Certain cultures have been using herbal remedies for thousands of years. These natural herbs or other healing plants have remained unchanged, but we are only now realizing how beneficial they are for optimal health. We are what you might call “late to the party.”
People in the Mediterranean have been reaping the anti-aging and anti-inflammatory benefits of rosemary for quite some time. Chinese herbal medicine has used ginseng, among other herbs like astragalus or gingko, for over 2,000 years. But this article isn’t concerned with those herbs; this article is focused on rooibos.
What Is Rooibos?
Rooibos was first found in the Cederberg region of South Africa, and it was used by the Khoisans for its medicinal properties. The rooibos leaves have been brewed into tea for centuries, but it almost became non-existent as the Khoisan tribes dwindled. However, a botanist named Carl Humberg rediscovered rooibos leaves in 1772 and revived the herbal remedy.
Rooibos tea has skyrocketed in publicity within the last sixty years, specifically after Annique Theron, a South African mother, published a book about its benefits. Also known as “red bush tree,” rooibos is a caffeine-free tea that is made from the leaves of the plant. Similar to green tea, which has a multitude of flavonoids and polyphenols, rooibos tea contains powerful compounds that can help fight off cancer cells.
Prevents Oxidative Stress:
In the developing stages of cancer, there are typically more free radicals than antioxidants in the body. This imbalance can cause oxidative stress and DNA cell damage. Since rooibos basically gets rid of free radicals in the body, it helps boost antioxidant levels. It also helps to enhance antioxidant defenses.
May Kill Cancer Cells:
Rooibos tea has been shown to be 30% more effective at causing apoptosis (cancer cell death) than other herbal teas. It is particularly effective on premalignant cells. The compounds in the tea help to kill these cells before they begin multiplying.
Helps Normal Cells Be Cancer-Free:
Research on rooibos tea has shown that it helps to remove precancerous cells from the body. This helps protect normal cells by interrupting the cell cycle progression and cell growth, which can lead to the development of cancer.
Helps Decrease Inflammation in Cells:
Excess inflammation in the body, specifically at a cellular level, has been linked to the development of cancer. This is why people with cancer are often recommended to eat alkaline and anti-inflammatory foods. Rooibos tea is especially helpful with decreasing inflammation in the digestive system; and a healthy digestive system can help inhibit cancer growth.