Rooibos tea, sometimes called African red bush tea, originates in South Africa. Pronounced "roy-bos," rooibos is a flowering shrub grown around 250 km north of Capetown, South Africa in the Cedarberg mountain region, according to the Vegetarianism & Vegetarian Nutrition website. Rooibos does not contain tea leaves, so is not technically a tea, but an herb. The shrub grows about five feet high and produces reddish-brown stems, and bright green leaves. Rooibos is free of caffeine, low in tannins and has several different health benefits.
Consult your physician before attempting to treat any condition with rooibos tea.
Respiratory Health
The antispasmodic properties of rooibos tea are commonly put to use to help with respiratory ailments. The high flavonoid content of the tea helps provide anti-inflammatory effects which relax and calm irritated lungs and bronchial tubes, according to Vegetarianism & Vegetarian Nutrition.
Bones and Teeth
According to the University of New Hampshire, rooibos tea contains calcium, fluoride and manganese, which help strengthen bones and teeth. This can help prevent conditions such as osteoporosis as you age.
Skin Conditions
The alpha-hydroxy acid and zinc content of rooibos tea will help relieve skin conditions such as rashes, acne or sunburn, according to the Organic Facts website. Drink the tea hot or cold, or hold a wet tea bag directly on the affected area to see the benefits.
Normal Aging
Rooibos tea is a rich source of antioxidants, which can help combat free radicals brought on by oxidation as part of the aging process. In fact, rooibos had 50 times more SOD, or superoxide dismutase, than green tea. SOD is an enzyme that protects against damage caused by oxidation, according to the University of New Hampshire.
Allergies
According to Organic Facts, rooibos tea is used in South Africa to treat various allergies such as hay fever, eczema and bronchitis brought on by allergy.
Cramping
Rooibos has antispasmodic effects that will help with all different types of cramping in the body. These may include indigestion, menstrual cramps, constipation, heartburn or ulcer pain.
Stress and Anxiety
Rooibos does not contain caffeine, and can soothe your nervous system if you are suffering from irritability, stress, anxiety, or tension headaches, according to research performed at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.
References
- Vegetarianism & Vegetarian Nutrition: African Rooibos Tea--Health Benefits
- Organic Facts: Health Benefits of Rooibos Tea
- TeaBenefits.com: Rooibos Tea Benefits
- University of New Hampshire: The Benefits of Drinking Tea
- Pacific College of Oriental Medicine: Red Tea is Beneficial for Tension and Depression
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