Rooibos tea, also known as African Red tea, is made from the fermented needle-shaped leaves of the rooibos shrub, according to the article, "Medicinal Crops of Africa," cited on the Purdue University website. Practicers of traditional African medicine have used rooibos tea for centuries to treat many different conditions. Modern research suggests that rooibos tea does contain a high level of nutrients and antioxidants.
Kidney Stones
Ten percent of Americans suffer from the agonizing condition of kidney stones, according to the article, "Tea for Kidney Stones," by Michelle Fletcher and listed on the Pacific College website. Kidney stones form when there is a high concentration of calcium and other minerals in the kidneys. These minerals clump together to form crystals that must painfully pass through the urinary tack to exit the body. This high concentration is commonly caused by dietary factors or a lack of hydration, relates Fletcher. The best treatment to prevent kidney stones is to drink a lot of fluids. Fletcher suggests drinking decaffeinated herbal teas that are low in oxalate, a compound that can exacerbate the formation of kidney stones, is the best way to keep the body hydrated to prevent kidney stones. These factors make rooibos tea one of the best beverages to drink to prevent kidney stones as it contains no caffeine and no oxalate.
Cancer
Rooibos tea contains high levels of flavonoids, polyphenols and phenolic acid, powerful antioxidants that are considered immune-boosting and cancer-fighting agents, according to the University of Michigan Health System website. Recent research demonstrates a potential for rooibos tea to possess antimutagenic properties to prevent cancer cells from forming, states the University of Michigan website. An animal study mentioned on this site provides evidence that rooibos tea may prevent radiation damage commonly associated with the development of certain cancers. Additionally, rooibos tea may possess the ability to prevent skin tumors from developing.
Other Benefits
Also according to the article, "Medicinal Crops of Africa," parents give their babies rooibos tea to settle colic, as it is an antispasmodic herb able to settle muscle spasms, or cramping. Consult a health provider before giving rooibos tea to an infant. It is also given to individuals who suffer from insomnia, irregular sleeping habits and headaches due to its decaffeinated state and relaxation effect on the nervous system, states the article. It adds that roobios tea has a high concentration of energizing minerals such as iron, potassium, zinc, magnesium and sodium, making it a viable option for those wanting to increase their physical output during a workout session or sporting event.
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