Rooibos tea, also known as red tea but not to be confused with hibiscus tea, comes from the Asphalathus linearis plant in South Africa. It aids many conditions including allergies, insomnia, as well as weight loss. This is due to all of the minerals the plant has which includes iron, potassium, zinc, magnesium, manganese, calcium, and copper.
Unlike other herbs, rooibos has a pleasant and mild taste. The taste is reminiscent to cinnamon which makes the tea great to drink without sugar or any other additives. And it’s caffeine-free unlike other teas. So what are you waiting for? Let’s check out the conditions Rooibos tea is good for. After check out the cool Rooibos iced tea recipe below.
Rooibos Iced Tea
Ingredients
- 4 cups of water
- 2 tbsp. of Rooibos tea
- honey
Instructions
- Boil water in a pot or teapot.
- Before water starts boiling, pour the Rooibos tea.
- Let it boil for 7 minutes.
- When the water turns a deep red, remove from stove and add honey to it. The amount of honey depends on how sweet you want it. Afterwards, allow to cool.
- Once at room temperature, pour the tea into a pitcher and place in refrigerator.
- Serve tea cold.
01. Helps treat and prevent Diabetes
Balancing blood sugar is necessary for those who already have diabetes. If the blood sugar levels are constantly fluctuating, it can be a threat to your health. Rooibos balances the blood sugar and increases insulin secretion from the pancreas. The herb has also been known to serve as a defense against type II Diabetes.
02. Aids in losing weight
The polyphenols that Rooibos has makes the herb burn fat. In addition to this, it prevents new fat cells from forming. There have been studies that prove that Rooibos can fight against obesity as well. Consuming Rooibos causes an increase in leptin secretion. Leptin, the “hunger hormone”, is what tells the body that it’s satisfied. Without this, the body thinks it’s not satisfied and therefore becomes hungry more often.
03. Maintains skin and hair youthful
To maintain skin and hair youthful, you need antioxidants and alpha hydroxy acid. Antioxidants act as a shield against free radicals while the alpha hydroxy acid improves the skin. Luckily rooibos is filled with antioxidants and alpha hydroxy acid. It’s the same acid that is used for chemical peels. However, it is safer to consume it from natural sources such as herbs or foods. Rooibos is one of the few natural sources that contains this acid.
04. Filled with Anti-inflammatory properties
Suffering from bronchitis or allergies? Rooibos is good at treating inflammatory conditions such as bronchitis, hay fever, and asthma.
05. Helps curb insomnia
This caffeine-free herb is perfect for getting a good night’s sleep. While it does increase energy, it doesn’t disturb the hormones produced by the adrenal gland.
06. Reduces allergies
Aiding the immune system, Rooibos is filled with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate allergic conditions such as hay fever.
07. Gets rid of colic
Rooibos is a well-known treatment for colicky children in South Africa. The reason for it soothing colic remains unknown but has been related to its anti-inflammatory properties.
08. Builds strong bones
Manganese and calcium are necessary minerals for strong bone growth. Almost every tea can provide strong bone growth because they increase osteoblast activity. Osteoblasts are what create bone mass. On top of the ostebolasts, Rooibos contains two important flavanoids, orientin and luteolin which increase minerals in the bones.
09. Lowers blood pressure
Rooibos maintains blood pressure balanced. Therefore, it can improve hypertension and stress levels. It can also reduce the chances of heart attacks.
10. Cures headaches
Due to its relaxing properties, rooibos can eliminate headaches or any tension you may feel. After all, headaches happen when your muscles contract in the face or head.
Caution: If you are suffering from an underlying condition, it is best to consult with your doctor before trying Rooibos tea.
