Rooibos has gained fame and popularity in recent years, especially as a tea. About the healing powers, which are behind the aromatic leaves, the knowledge is, however, less common. Yet the plant can be used for various ailments without expecting side effects.
Occurrence and cultivation of rooibos
The tea does not have any stimulant property and is therefore also suitable for children and sensitive people. Rooibos is part of the legume family. Originally, the plant comes from South Africa, where it grows especially in the mountainous regions. The Latin term for rooibos is Aspalathus linearis. It has the shape of a shrub and grows about one to two meters high. The long branches have finer branches. In the first weeks, the bark of the branches is reddish in color. The leaves of rooibos are usually close together and green. They are about one millimeter thick and about 1.5 to 6 centimeters long. Their shape resembles that of pine needles. However, unlike pine needles, the texture of rooibos leaves is much softer. In spring and summer the plant blossoms. In the process, it develops yellow petals. Small seeds can be found in the legume, which serve the rooibos to reproduce. The history of rooibos is not completely clear. However, the first literary mention of its medicinal properties was in 1772. Prior to that, the tea is said to have been used as a refreshing drink. In the early 20th century, the plant finally reached Europe. The tea is often perceived as milder compared to coffee and black tea.
Effect and application
Crucial for the healing effects of rooibos are its ingredients. These are essential oils, fluorine, aluminum, vitamin C, borneol, lime, acetic acid, eugenol, flavonoids, gallic acid, tannic acid, iron, caffeic acid, potassium, copper, limonene, linalool, magnesium, manganese, sodium, phenol, rutin, thymol and zinc. In most cases, the leaves are consumed as tea. The collection period is in the summer. Then the ingredients can be dried and later poured over with hot water. Depending on the individual taste, the removal of the remaining components takes place after 5 to 10 minutes. Especially in the warm months, the drink is popular as iced tea. After the tea is prepared, it can be drunk or used externally, depending on the particular ailment. Querzitin and Querzitrin are able to dilate the blood vessels. In this way, elevated blood pressure can decrease and normalize. Vitamin C, carotenoids and flavonoids are particularly suitable for preventive treatment. Free radicals represent an electron with a missing oxygen molecule. They contribute to the development of numerous degenerative diseases, such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Vitamin C, carotenoids and flavonoids can prevent the onset of such diseases. At the same time, rooibos has antioxidant properties. These can be helpful in external manifestations. For example, eczema, sunburn or neurodermatitis can be soothed by applying cooled rooibos tea. Aspalathin and Nothofagin ensure reduced formation of histamines. The inhibition of histamines has an anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effect. Especially in case of gastrointestinal complaints, rooibos tea can be used to reduce pain. Furthermore, the leaves are used for allergies and as a drink after sports. Due to the minerals it contains, rooibos tea can be understood as an isotonic drink. Especially after a high sweat loss it contributes to physical regeneration. Existing swellings can be treated with a cold poultice made from the rooibos tea. The anti-inflammatory factors support the healing process.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
The ingredients of rooibos can be used for various purposes. Health-wise, they are suitable for treatment of existing ailments as well as prevention of specific diseases. While rooibos cannot replace a visit to the doctor, it is capable of alleviating some symptoms. Different causes lead to stomach upsets and pain. The tea can relieve the cramps and in this way contribute to an improved quality of life. Furthermore, it is a natural remedy for alleviating existing allergies and hay fever.Drunk regularly, it can reduce the risk of degenerative diseases. Another field of application is the strengthening of the immune system. The vitamins and trace elements it contains can protect the body from pathogens. People with a healthy immune system have fewer infections with different pathogens. Rooibos can also help with inner restlessness, nervousness or excitement. Querzetin and Qerzitrin provide relaxation. In some regions, the leaves are used for antibiotic purposes. Some ingredients are said to be able to kill specific pathogens. Quercetin and isoquercetin provide increased production of serotonin. In this way, the consumption of rooibos leads, among other things, to an improved mood. For this purpose it is suitable, for example, in the presence of depression. In general, the treatment with the medicinal plant is used for skin diseases, diarrhea, stomach pain, aphthae in the mouth, allergies, depression, sleep disorders and inflammation of the gums. However, because large-scale industrial cultivation often involves the use of numerous pesticides, it is recommended to buy an organic product. In general, however, rooibos does not cause any side effects. The tea does not have any stimulating properties and is therefore also suitable for children and sensitive people. In the region of origin, the administration of the tea to infants is not uncommon.
