Honeybush is a member of the Fabaceae family, genus Cyclopia. It is found growing only in limited areas in the south-west of S. Africa; Eastern Cape. It received its name from its deep-yellow flowers, which have a distinctive sweet honey fragrance.
Honeybush is one of the four, commercially utilized honeybush species, out of the 23 encountered growing wild; C. sessiliflora, Cyclopia intermedia, C. subternata and C. Genistoides. It is not a herb but a medicinal bush.
Leaf form and size differ within the species, but are by and large thin, needle-like to elongated broadish leaves.
Two processes of treating honeybush for its use in making tea are common. In the conventional method, the top new leaves are harvested, during flowering period, then with mechanical means are first cut and thren bruised by rollers, and the final product placed in a sunny place to oxidize.
The new, industrialized process oxidizes the collected leaves, for two or three days, in revolving tanks, heated at low temperatures of up to 80 degrees C. The dried up leaves after heat procesing are place outdoors to air dry.
The leaves and stalks of the Cyclopia species are used most commonly to make a sweet herbal infusion.
Numerous health properties are connected with frequent use of the tea. It has very low tannin content and contains no caffeine. It is consequently particularly of value to children and patients with digestive and heart troubles where stimulants and tannins should be avoided. It is also very rich in minerals and antioxidants.
The minerals Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium, Calcium, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Iron and fluoride are found in Honeybush. According to research Honeybush besides contains Coumestans, Isoflavones, Xanthones, and Flavones all acknowledged to advance good health and also considered to assist in the prevention of certain types of cancers.
Honeybush has also anti-spasmodic properties which imply those with delicate digestion could easily relish this tea. It has been employed as a treatment for colic in babies and also assists to alleviate insomnia.
honeybush