Rooibos

Other Names : red bush, Aspalathus linearis.
Most varieties of tea come from the same warm-weather planet called Camellia sinensis. That’s right – black, green, or white – they all come from the same plant. What creates the variety is not the source… but the processing of the leaves.However, red tea – Rooibos – is different. Unlike other teas, Rooibos comes from a South African plant – Aspalanthus linearis. A herb from South Africa, rooibos has been made into tea and enjoyed for generations. It is a broom-like legume and comes in both red and green varieties. The most available is the red, which is oxidized, giving it the reddish-brown color of tea and a slightly sweet taste.The green variety is unoxidized and is processed in a manner similar to that of green tea, making the end product a bit more expensive, and subsequently less popular and a bit more difficult to find. It does have twice the flavonoids as the red. The flavor is described as 'malty and slightly grassy' - somewhat different than the red variety.Like other teas, rooibos has flavonoids that act as antioxidants, making it popular with the health conscious. It is also low in tannins compared to most black teas, and is caffeine-free. Rooibos is rich in many minerals including iron, calcium, potassium, copper, fluoride, manganese, zinc, magnesium and alpha hydroxy.

Special Precautions of Rooibos

• Major components of Rooibos tea are metabolized in the liver, so this herbal remedy is not recommended for those with compromised liver function.
• Rooibos may have some limited estrogenic effects, which may be contra-indicated for those with estrogen-related cancers or other hormone-sensitive conditions.

The benefits of Rooibos are

• Reduces heart disease by providing protection through ACE inhibition
• Contains quercetin and luteolin, which are known to have cancer fighting qualities
• reduces your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Is an anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-mutagenic and anti-spasmodic
• lowers your risk for Alzheimer's disease.
• Cholesterol : Reduced cholesterol oxidation, a primary cause of heart disease, lowers levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol, Increases levels of HDL (good) cholesterol
• Eases nervous tension, allergies and digestive problems
• Limits uric acid production, which can help gout sufferers
• Soothes asthma and eczema
• Boosts the immune system
• Cures nagging headaches
• Fights insomnia
• Strengthens bones and teeth
• Relieves severe stomach cramps
• Eases hypertension/lowers blood pressure
• Is considered to have anti-aging properties
• Prevents DNA damage
• Suppresses fasting glucose levels
• Improves glucose uptake and insulin secretions after a meal
• Aids in liver tissue regeneration
• Acts as a bronchodilator