If you have any tea questions, Barb will be more than happy to answer them. Send her an email...she has a great wealth of knowledge on teas. Barb is "The Tea Experience Lady".
Now settle down with a nice hot (or iced) cup of your favorite tea and read Barb's ezine on Rooibos.
What Is This Tea Called "ROOIBOS"?
How would you feel about drinking a tea that is naturally caffeine-free, low in tannins and known to prevent age-related oxidation of the the brain? Sounds too good to be real? Well, it's not!
The beverage is called Rooibos (pronounced Roy Boss) and it comes from the Aspalathus Linoraris plant which is grown in the rich, very fertile area of the Cederberg Mountains in the Western Cape of South Africa.
It is harvested from the needle-like leaves and stems of the plant. The leaves are harvested in the summer and oxidized giving the tea a distinctive reddish-brown color. Hence, it is often called "Red Bush."
After it's initial discovery generations of South Africans simply enjoyed it for its sweet, refreshing taste.
In 1772 it was re-discovered by botanist Carl Humberg, who brought it back as a beverage.
In 1904 a Russian immigrant named Benjamin Ginsberg realized Rooibos' untapped marketing potential and began to offer it globally. It was then called "Mountain Tea."
But it wasn't until decades later that Rooibos teas' real success began. In 1968, South African mother Annique Theron fortuitously stumbled across Rooibos for her baby, releiving the infants colic and insomnia.
In 1970 she published her findings in "Allergies: An Amazing Discovery" and with that publication Rooibos became famous world-wide.
But what can Rooibos do for me???
Benefit #1: Naturally caffeine-free. .
Benefit #2: Soothes your skin. Rooibos has a soothing effect on the skin. Use a weak solution applied topically as a face wash or use to soothe sunburned skin. Toss some tea bags in your bath. The combination of naturally occurring phenolic carboxylic acids (antibacterial & antfungal properties) combined with alpha hydroxyl acids help revive skin. For infants, use as relief for diaper rash.. Apply topically with a clean cotton ball to the rash at every diaper change. Put used Rooibos tea bags in the refrigerator or freezer. After a hard day's work put on tired or red eyes to soothe and realax.
Benefit #3: Contains no oxalic acid. People who are suffering from kidney stones can safely drink Rooibos.
Benefit #4: Use after workouts. Rooibos is popular among athletes after they work out as it is a rich source of vital minerals and Vitamin C which are depleted during workouts When used as fluid replacement, it is said to provide measurable amounts of minerals and electrolytes. For this reason, Rooibis is used by South African athletes as a sports drink. It is especially thirst quenching and refreshing during the hot humid months of summer.
Benefit #5: Stronger teeth. Rooibos helps give you strong teeth and bones because of its calcium, manganeze and flouride content.
Benefit #6: Stress Relief. Have a cup of Rooibos before bed to ensure a good night's sleep. It helps with insomnia, disturbed sleeping patterns and headaches. It contains no caffeine and has a relaxing and soothing effect on the central nervous system.
Benefit #7: Polyphenols and Antioxidants. Rooibos contains significant amounts of polyphenol antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic acids. These antioxidants play an important role in preventing age-related oxidative damage as well as damage caused by free radicals. Green Rooibos is said to have 10 times more Aspalatin, which is a flavanoid found only in Rooibos.
Benefit #8: Easy on your system. Rooibos is completely safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as young children. It can be enjoyed regularly and freely. It is 100% caffeine free, calorie free and is a healthy alternative to other teas, coffees and alcohol. It is also extremely effective in combatting iron depletion during preganancy and breastfeeding as it contains no tannins which affect iron absorption.
How to Make an Enjoyable Cup of Rooibos
Pour boiling water over the leaves and steep as long as you wish--up to 10 minutes. The longer steeping time will result in higher antioxidant activity. Unlike real tea, Rooibos never grows bitter from over-steeping and unlike most herbals Rooibos will never become tart from over steeping.
Rooibos is very verasatile--drink it hot or cold, with or without milk, sugar and honey. Add lemon or mix with fruit juices for a lovely blend.
Rooibis tea is also used in cooking and baking. It can replace the liquid content in recipes for soups, marinades, sauces, bread and cakes for added flavor and nutrition.
Rooibos can be stored for long periods of time without "aftertaste" buildup because of its low tannin content.
It makes a great iced tea.
It is clear that tea, the world's most popular non-alcoholic drink, should be a part of your healthy recipe for healthy living. Now that you are aware of many of the healing and therapeutic benefits of Rooibos, I hope you will join me in raising your tea cup in a toast to good health!!! You should consult your own physician about the health benefits for you.
P. S. Barb Recommends
Rooibos Tea
If you are excited about trying Rooibos teas for yourself --I have the perfect sampler pack for you. We have put together an assortment of different Rooibos teas for you to try! Yes, that is a year's worth of Rooibos teas--Twelve Month Rooibos Tea Club.
The Twelve Month Rooibos Tea Club includes 2 4 ounce bags of your choice of Rooibos flavors every other month. We also are including our Magic Brewer to help you make the perfect cup of Rooibos and a bag of our famous purple haze sugar. After the charge for shipping your first shippment you will not be charged any shipping for the remainder of your club.
Remember, SBS Teas has many varieties of teas and accessories. If you're shopping for a new tea, an old favorite, a gift for someone....go by a visit them. They will be more than happy to help you find what you're looking for.
