South African Honeybush

Pure South African Honeybush

Honeybush, or Cyclopia spp., is a shrub that grows in the Eastern and Western Cape regions of South Africa.

It’s closely related to rooibos , as both plants belong to the Fabaceae family.

That said, honeybush tea isn’t just another sweet-tasting tea. It’s also caffeine-free, nutritious, and contains very small amounts of a variety of minerals, including calcium, iron, and zinc, as well as beneficial plant compounds that have antioxidant activity.

• Rich in antioxidants
• May have antidiabetic properties
• May improve bone health
• May have cancer-fighting properties
• May boost skin health

Other potential benefits

Honeybush tea may provide additional health benefits, including:

• Anti-obesity potential. Antioxidants in honeybush tea may inhibit fat accumulation in young fat cells. It may also lower the fat content in mature fat cells by stimulating fat breakdown.
• Relief of menopausal symptoms. The tea’s isoflavone content, some of which is considered phytoestrogens — compounds that mimic the effect of the female hormone estrogen in the body, may help alleviate menopausal symptoms.
• Immune system support. Test-tube studies suggest that mangiferin may enhance macrophage activity — a type of white blood cell that sweeps up and digests foreign bodies.
• Alleviated respiratory symptoms. Honeybush tea has traditionally been used as a tonic for colds, influenza, mucus buildup, and pulmonic tuberculosis due to its expectorant potential.