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Rooibos Benefits

The leaves of the rooibostee plant, native to South America, are used to make rooibos tea. This herbal tea has been consumed by South Africans for hundreds of years. Thirty-seven different antioxidants have been found in the herb along with vitamins and minerals. With its antiviral, antispasmodic, and antianxiety properties, it has a number of beneficial uses. You should consult with a health professional before using rooibos for specific health conditions.

  1. Allergy Relief

    • Rooibos may inhibit allergic reactions such as nasal congestion due to the likelihood that it can obstruct the actions of histamine, according to Phyllis A. Balch, expert author and nutritional consultant. It may also be beneficial for those who suffer from food allergies. Balch recommends the use of rooibos for children, as well as adults, due to its gentle actions. It has even been used for infants who have a susceptibility to colic. Consult with a health professional before using rooibos, especially if you have an iron-deficient condition, as this herbal tea may inhibit iron absorption from the diet.

    Insomnia Relief

    • Drinking this herbal tea before bed may have a positive effect on your sleep in a variety of ways. In some cases, insomnia may be caused by acetylcholine in the brain, which can lead to excessive neuron firing, resulting in interruptions in the sleep cycle. Rooibos may affect the metabolism of this chemical compound, preventing this action from keeping you awake. The tea may also inhibit hormonal actions that direct inflammation and pain, causing sleeplessness. Speak with a health professional about using the tea in conjunction with Alzheimer’s medications that are known to cause insomnia for possible relief.

    Anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Effect

    • Rooibos has been proven to have an impact on the human immunodeficiency virus in two different studies conducted in Japan in 1997. The studies focused on the actions of polysaccharides. These are compounds found in rooibos that have potential in preventing the HIV from binding to T cells. The herb’s polysaccharides were found to be effective in nontoxic concentrations, making this a very promising option for humans suffering from the virus.

    Anti-Aging Effect

    • Consuming rooibos tea regularly may help to slow the aging process. Free radicals are often abundant in the body as a by-product of cellular functions. These molecules can damage the cells in the body, eventually leading to the changes we see in the body as aging. The antioxidants in rooibos tea can minimize free radical damage. Keeping these free radicals under control can help to reduce the appearance of the signs of aging.

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