Rooibos

The story of Rooibos began centuries ago in the Cedarberg region of Southern Africa. Indigenous people almost certainly harvested the fragrant Rooibos bush, crushing the leaves with their primitive tools and leaving them in heaps to ferment before drying them in the sun. Little has changed since those tribal days, but the process has, of course, become more scientific, hygienic and efficient.

Naturally caffeine-free and rich in a variety of minerals, Rooibos is the perfect beverage for healthy active people of all ages. Unlike coffee and regular tea, it is also low in tannin, a substance which affects the body's metabolism by interfering with its ability to absorb iron and protein. The mineral content of Rooibos is an added benefit - iron, potassium, zinc, manganese and sodium helps to maintain healthy skin, teeth and bones, and metabolic processes. Rooibos is grown only in a small area 250km north of Cape Town in the Cedarberg area and no alternative source of supply for this unique product is available anywhere in the world.

• Rooibos is completely pure and natural as it contains no additives, preservatives or colorants.
• Rooibos is naturally caffeine free.
• Rooibos contains powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals (a by-product of normal cell function), which weaken the body's natural defences and lead to ageing, the declining of the immune system and the onset of a wide variety of diseases.
• Rooibos can be strongly recommended for people suffering with irritability, headaches, disturbed sleeping patterns, insomnia, nervous tension, mild depression or hypertension, as it contains no caffeine and has a soothing effect on the central nervous system.
• Stomach and indigestion problems such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach ulcers and constipation can also be relieved by drinking caffeine-free Rooibos.
• Rooibos has anti-spasmodic properties, and can be used to relieve stomach cramps and colic in infants.
• Rooibos is of benefit in the management of allergies such as hay fever and asthma.
• Rooibos has a soothing effect on the skin, relieving itching and certain skin irritations such as eczema, nappy rash and acne when directly applied to the affected area.
• Rooibos contains natural calorie free sweeteners, and it is therefore a soothing drink for people on a calorie restricted diet.
• Rooibos is low in harmful tannin and therefore does not have a negative effect on the absorption of iron in the body.
• Rooibos contains iron, potassium and copper - minerals which are essential for several metabolic functions.
• Rooibos also supplements the daily amounts of calcium, manganese and especially fluoride, needed for the development of strong teeth and bones.
• Rooibos contains zinc and alpha hydroxy acid, which promote a healthy skin.
• Rooibos contains magnesium - necessary for a healthy nervous system.
• As Rooibos contains no oxalic acid it can be drunk freely by people suffering with kidney stones.
• Rooibos is a pick-me-up in the morning, an excellent thirst-quencher during the day and at night it helps you to relax and sleep well.