Contributed by Aimable Johnson, reprinted by permission. Rooibos tea has gained popularity in America in recent years, as many want to take advantage of its ability to prevent serious illnesses. The tea comes from the shrub Aspalathus Linearis, which is only found on the slopes of Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. While locals have been drinking this tea for hundreds of years, it only began being commercially traded in 1904, according to WebMD. It has a mild and aromatic taste; however, most drink it for its plethora of health benefits.
Rooibos is located in a small corner of South Africa and must be harvested by hand, for the proliferation of plant life prohibits the entry and operation of machinery. Rooibos can be used when green for its beneficial health components, but in its mature state, when it's red, it contains other varied health benefits. Rooibos can be used raw, when the leaf is cut, to rub onto the skin to treat rashes, cuts and abrasions. The leaves can be ground and brewed as a tea or they can be made into an aromatic for the alleviation of symptoms of bronchitis, asthma and allergies.
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Rooibos contains vitamins and minerals such as zinc, copper, calcium, manganese, magnesium, potassium andvitamin C. It also contains fluoride, which, in combination with calcium and manganese, help build strong bones and teeth. Rooibos contains polyphenols which is known to be anti-carcinogenic, anti-mutagenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral. All of those long words means cancer-fighting properties as well as immune system strengtheners, one thing which is known to help with anti-cancer treatments. Indeed, there is some evidence that Rooibos' components quercetin and luteolin could prevent cardiovascular disease and stroke. Its component rutin has been seen to help with the maintenance of blood vessels walls.
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