antioxidants are useful for delaying the ageing process.
9. Contains Rare Nutrients
As an extra benefit, rooibos has a high content of minerals like iron, potassium, zinc, magnesium, copper, manganese and sodium. They help to restore the body’s natural balance and boost the immune system.
10. Can be used for cooking
Rooibos tea is a great ingredient to use in the kitchen. It brings color and flavour to the dishes and it makes a perfect base for soups.
The properties of rooibos tea make it a perfect drink for:
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Asthma symptoms
- Eczema
- Bone weakness
- Hypertension
- Aging
- Stomach cramps
- Immune system
Rooibos Tea Preparation
Ingredients:
- 100ml of water (ideally use filtered water)
- 2g of rooibos tea leaves
Preparation:
- Keep the proportions if you want to brew a bigger quantity.
- Place the leaves in a strainer or directly into the tea-cup.
- Bring water to boil.
- Pour boiling water and allow it to infuse for at least 2-3 minutes. Letting the tea steep for longer (5 10 minutes), will increase its antioxidant properties.
- Enjoy your fresh cup of tea!
Taste:
Rooibos tea has a mild aromatic taste. It is more on the sweet side and not astringent like green tea. Most of the times people enjoy this tea without any extra flavour but it can also be found with various aromas.
Tips:
- If you want, you can add milk and honey to rooibos tea.
- It can be reheated without affecting the properties or the taste of the tea.
Love,
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5 Comments
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[…] tea to make for the family. It’s perhaps the best juice alternative because of taste, but its health benefits should certainly not be overlooked. I feel that this one makes a great frozen treat and compliments […]
June 26, 2018 at 11:24 amSara
I love me some rooibos! Good to know about all these benefits — inspires me to drink more! I’m lucky to live in an area where it’s commonly available. Thanks for the article!
November 15, 2017 at 7:36 amGabriela Green
You are lucky indeed! You probably have access to the best quality as well 🙂 thank you for stopping by, Sara!
November 15, 2017 at 8:36 amGabie - Tea End Blog
I love a good Rooibos! Thanks for the reminder regarding all the health benefits!
November 15, 2017 at 7:12 amGabriela Green
Thank you Gabie! And welcome back from your tea and book travel 🙂
November 15, 2017 at 7:19 am