Rooibos: Tea of South Africa
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Rooibos or Redbush as it is more commonly known is red tea that is grown
only in the South African highlands. It comes from the plant Aspalathus
linearis, rather than the Camellia plants that produce traditional teas,
such as Black, Green or Oolong tea. The name Rooibos, an African slang
word of Dutch origin meaning " Red Bush.". Rooibos tea is a
distinctive red colour and its taste is also unique with a very sweet and
slightly nutty flavour. |
Rooibos contains a variety of antioxidant substances, some of which are
entirely exclusive to the Redbush plant. As well as being decaffeinated
with low tannin content, the tea contains Vitamin C and many minerals and
can almost be considered a nutritional supplement. The minerals contained
in a cup of Redbush tea are: |
- Zinc
- Manganese
- Alpha-hydroxy (great for the skin)
- Magnesium
- Copper
- Iron
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Fluoride
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Various studies have shown the many health problems that can be helped by
drinking Rooibos tea on a regular basis: |
- Can be used to treat hay fever, asthma
and eczema
- Placed directly on the skin, it can slow
the aging process
- Boosts the immune system
- Eases irritability, headaches, nervous
tension and insomnia
- Acts as an anti-spasmodic agent, to
relieve stomach cramps and colic in infants
- Contains no oxalic acid, so people who
are prone to kidney stones can safely consume it
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Mothers in South Africa have long been aware of the benefits of Rooibos
tea and it is traditional to give this tea to children. A small amount of
Redbush tea added to milk could soothe babies and help ease symptoms of
colic. |
It is the perfect caffeine-free alternative to black tea! Why not have a
cup of Rooibos tea now?
Visit our Rooibos Tea
section at Teaworld
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