Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) – Dried Herb, Organic

Red Rooibos is made by fermenting the leaves from a shrub called Aspalathus linearis. It is usually grown on the western coast of South Africa, mainly from the Cederberg wilderness area. This shrub can grow to be 6 feet tall and has thin green needle-like leaves, reddish branches, and yellow flowers at the tips. In the early spring each flower generates a one-seeded leguminous fruit.

Rooibos is from the Legume family or Fabaceae family, which includes other herbs such as Astragalus, Fenugreek, Alfalfa and Licorice.

More than 300 years ago, indigenous inhabitants of the mountainous regions of South Africa’s Western Cape were the first to collect wild Rooibos. They fermented it and used it to make tea. Botanists first recorded Rooibos plants in 1772 when they were introduced to the tea by the Khoi people.

Rooibos became a cultivated crop by the early 1930s. It has been grown commercially since World War II, and now is exported to countries worldwide.

Rooibos contains antioxidants, trace minerals and nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, manganese, fluoride, potassium, copper and ascorbic acid. While many teas limit iron absorption by chelation of the iron molecules, Rooibos tea improves iron absorption and also contains additional iron.

Mothers in South Africa have traditionally used Rooibos for years to help soothe babies with colic, and stomach issues in babies and toddlers. Breastfeeding mothers either drink the tea so breast feeding babies will get it through the breast milk, or the tea is given to the infants or children. It has been used to help with food allergies and for encouraging calmness and sleep possibly because of all the minerals such as magnesium.

Properties:

The taste of Red Rooibos is sweet with a honeyed flavor and floral notes. The energetics of Rooibos are cooling and moistening. Rooibos has an affinity to the immune system, cardiovascular system, liver, nervous system, musculoskeletal system, digestive system and pancreas. For the immune system combine Rooibos tea with Linden Leaf & Flower, Rosehips, Lemon Peel, Elderberries or Ginger Root. For the cardiovascular system combine Rooibos with Hawthorn berries, Rose, or Linden leaf and flower.

How to use:

1 teaspoon of Red Rooibos to one cup of boiling water. Simmer for 15 minutes, strain and drink up to three cups a day.

Cautions & contraindications:

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your healthcare provider prior to the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.