Bring the Whole Family Around the Table with a Pot of Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea, pronounced "roy-boss" is made from the leaves of Aspalathus linearis, a plant native to South Africa and my favourite of all herbal teas. Rooibos, which in Afrikaans means "red bush", is similar in flavour to black tea but smoother, sweeter and with no astringency. It is naturally caffeine free and contains a number of essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and tastes wonderful hot or iced. Naturally sweet, so you can drink it if you are on a calorie restricted diet or are just avoiding white sugar and artificial sweeteners. Unlike most other herbal teas it has a lot of "body" and is available in many different flavours so there is a choice out there for practically everyone.

Rooibos has been shown to have anti-carcinogenic and anti-mutagenic effects. It is often recommended for its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties and is reputed to relieve fever, asthma, insomnia, colic in infants, acid reflux, headaches, diabetes, hypoglycaemia, high cholesterol, constipation, ulcers, mild depression, skin disorders and eczema. New information indicates that rooibos may help to prevent cardiovascular disease, some cancers and stroke as well as help with the maintenance of blood vessel walls. Because rooibos is mild and contains no caffeine, it is suited for babies, children and caffeine intolerant adults. Rooibos contains no oxalates so it is suitable for people that suffer from kidney stones and because it is low in tannins it is suitable for people concerned with low blood iron issues.

Hot or cold Tea

Rooibos is very forgiving and can be prepared as a hot tea, iced tea or sun tea with no need for specialized equipment. Available in such wonderful flavours as Belgian Chocolate, Tiramisu, Lemon Ginger, Berry, Cherry and more, it is a wonderful way to care for your family without fuss. Suitable for all ages it may be the ideal way to bring everyone together for a few minutes every day to start a healthy, delicious new family tradition.

Other things to do with Rooibos!

1. You can add brewed rooibos to juices and foods. Substitute rooibos where recipes call for water, for increased flavor and health benefits.


2. Give plain rooibos to calm a colicky baby or apply directly to the skin to alleviate diaper rash.


3. Marinate fish, chicken or meat with rooibos and spices. It is a natural tenderizer!


4. Wash your hair with it! It will give dark hair a beautiful, healthy shine.


5. Refrigerate the used leaves and use them as a compress on tired or red eyes.


6. Give the used tea leaves to your potted plants. They'll flourish!


7. Wash your face with it to improve your complexion. Or apply to affected skin to reduce skin irritations, eczema, sun burn or diaper rush.

8. Rinse off a pet with rooibos. They will smell good and it will alleviate dry skin and allergies.

Maria Sparsis and her husband Randy Hagood, and are both Marine Biologists by profession and started Tea and Chi 6 years ago, both as a career and a lifestyle change. Tea and Chi is located in the Heart of Vero Beach in Florida and provides premium quality loose leaf teas and tea accessories both at the store and via a comprehensive web site www.teaandchi.com.. Tea and Chi imports, blends, flavours, retails and wholesells natural and organic teas.