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South African Red Tea - Red Bush
Botanical name: Aspalathus linearis
Family name: Fabaceae
Commercial names: RedBush, Red bush tea
Vernacular names: South African red tea, Mountain red tea
Traditional and Modern Medicinal, Cosmeceutical and Nutritional Uses
The indigenous Khoi-Khoi tribe of the Cedarberg and Elephants river region of the Western Cape of the Republic of Southern Africa (RSA), knew the health supporting values and refreshing qualities of this red tea for centuries. Red Tea has been traditionally used for years to help with insomnia, disturbed sleeping patterns and headaches. Red Tea tea contains no caffeine and has a relaxing effect on the central nervous system. Red Tea makes a great thirst-quencher and sports and endurance drink. Because of its abundant mineral content of iron, potassium, zinc, manganese and sodium, it is of interest as a psorts drink following strenuous exercise. The antiallergenic properties of Red Tea are ideal for the treatment of rashes.
Traditionally, Africans used Red Tea leaf extracts to bathe babies and children who suffer from allergic skin conditions, such as eczema, itching and rashes. Red Tea tea is also used as an alternative for children who are allergic to dairy products and soybean formulas. It is purported to enhance the milk production in lactating mothers. Therefore, among indigenous rural black South Africans, Red Tea tea is frequently used to improve the appetite of children, and is thus very popular among African mothers whose babies have difficulties in breastfeeding. In modern times, Red Tea is found to contain á-hydroxy acid and zinc, especially known to be useful for healthy and smooth skin. It can be applied to skin irritations like itchy skin, eczema, sunburns, diaper rashes, acne and additional formulations can be made using various thyme extracts for intenral and expternal applications (Letchamo, 2001). The products formulated with Red Tea tea include, skin creams, gentle shampoos and Red Tea soaps. Both South Africa and Japan are the leaders in researching the plants biology and nutraceutical properties. Red Tea products are very popular in the RSA and Japan.
Buy Red Teas
Red Tea - Original Red Tea site
Red Bush - Buy “RedBush” label here
Rooibos - Rooibos USA
African Tea - Souce for many African Teas
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