Health Products's Blog

Upon my recent stay in Clanwilliam, South Africa, I was introduced to the healing power of Rooibos. I have been a fan of Rooibos for a long time now. It all started when I first visited South Africa in 2005. The preference never went away, even more it gained in interest. Yet, I wasn’t aware of the healing power of Rooibos.

Rooibos tea is a true South African product. It originates from the Cedarberg Mountains, Western Cape. “Did you know Rooibos is theoretically not even a tea?” That’s because it’s made of an entirely different plant than normal teas. Rooibos tea derives its name from Red Bush, which directly points out to the color. RED. Due to the African sun, minerals and the mountain air, it doesn’t turn green. Instead it’s red.

The healing power of Rooibos should not be underestimated. It relieves asthma, hay fever, stomach cramping, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, boost the immune system, cure insomnia and help colicky infants.

Tonic plants have multiple functions in the human body and act in the healthy individual by maintaining and supporting general physical and mental health. Several formal studies proof the healing power of tonic plants, of which Rooibos is one. Here’s an overview of some tonic plants and their power:

• Buchu: stimulate kidney function to treat mild cystitis and prosatititis. In small doses buchu is  an appetite stimulant and is a good digestive, carminative and antispasmodic. Also used to treat colds, flu, coughs, rheumatism and gout.
• Kankerbos: Anti-viral and anti-cancer. Used to treat cystitis, piles, inflammation rheumatism, liver problems, backaches and HIV/AIDS. Boosts immune system.
• Rooibos: Antispasmodic and anti-ageing flavonoids. Rooibos tea reduces heart diseases.
• Sandolien: Decoction of leaves for fever, arthritis influenza and even measles.
• Bloublomsalie: Infusions used for flu, bronchitis, abdominal cramps and indigestion.
• Kattekruid: Leaves steeped in hot water for 10 minutes and taken as a tea. Treatment of haemorrhoids. With salvias used to treat measles and fever. Infusions or brandy tinctures for colds, flu, bronchitis, asthma, heart trouble, insomnia, liver problems, typhoid fever, headaches and foot bath for arthritis. Antispasmodic and sedative effects.
• Siektroos: Infusions of tuberous rootstock for vernereal diseases, decoctions for epilepsy and bladder problems. Resinous gum used to treat ringworm. Piece of raw tap rootis chewed and juice is swallowed to treat coughproductive of purulent spotum and tuberculosis.
• Wildeals: Infusion of leaves used for coughs, flu, colds, also fever,colic, headache, earache, malaria, intestinal worms etc. Decongestant and anti-bacterial, narcotic, analgesic and antihistamine activity.

All these plant have their roots in the Cedarberg Mountain region, Western Cape, South Africa.