Honeybush

Honeybush; Cyclopia genistoides

Cyclopia genistoides is an indigenous herbal tea to South Africa and considered as a health food. Traditionally, the leafy shoots and flowers were fermented and dried to prepare tea. It has also been used since early times for its direct positive effects on the urinary system and is valued as a stomachic that aids weak digestion without affecting the heart. It is a drink that is mainly used as a tea substitute because it contains no harmful substances such as caffeine. It is one of the few indigenous South African plants that made the transition from the wild to a commercial product during the past 100 years. Research activities during the past 20 years have been geared towards propagation, production, genetic improvement, processing, composition, and the potential for value adding .

A decoction of honeybush was used as a restorative and as an expectorant in chronic catarrh and pulmonary tuberculosis . Drinking an infusion of honeybush apparently also increases the appetite, but no indication is given of the specific species. According to Marloth, honeybush was praised by many colonists as being wholesome, valuing it as a stomachic that aids weak digestion without producing any serious stimulating effects on the heart. It also alleviates heartburn and nausea . Anecdotal evidence suggests that it stimulates milk production in breast-feeding women and treats colic in babies

More: www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2013/617459/

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