Rooibos 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Rooibos – 100 g ($14.99), 50 g ($9.99), 25 g ($6.99)

Benefits:

Rooibos is an antiviral, antianxiety, and antiallergy agent. Rooibos is used in the treatment of syphilis to stop generalized inflammation and pain, although it is not a treatment for the disease itself. It has a beneficial effect on age-related mental decline. Rooibos is also used as a milk substitute for infants who are prone to colic.

This herb is considered to have considerable antispasmodic activity. There is growing evidence that it contributes to a reduction in heart disease and other ailments associated with aging.

HIV/AIDS. Two Japanese studies have shown that rooibos has activity against HIV. Compounds called complex polysaccharides, found in rooibos, prevent HIV from binding to its target cells. However, in this case, the polysaccharide had to be chemically extracted from the leaves and is not found in tea made by steeping the leaves in water. There is no evidence that rooibos tea fights the HIV virus.

Insomnia. Rooibos tea is a bedtime favorite among South African herbalists, consumers, and even physicians. It is likely that rooibos helps to induce sleep both directly, by affecting the metabolism of acetylcholine in the brain and preventing excessive firing of the neurons that cause wakefulness, and indirectly, by blocking hormonal reactions that cause inflammation and pain.

Recommended Use

Rooibos is available as a tea. Like black tea, it inhibits the absorption of iron from food, although rooibos has a lesser effect on iron absorption than does black tea. People with iron-deficiency conditions should avoid both beverages. In one study, rooibos leaves as a tea demonstrated estrogenic activity, so patients with hormone-sensitive cancers should use caution before using it. Some reports of liver toxicity have been reported, so speak to your doctor before using rooibos if you have hepatic issues. Rooibos may interfere with many chemotherapy drugs. There is no information available on the use of rooibos during pregnancy.

Botanical Name: Aspalathus linearis
English: Rooibos tea, Red bush, Rooibosh . Also, known as: Rooibos tee, Bossie tee
Habitat: Western Cederberg region of South Africa.
Origin: South Africa
Harvested: Cultivated
Parts Used: Leaves

General Information:
Aspalathus linearis is erect to spreading, highly variable shrub up to 2 m high in its natural state, while the height of cultivated plants varies from 0.5 to 1.5 meters, depending on the age of the plant, as well as the climate and soil conditions in the area of production. Its young branches are often reddish. Near the soil surface, the stem subdivides into a number of strong offshoots, followed by delicate side branches each bearing, singly or in clusters, soft, needle like leaves. The leaves are green and needle-like, 15-60 mm long and up to about 1 mm thick. They are without stalks and stipules and may be densely clustered. The yellow flowers, which appear in spring to early summer, are solitary or arranged in dense groups at the tips of branches. The fruit is a small lance-shaped pod usually containing one or two hard seeds.
Rooibos leaves are harvested in summer, cut or chopped and are left to ferment. During the fermentation of the rooibos leaves, some chemicals are oxidized by enzymes resulting in the typical red color and flavor of rooibos. Unfermented rooibos tea is also used and contains more antioxidants. Unfermented rooibos tea has a yellow color rather than the red color of fermented rooibos.
Rooibos is grown only in the Cedarberg area and around the villages Clanwilliam and Citrusdal, which are situated to the north of Cape Town in South Africa. Efforts to cultivate rooibos in other areas or countries with similar climates have failed. Apparently, rooibos needs a very specific climate and soil to grow. Rooibos tea has always been very popular in South Africa. To make the popular rooibos tea, the dried rooibos leaves are boiled in water and is often consumed with milk. Rooibos tea is much appreciated because it does not contain caffeine and is low in tannins. This fragrant, caffeine-free tea is the national drink of South Africa. There are a variety of forms and types including, red, black, red-brown and grey rooibos with one of the red types, being the one we’ve come to know and appreciate as our rooibos tea.

How to use:

Hot Infusion:

The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. Hot water is needed to draw out the antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, flavonoids, and volatile oils from the botanicals. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:

You can sweeten your herbal tea with a bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder. You can make ice cubes or pops by freezing tea in ice trays or pop molds.