Rooibos has gained notoriety and popularity in recent years, especially as a tea. However, knowledge about the healing powers that lie behind the aromatic leaves is less widespread. The plant can be used for various ailments without side effects.
Occurrence and cultivation of rooibos
Of the Rooibos is part of the legume family. The plant originally comes from South Africa, where it grows particularly in the mountain regions. The Latin term for rooibos is Aspalathus linearis. It has the shape of a bush and is about one to two meters high. The long branches have finer branches. In the first few weeks the bark of the branches is reddish in color. The leaves of the rooibo are usually close together and are green. They are about one millimeter thick and about 1.5 to 6 centimeters long.
Their shape is similar to that of pine needles. In contrast to pine needles, however, the texture of rooibos leaves is much softer. The plant blooms in spring and summer. It develops yellow petals. Small seeds can be found in the legume, which the rooibos use to multiply. The history of the rooibos is not entirely clear. However, the healing power was first mentioned in literature in 1772. Before that, tea is said to have been used as a soft drink. The plant finally made it to Europe in the early 20th century. The tea is often perceived as milder compared to coffee and black tea.
Effect & application
Its ingredients are crucial for the healing effects of rooibos. 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 time is in summer. The components can then be dried and hot water poured over them later. Depending on the individual taste, the remaining components are removed after 5 to 10 minutes. The drink is particularly popular as an iced tea in the warm months. After the tea has been prepared, it can be drunk or used externally, depending on the respective complaints.
Querzitin and Querzitrin are able to widen the vessels. In this way, high blood pressure can fall and normalize. Vitamin C, carotenoids and flavonoids are particularly suitable for preventive treatment measures. 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 such diseases from occurring. At the same time, rooibos has antioxidant properties. These can be helpful for outward appearances. Eczema, sunburn or neurodermatitis can be alleviated by applying cool rooibos tea. Aspalathin and Nothofagin ensure a reduced formation of histamines. The inhibition of histamines has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects.
Rooibos tea can be used to reduce the pain, especially with gastrointestinal complaints. The leaves are also used for allergies and as a drink after exercise. Due to the minerals it contains, Rooisbostee can be understood as an isotonic drink. It contributes to physical regeneration especially after a high loss of sweat. Any swelling can be treated with a cold compress made from the rooibos tea. The anti-inflammatory factors support the healing process.
Importance for health, treatment & prevention
The ingredients in rooibos can be used for a variety of purposes. From a health point of view, they are suitable both for treating existing complaints and for preventing specific illnesses. While rooibos cannot replace a doctor's visit, it can help alleviate some symptoms. Different causes lead to stomach upset and pain. The tea can relieve cramps and in this way contribute to an improved quality of life.
Furthermore, it is a natural means of alleviating existing allergies and hay fever. Drinking it regularly can reduce the risk of degenerative diseases. Another area of application is to strengthen 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 anxiety, nervousness or excitement. Querzetin and Qerzitrin provide relaxation. In some regions the leaves are used for antibiotic purposes. Some ingredients should be able to kill specific pathogens. Quercetin and isoquercetin increase the production of serotonin. In this way, the consumption of rooibos leads, among other things, to an improved mood. It is suitable for this purpose, for example, in the presence of depression.
Generally speaking, the treatment with the medicinal plant is used for skin diseases, diarrhea, stomach pain, mouth ulcers, allergies, depression, sleep disorders and inflammation of the gums. However, because numerous pesticides are often used in the context of large-scale industrial cultivation, it is advisable to buy an organic product. In general, however, Rooibos does not cause any side effects. The tea has no 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.
