African Elixir: Rooibos Red Tea

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African Elixir: Rooibos Red Tea

 

Long ago, the Khoisan people, an ancient tribe which thrived deep in

the heart of South Africa, brewed a potent herbal remedy from the

aromatic and verdant rooibos bushes that grew only in the mountains.

Though the isolated Khoisan disappeared, the secret of their elixir

was passed on and became known as red tea because of its beautiful,

deep jewel-red color. Though it has often played a supporting role in

flavored herbal teas and chais, it is only recently that rooibos,

which, like black tea, undergoes a period of fermentation, has been

lauded for its many health benefits.

 

Unlike other herbal teas, caffeine-free red tea presents

satisfyingly rich body comparable to traditional black tea, but with

no noticeable bitterness. Some people even find the mellow tea to be

slightly sweet. What makes red tea so special, however, is that it

possesses greater quantities of the antioxidants that protect the

body from free radical damage than black, oolong and even green teas.

Drinking the tea, which is known as " long life tea " in Asia, provides

the body with a shield to defend itself against the onslaught of

germs, pollutants, and allergens that continually attack the immune

system. Red tea contains fluoride, calcium, iron, zinc copper, and

potassium, as well as other vital nutrients, and is beneficial in

maintaining healthy bones, teeth, skin,

and metabolic function. It has been shown to decrease

inflammatory

response and South African mothers still use rooibos to gently soothe

babies with milk allergies or colic.

 

Red tea, though fermented, has almost no stimulating effects and

possesses unique calming influence on the central nervous system,

making it an ideal drink for people who suffer from tension and

stress that cause insomnia. Drinking red tea is not only a reminder

of the wisdom of our ancestors and of nature's wonders, but also a

relaxing and healthy elixir that benefits your body as well as your

mind.

 

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