Ingredients Of Rooibos Licorice Tea

The rooibos plant grows in South Africa where it has been used for generations to make herbal African red tea. Licorice, also a legume, is a perennial that grows wild in parts of Europe and Asia. Licorice root has been used in Western and Eastern medicine to treat a various illnesses, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Rooibos herbal tea is naturally caffeine-free, and the blending of rooibos with licorice, creates a sweet tasting, relaxing tea with a variety of health benefits.

Rooibos

Herbalists claim that one reason rooibos has healing abilities is its high content of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc; however, on the Vegetarianism & Vegetarian Nutrition website, Winston Craig, Ph.D., and professor of nutrition at Andrews University in Michigan, says in spite of these claims, rooibos provides very little vitamin C and only 2 percent of the daily requirement for most minerals, except copper and fluoride, which exist in high amounts in rooibos tea. Unlike black tea, rooibos contains none of the tannins that cause a bitter astringent taste and impede iron absorption. It has high levels of polyphenolic antioxidants, flavonoids that are the plant chemicals providing rooibos tea with antioxidant qualities that protect against infection and inflammation, according to the Food Processing website.

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Licorice

Licorice is a flavorful and healthy addition to tea. It is used for respiratory ailments such as coughs and hoarseness, and coats and soothes sore throats. Licorice is a mild laxative and is helpful for gastric intestinal problems. Licorice contains antioxidants and flavonoids that kill bacteria that cause ulcers and stomach inflammation, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Licorice also contains biotin, pantothenic acid, niacin, lecithin, vitamin E and manganese.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a commonly used spice considered beneficial for health. It is used to strengthen circulation flow and as an expectorant for colds. Cinnamon is a warming spice that may help relieve pain, stimulate circulation, treat aching muscles and encourage good digestion, writes editorial assistant, Susan Melgren, in a May 2010 "Natural Home" magazine article.

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Cardamom

Cardamom, an Indian spice used in cooking and teas, provides expectorant action, stimulating the appetite and digestion, and reduces gas and excess stomach acidity.

Orange Peel

Two types of orange found in South Africa are the navel and Valencia oranges. Rooibos and licorice teas contain orange peel flavoring. Orange peel contains flavonoids and antioxidants that may protect against heart disease and inflammation by inhibiting the synthesis of cholesterol and triglycerides. It also contains pectin, a carbohydrate that stimulates growth of intestinal probiotic bacteria. Orange peel is a good source of vitamin C and a natural way to enhance the immune system and protect against infection, according to Organic Herbs Medicine Cabinet. It also aids in preventing indigestion, lowering cholesterol and helping with digestion of fatty foods.