Its infusion is made from the Cyclopedia tree, which tastes similar to Rooibos, but is lighter. Also called Honey Bush for its honey aroma. It was used as a remedy in South Africa, where it comes from. In this post you will learn the benefits of Honeybush tea, ingredients and side effects.
There are scientific studies that maintain that drinking its infusion brings great health benefits, both in the short and long term. It is also known by other names such as heuning bos, mountain tea and bergtee. for their great medicinal properties and therapeutics has gained great popularity throughout the world.
Honeybush tea benefits. What is it?
To understand the benefits of Honeybush tea, it is necessary to know that its bush is native to the eastern and western parts of South Africa. Rooibos and Honeybush they are closely related, because they both belong to the Fabaceae family. The species to which the Honeybush is a part is the Cyclopedia.
This plant can reach a height of up to 10 feet. Its flowers are light yellow in color, its smell and taste is sweet, similar to honey. However, it is caffeine-free and has large amounts of minerals such as iron, zinc, and calcium.
Honeybush Tea Recipes
Here are some recipes with bergtee tea.
traditional honeybush tea
The flavor of Honeybush tea is natural, sweet, similar to honey and its color ranges from pink to strong red. It can be consumed with milk and sugar, although if you prefer its natural flavor, it is better to consume it pure and not add anything to it.
It is usually mixed with other drinks to take advantage of its flavor and color, for example, it is made with juices or as iced tea. It comes in various presentations, such as: in bags, strands or bottled and you can find it in health food stores or herbalists. To prepare it, do the following:
In a teapot place 4 or 6 strands of honeybush tea (this is equivalent to 2 or 3 tablespoons per liter of tea). Once the water boils, add the strands and let it rest for about 20 minutes. Then drink.
Honeybush tea with cinnamon and citrus
To continue taking advantage of the benefits of honeybush tea and the citrus fruits it contains, this recipe is very refreshing to take advantage of on hot days.
Ingredients:
- Peel of half a lemon.
- A cinnamon stick.
- Half orange skin.
- 1 liter of mineral water.
- 4 tablespoons of honey or cane sugar.
- A spoonful of honeybush tea.
Method of preparation:
- In a pot with 500 ml of water, place the cinnamon, honey and lemon and orange peel.
- Let boil for 20 minutes.
- In the rest of the water, infuse the honeybush tea.
- When both infusions are cold, strain and mix in a container.
- Add the juice of an orange and half a lemon.
- You can add ice and lemon slices to it.
honeybush custard
This recipe is an option to give to children.
Ingredients:
- A cup of milk.
- 4 eggs.
- ½ cup of sugar.
- 1 cup of honeybush tea.
- Candy for decoration.
Method of preparation:
- Add the milk with the sugar and the infusion.
- Eggs are beaten and added to the mixture.
- In a mold, add the caramel to the bottom and add the flan.
- Cook in a bain-marie in the oven for 45 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool.
Side effects
It seems to have no side effects, so it can be taken every day, even up to 3 times. There is still not enough knowledge during pregnancy and lactation, so it is advisable to avoid it.
Honeybush Tea Benefits
Below we will detail some of the main benefits of Honeybush tea .
Strengthens the immune system
Honeybush tea contains a high content of antioxidants, that includes phenolic compounds that give strength to the immune system, protecting the body from oxidative stress, which is what damages cells. This property to combat oxidative stress makes it a great ally against aging.
Prevents the development of chronic diseases
There are studies that indicate that the phenolic compounds of the honeybush reduce inflammation, thus protecting against chronic diseases such as Crohn’s or Ell’s disease. This was shown in study in which inflamed intestinal cells were relieved in the short term.
Relieves the symptoms of menopause
As it has phytoestrogenic properties, it behaves like estrogen, being effective in relieving the symptoms of menopause in women. Additionally, these properties are helpful in protecting against osteoporosis, heart disease, and certain cancers.
Prevents the growth of tumors
Another of the benefits of Honeybush tea is its effect by inhibiting the growth of tumors. In studies carried out, it was determined that green tea is the most and the second was mountain tea.
It helps fight diabetes
Its pinitol content helps reduce blood sugar levels, making it effective in relieving the symptoms of diabetes. Pinitol has insulin-like effects and is considered a good diabetes medication.
Improves bone health
The properties of honeybush tea benefit bone metabolism. Test-tube studies suggest that the compounds mangifer in and hesperidin, present in the tea, promote this metabolism.
Mangiferin prevents osteoclasts from forming, which in turn prevents bone tissue from breaking down. On the other hand, hesperidin encourages bone recovery, that is, it prevents oxidative damage in osteoblasts.