Rooibos is a Tisane or Herbal tea. It comes from the plant Aspalathus linearis, a small shrubby bush (1-1/2 to 3 feet tall) that only grows in South Africa. It has very thin, green needle-like leaves, which turn red after fermentation. The name Rooibus comes from the African slang version of Red Bush from Dutch.
It is a rather delicate plant and is best kept in its natural soil. The farming of Rooibos has always been very close to nature and remains so today. The taste is also unique with a very sweet and slightly nutty flavor. Its delicious taste and many health benefits has made it a rather popular drink around the world today.
Rooibos has no caffeine and is very low on tannin, so it can be enjoyed throughout the day; even for those sensitive to tannin and caffeine, like nursing mothers and pregnant women.
Various studies have shown the many health problems that can be helped by drinking Rooibos tea:
- Eases irritability, headaches, nervous tension and insomnia.
- Acts as an anti-spasmodic agent, to relieve stomach cramps and colic in infants
- Can be used to treat hay fever, asthma and eczema
- Placed directly on the skin, it can slow the aging process
- Boosts the immune system
- Rooibos tea contains no oxalic acid, so it can safely be consumed by people who are prone to kidney stones.
There are so many minerals in the tea that it can almost be considered a nutritional supplement. These include:
- Copper
- Iron
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Fluoride
- Zinc
- Manganese
- Alpha-hydroxy (great for the skin)
- Magnesium
It is a pleasure to introduce people to a brew that is so flavorable and healthy at the same time, a treat for young and old alike, enjoy the discovery of Rooibos yourself!
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