Sunday, September 29, 2013 by: Willow Tohi
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(NaturalNews) Rooibos tea has been enjoyed for its taste and health benefits by generations of South Africans. A broom-like herb from the diverse mountain area near Cape Town; it is actually a legume rich in antioxidants and minerals. The international popularity of rooibos tea has been growing steadily since it was first exported a century ago, especially among the health conscious. These days, it's not uncommon to see rooibos tea and rooibos-based coffee drinks at your local coffee house or on the shelf at the local health food store.
Rooibos, "red bush" tea has many of the same benefits as other herbal teas:
• It contains polyphenols shown to have anti-carcinogenic, anti-mutagenic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral properties
• It is naturally caffeine-free so you can drink it before bedtime, which may help with insomnia
• It is low in tannins which allows easier assimilation of its minerals
• It has no oxalic acid, making it a great choice for kidney stone sufferers
• It has a variety of vitamins and minerals, as well as other phytonutrients
And, like some herbal teas:
• It can be given to infants, children, and pregnant and lactating women. Rooibos eases colic and stomach cramps as well as helping with hyperactivity or insomnia/promote sleep.
• It is a good source of antioxidants
• It is good for the skin due to its alpha hydroxyl acid and zinc content, and can be applied topically to ease acne, eczema, sunburn, etc.
Rooibos (pronounced roy-boss) is a flowering bush with reddish-brown stems and green, needle-shaped leaves. Two kinds of tea are made from it: red and green. Usually, the twigs are harvested, oxidized, and sun-dried. This brews into a hearty red color and has a naturally sweet taste, sometimes described as fruity or nutty. The green rooibos is more difficult to find. The process of making it is more involved, making it more expensive. It is not oxidized, has a mild, malty and slightly grassy taste, and twice the flavonoids.
