Its infusion is made from the Cyclopedia tree, which has a flavor similar to Rooibos, but is milder. It's also called Honeybush because of its honey aroma. It was used as a remedy in South Africa, where it originates. In this post, you'll learn about the benefits of Honeybush tea , its ingredients, and side effects.

Scientific studies claim that drinking this infusion offers significant short- and long-term health benefits. It is also known by other names, such as Heuningbos , mountain tea , and bergtee. Due to its significant medicinal and therapeutic properties, it has gained widespread popularity worldwide.

Benefits of Honeybush Tea. What Is It?

To understand the benefits of honeybush tea, it's important to know that the tea bush is native to eastern and western South Africa. Rooibos tea and honeybush tea are closely related, as they both belong to the Fabaceae family. Honeybush belongs to the Cyclopedia species.

This plant can reach a height of up to 10 feet. Its flowers are light yellow, and its smell and taste are sweet, similar to honey. However, it contains no caffeine and is rich in minerals such as iron, zinc, and calcium.

Honeybush Tea Recipes

Below are some recipes using bergtee tea.

Traditional honeybush tea

Honeybush tea has a natural , sweet, honey-like flavor, and its color ranges from pink to deep red. It can be consumed with milk and sugar, although if you prefer its natural flavor, it's best to drink it neat and not add anything.

It's often mixed with other beverages to take advantage of its flavor and color, for example, it's made with juices or as iced tea. It comes in various forms, such as tea bags, loose leaves, or bottles, and you can find it in health food stores or herbalists. To prepare it, do the following:

Place 4 or 6 honeybush tea leaves in a teapot (this is equivalent to 2 or 3 tablespoons per liter of tea). Once the water boils, add the leaves and let it steep for about 20 minutes. Then drink.

Honeybush tea with cinnamon and citrus

To continue reaping the benefits of honeybush tea and the citrus it contains, this recipe is a refreshing treat to enjoy on hot days.

Ingredients:

• Peel of half a lemon.
• A cinnamon stick.
• Half orange peel.
• 1 liter of mineral water.
• 4 tablespoons of honey or cane sugar.
• A teaspoon of honeybush tea.

Preparation method:

1. In a pot with 500 ml of water, place the cinnamon, honey, and lemon and orange peel.
2. Let it boil for 20 minutes.
3. In the remaining water, infuse the honeybush tea.
4. When both infusions are cold, strain and mix them in a container.
5. Add the juice of one orange and half a lemon.
6. You can add ice and lemon slices.

Honeybush flan

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.

Preparation method:

• Add the milk with the sugar and the infusion.
• Beat the eggs and add them 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 the oven and let cool.

There are also other ingredients to make a delicious Honeybush tea .

Side effects

It appears to have no side effects, so it can be taken every day, even up to three times a day. There is still insufficient knowledge about its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it's advisable to avoid it.

Benefits of Honeybush Tea

Below, we will detail some of the main benefits of Honeybush tea.

Strengthens the immune system

Honeybush tea is high in antioxidants, including phenolic compounds that strengthen the immune system and protect the body from oxidative stress, which damages cells. This ability to combat oxidative stress makes it a great ally against aging.

Prevents the development of chronic diseases

Studies indicate that the phenolic compounds in honeybush reduce inflammation, thus protecting against chronic diseases such as Crohn's disease or Alzheimer's disease. This was demonstrated in a 2010 study, in which inflamed intestinal cells were relieved in the short term.

Relieves the symptoms of menopause

Because it has phytoestrogenic properties, it acts like an estrogen, making it effective in relieving menopausal symptoms in women. These properties are also useful for protecting against osteoporosis, heart disease, and certain cancers.

Prevents tumor growth

Another benefit of honeybush tea is its ability to inhibit tumor growth. Studies have determined that green tea is the most beneficial, and mountain tea is the second most beneficial.

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 medication for diabetes.

Improves bone health

The properties of honeybush tea benefit bone metabolism. Test-tube studies suggest that the compounds mangiferin and hesperidin present in the tea promote this metabolism.

Mangiferin prevents the formation of osteoclasts, which in turn prevents bone tissue from breaking down. Hesperidin, on the other hand, promotes bone repair, meaning it prevents oxidative damage to osteoblasts.