Rooibos tea, also known as red bush tea, is derived from a plant that grows as high as 6 feet tall and is native to an area north of Cape Town in South Africa, where it has been used recreationally and medicinally for centuries. The parts of the plant used are the leaves and twigs, which are harvested, cut and fermented during the summer. The drying and fermentation process oxidizes the plant's enzymes, which results in the red color and flavor that characterizes rooibos, according to website Phytyochemicals.info. Consult a qualified health practitioner prior to consuming herbs medicinally.
Treats Inflammation
Rooibos is a popular medicinal tea used as an anti-inflammatory for treatment of such disorders as fever, asthma and skin rashes. In South Africa where rooibos tea grows, it is very common to give rooibos tea to babies who suffer from gastrointestinal inflammation. The high nutrition levels, lack of caffeine and low tannin levels, in comparison with other types of tea, make it ideal to serve to young children, the elderly, the infirm and those with stomach irritations, according to the website Rooibos.net.
Mineral Source
Rooibos tea is a concentrated mineral source that includes moderate sodium amounts that can replace the amount lost through sweating. As a result, many people, including those involved in sports and engaged in manual labor, use rooibos tea instead of performance drinks to replace their sodium stores. Additionally, the drink's content of potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium fluorine, iron, copper, zinc and manganese make rooibos tea an excellent support for the health of your hair, teeth, fingernails and bones, according to Rooibos.net.
Dosage and Preparation Recommendations
Prepare the tea by boiling about 2 tsp. of rooibos leaves in water for three to five minutes and drinking up to 3 cups per day. Milk can be added to the tea to enhance the flavor, according to traditional use.
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