How to Understand the Medicinal Uses of Rooibos Tea

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By Katherine Huether
eHow Contributing Writer

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Sometimes, I find herbal remedies in surprising places. One of my favorite "pleasure teas," as it turns out, is also a valuable medicine.

Rooibos tea, or Aspalathus linearis, is now widely available in the supermarket. It has a mild flavor and blends well with flavorings such as caramel and vanilla, making it a perfect dessert alternative. I've been enjoying it this way for quite some time.

This is a traditional medicine for two indigenous groups that are native to South Africa--the Bushmen and the Hottentots. The herb has since gained world wide favor as a common table tea. The tea has a mild flavor and lower tannin content. The tannins in black tea are responsible for the bitter flavor

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Rooibos tea bag of choice
Hot water
Flavoring such as vanilla extract
Juice, if desired
Imagination

Step 1

You can drink rooibos tea in the traditional way by putting the tea bag in some hot water. Or, you can have some fun with it. You can find rooibos in a variety of flavors but sometimes I would rather purchase the plain tea bags so I can jazz it up a bit. Place a drop or two of your favorite extract into the mug--orange, vanilla and butterscotch are some of my favorites.

I also like to use rooibos as a basis for an herbal punch. I brew up some of the tea in the traditional way and then pour it into a big pitcher after it cools down. From there I can add other ingredients such as ginger beer, flavored syrups and juices. Use your imagination to make something creative.
Step 2

Rooibos tea is rich in antioxidants. It is also very mild and can be taken every day, or whenever you feel the need for an extra nutrition boost. Here is a short list of some of the things that are in rooibos:

Antioxidants
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Calcium
Fluoride
Copper
Iron
Potassium
Zinc
Manganese
Potassium

Even though it contains these minerals, it is still a good idea to remember to eat properly and take a multivitamin.
Step 3

Use rooibos for health problems. The fact that rooibos contains certain minerals and antioxidants automatically makes it good for the body. But, the herb also has other qualities. For example, it is a plant that is a known antispasmodic. This means that it can help with cramping and to take care of any spasms, especially in the digestive track.

Here is a list of some of the medicinal uses for rooibos:

Tooth decay (high fluoride content)
Cramps
Digestive distress and cramping
Astringent (because of the tannins)
Diarrhea (because of the tannins)
Vomiting
Aging (because of the antioxidants)
Allergies and Hay Fever
High Cholesterol
Calms skin allergies and other skin complaints such as eczema (brew the tea and apply it to the area with a cotton ball)
Asthma
Ulcers
Constipation
Heartburn
Helps build strong bones

If you drink one to three cups a day, it can help increase your overall state of health. If you need to use it for any of the health problems listed, drink a cup as needed.

Remember to see a doctor if you have any of those complaints so they can confirm they aren't serious or life threatening.

Comments

kohuether said

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on 11/20/2008 AbbyNormal and Wordart, you're very welcome! As an added bonus, I absolutely love the taste. There are some divine blends, too. Teevana has a nice Caramel flavored Rooibus but it is also good on its own.

Wordart said

on 11/19/2008 I was just in the store looking at a box of Rooibos tea and didn't know enough about it to purchase it. You taught me a lot through your wonderful article.