9 varieties of rooibos to relax without theine

The call “rooibos tea” it has become fashionable: there is no health food store, herbalist or tea shop that does not offer it. But the truth is that it has been consumed for a long time, especially in his home country, South Africa.

What kind of plant is rooibos?

Properly, rooibos is not a “red tea”as its appearance suggests and some believe, since it does not belong to the theaceae family, but rather it is a legume relative to brooms and ginestas. Nor is it stimulating, since does not contain theinebut, like tea, it adds a medicinal value to its flavor.

Rooibos means “red bush” in Afrikaans.. It is native to the Cederberg area, in the Western Cape province. Asphalatus linearis, as it is scientifically known, is a shrub up to two meters high with the appearance of broom. Their young branches are reddish and has linear and fine leaves, yellow flowerstypical of Papilionácea, which appear in the austral spring, and legume-shaped fruits.

It grows naturally in an area between the Cape Peninsula and Betty’s Bay, characterized by humid winters and torrid summers. Attempts have been made to cultivate it in other parts of the country without success.

Given the enormous demand for rooibos in recent years and the danger posed by overgrazing in their area, crops have been established in the region and protection has been given to native specimens.

The indigenous populations of the arealike the Khoissan, They used it in the past as a medicinal plant and liniment on wounds and ulcers, but for a long period of time rooibos fell into oblivion. Still today, many mothers in South Africa give rooibos tea to their babies to treat colic and diarrhea, and its use is widespread in this country to combat nervous irritability and mild depression.

He was the 18th century botanist carl humberg who rediscovered it as a digestive drink. Its true rebirth came, later, from the hand of the settler of Russian origin Benjamin Ginsbergwho at the beginning of the 20th century realized the great potential of this plant and opened the door to its export to Europe in 1948.

During World War I rooibos had been demonstrated as a valid alternative to tea, which was then difficult to provide. But it is now, well into the 21st century, when rooibos is experiencing its great expansion.

What are the properties of rooibos?

Rooibos leaves contain up to 200 active principles, such as aspalathin, caffeic acid, antioxidants (quercetin), flavonoids (luteolin and rutin), polyphenols, mineral salts (iron, calcium, copper and fluoride), vitamin C and a very low dose of tannins.

All this gives antioxidant, antiallergenic, anti-inflammatory, digestive, antispasmodic, diuretic and tonic properties.

Among his different indicationsthe following should be highlighted:

Instead of presenting an exciting effect, like that of tea or coffee, tends to balance the nervous system and acts as a mild sedative in case of stress or irritability.Stops the action of free radicalsdelays cell oxidation and protects against infections. act like a natural antihistamine, very useful for people prone to developing allergies.As a diuretic, it shows a mild effect. but nothing insignificant, which helps to eliminate toxins through urine and to prevent and combat fluid retention and resulting overweight. Regular consumption of rooibos, due to its drainage effect and its antioxidant agents, helps reduce LDL cholesterol levels and blood pressure, and ultimately can protect against arteriosclerosis and other cardiovascular conditions.Provides minerals, making it suitable for athletesbut it should be remembered that when ingested in very small doses (two grams per cup) it cannot compete with the minerals in food. It is recommended above all as digestive tonicto mediate different digestive disorders, such as diarrhoea, gastrointestinal spasms, abdominal bloating, vomiting and dizziness. It’s a effective anti-inflammatory for respiratory conditions such as pharyngitis, laryngitis or bronchitis. Rooibos is revealed as a good alternative to coffee for menopausal or post-menopausal womenand also for athletes and hikers due to its antispasmodic effect. Topically, and picking up the many traditional uses, rooibos can be a good solution against different skin problems, such as dermatitis, eczema, boils, juvenile acne, insect bites and hives. in gargles It is applied to reduce inflammation of the throat and treat thrush, mouth sores and swollen gums. Help to strengthen teeth.

How rooibos is prepared

The leaves and branches of the rooibos are harvested in early summer. austral, they are chopped, arranged in small piles and left to ferment in direct contact with the sun and the dry environment of that part of southern Africa.

During fermentation, the leaves turn from bright green to the characteristic red color conferred by oxidation. It is also possible to find green rooibosin which prevent fermentation by letting it dry immediately after collection. As with tea, also in this case it is richer in antioxidants.

The infusion of rooibos is prepared, in general terms, in the same way as the tea.

Heat water in a kettle or saucepan until it boils. A dessert spoon of rooibos is available in a cup and pour hot water over it. It is let Let stand covered 3 to 7 minutes. The longer it is left to rest, the more concentrated it will be. It strains into another cup, using if you want a cloth as a filter, to prevent impurities from remaining.

To keep rooibos leaves well, experts recommend metal containers, brass or zinc. In glass jars, the aroma and flavor of rooibos are preserved for less time. Must be keep away from sources of moisture, in somewhat ventilated spaces if possible, and without reaching the strong odors of other foods.

Varieties of rooibos: properties and flavors

In many herbalists and tea shops, rooibos already has its own shelf and its variety menu is expanding with new combinations:

Green Rooibos, unfermented. It retains all its antioxidant potential.tropical rooibos with cinnamon, vanilla, passion fruit and mango. It exudes a sweetish aroma and tends to be more flavorful than pure rooibos.eastern rooibos with spices: cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom, caraway seeds and orange peel.rooibos chai with spices. Similar to the previous one, it incorporates cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, pepper, cloves, star anise and orange peel.roibos with apple, toasted almonds and white and dark chocolate shavings. It has a very tempting truffle flavor, which the apple partly sweetens.rooibos and rose. It is combined with wild rose rose hips, pieces of cinnamon and orange peel. It has a fruity flavor, somewhat bittersweet, and favors digestion.Rooibos as an infant sedative. It is combined with chamomile and sometimes green anise for restless children.Rooibos anti-insomnia. With valerian, orange blossom, lavender and apple. It is a remedy for those people who have a hard time sleeping a wink.digestive rooibos with plants. It is combined with fennel, lime blossom, mint and star anise. Very suitable after a copious meal.

Advisor: J. María Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de salud”