Rooibos (Red Bush) tea is unique to South Africa. It is a soothing tea, unique in flavor and red in color. It has become popular worldwide as it has been confirmed that the polyphenol content of rooibos is comparable with that of green tea, long touted as a powerful source of disease fighting antioxidants. It has no caffeine and is low in tannin (less than 10% of normal tea).It is healthy and nutritious, containing copper, iron, potassium, zinc, sodium, alpha-hydroxy acid, calcium, fluoride, manganese and magnesium. Not only is it an immune booster but it is a digestive aid and relieves colic in babies and nausea when pregnant, soothes skin irritations like nappy rash, sunburn and acne, gives hair a shine when added to rinsing water and is an excellent thirst quencher.
There are no known side affects or restrictions of how many cups may be drunk daily. Cosmetic houses are now also adding it to skin and hair products, due to it being excellent with most allergic skin conditions.
Make it in an ordinary teapot. Rinse the teapot with boiling water to warm it. Add rooibos teabags or loose leaves, one bag or one heaped teaspoon per cup. Pour boiling water into the pot, replace the lid and leave to infuse for 2-3 minutes, then pour yourself a cup, sit back and enjoy. Note that the longer it is infused the higher the antioxidant levels. Can be served with hot or cold milk, with lemon or simply on its own. It requires little sweetening, if at all. Rooibos can be reheated without losing any flavor or becoming bitter.
It adds to the flavor of baked goods and gravies. Makes wonderful punch. Red bush comes in many flavors as well. Peach rooibos is my favorite both hot and cold.
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A Fruity Splash
From African Bush Products
4 cups strong cold Rooibos tea
4 cups orange juice
4 cups ginger ale
1 to 2 cups soda water
1 lemon sliced
Fresh chopped mint leaves
Crushed ice
Mix tea and orange juice together, chill. Just before serving add other liquids, ice and garnish with lemon slices and mint.
A Fruity Splash
From African Bush Products
4 cups strong cold Rooibos tea
4 cups orange juice
4 cups ginger ale
1 to 2 cups soda water
1 lemon sliced
Fresh chopped mint leaves
Crushed ice
Mix tea and orange juice together, chill. Just before serving add other liquids, ice and garnish with lemon slices and mint.
Technorati tags: rooibos+tea red+bush+tea antioxidents herbs
