Rooibos - the red bush - a South African wonderwort? This tea and its effects are not only humbug, but have been scientifically proven. So it is definitely worthwhile to take a closer look at rooibos tea.
Rooibos - what is it?
"Rooibos" is the name on Afrikaans for what we call "Red bush","Rotbusch" or "Roibusch". All these terms refer to Aspalathus linearis, a legume plant (Fabaceae) grown in the cedar mountains of South Africa, north of Cape Town.
The Rooibos tea is obtained by fermentation from the acicular leaves of the bush. Similar to tea from tea plants (Camellia sinensis), green rooibos are also available as a counterpart to green tea. Green rooibos protect the valuable ingredients better by more careful processing and avoiding fermentation.
In its homeland, rooibos tea is known for its effects and is even used as tea for babies and infants.
Rooibos - healthier is almost impossible!
Unlike coffee and black tea, rooibos does not contain caffeine or pine, it can be drunk at any time of the day or night and has no stimulating effects. Querzitin and Querzitrin even cause vasodilatation and lower blood pressure. Free radicals, i. e. oxygen compounds with an unpaired electron, contribute to the development of cancer, arteriosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. Vitamin C, carotenoids and flavonoids in their mixture in rooibos act as radical scavengers and thus prevent many diseases. The antioxidant effect of these substances alleviates skin problems such as eczema, neurodermatitis and sunburn. In addition to magnesium, calcium, phosphates, vitamin C and iron, rooibos also contains fluorine, which is important for hardening the teeth. Aspalathin and Nothofagin inhibit the release of histamines in the body. This explains the antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effect of rooibos tea, ideal for gastrointestinal problems. In addition, anti-allergic effects can be achieved, e. g. with hay fever (asthma tea). The high mineral content makes rooibos tea the ideal isotonic thirst quencher for athletes.
Preparation and use
Rooibos should be used as a preventive and supportive measure. It does not replace a visit to the doctor or medicine, but it can have a positive effect on your health. Rooibos is poured classically with hot water and allowed to steep for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on taste. It is also an excellent iced tea and on popular sites you will find many other Rooibos recipes. In addition to being used as an infusion drink, rooibos is also used as a broth for external application on the skin. The cosmetics industry offers creams and much more on the basis of rooibos and its effects, which promise younger skin, among other things. The pharmaceutical industry also takes advantage of the redbush tea and its effects. In order to protect the ecosystem of the cultivated fields one should pay attention to buying organic Rooibos. This is harvested by hand instead of machine, which supports the local economy and raises the quality of the tea by reducing the number of stems.
