"Your Next Cup Of Tea"

WESTERN CAPE
ROOIBOS SELECT

Now available at basic essence
Price: S$32.95
( with 60 organic rooibos teabag to a box )

Rooibos tea first came about some 300 years ago when the Khoisan, a tribe of South Africa bushman, accidentally bruised, fermented and sundried rooibos leaves to create a sweet and aromatic beverage. But as the tribe faded into obscurity, so did the beverage. Fortunately, the tea was re-discovered in 1772 by botanist Carl Humberg, who championed and popularized it. For generations, South Africans enjoyed rooibos tea for its sweet and refreshing flavour, unaware of the startling powers it possessed.

The power of rooibos lay dormant until almost 200 years later, when in 1968, a South African mother, Annique Theron, stumbled upon the plants natural healing properties and ability to soothe and pacify her irritable baby. Annique then went on to investigate and subsequently document the plant's amazing health promoting properties in her book, 'Allergies - An Amazing Discovery'. Since then, rooibos tea has reportedly been used by many to cure ailments such as colic, insomnia, nervous tension, digestive problems, and allergies. Its healing powers became so celebrated in South Africa that many called it the "miracle Tea".

Today, rooibos tea is exported to more than 30 countries, including Germany, Japan, England, South Korea, China and the United States. Japan - a society renowned for its discerning tea culture - is now the world'ssecond largest importer of rooibos tea. They called it "Long Life Tea", because of its anti-aging properties and promote it as a natural health supplement.

Research conducted worldwide over the last few decates has shown that rooibos tea does have documented health benefits. To wit, the medical researching arms of Aichi Medical University in Japan and the University of Orange Free State in South Africa show that rooibos tea:-

• contains large amount of antioxidant including a mimic of the enzyme superoxide dismutase or SOD;
• has many essential minerals - including calcium, manganese, flouride, copper, magnesium, iron and zinc - and alpha hydroxy acid;
• is naturally cafeine free; and
• has a low tannin content (less than 10% of regular tea).

Further proving that its benefits stretch beyond myth and legend into data and hard science, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) awarded rooibos tea a gold medal for its anti-allergic properties in 1997. Health experts everywhere have since jumped on the rooibos band wagon with fervor and enthusiasm, proclaiming the gospel of what it can do.

Helps you
Fight Diseases and the Aging Process - Rooibos tea contains Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and outstanding antioxidant - polyphneols and flavonoids, all prime fighters of free radical damage, a known cause of aging, and the formation of cancer and other diseases. Rooibos tea can also efficiently boost the immune system.

Gives you
Healthy Skin and Hair - Rooibos tea contains many essential minerals - such as iron, zinc, copper - and alpha hydroxy acid. These minerals promote hair growth, prevent hair loss and are essential in the maintenance of healthy and glowing skin.

Contributes
To Healthier Metabolic and Nervous System - Studies have shown that drinking rooibos tea regularly can relieve stress, enhance concentration, soothe the central nervous system, and foster a natural feeling of well being. Rooibos tea also contains minerals that are vital for efficient metabolic functions.

Yields
More Benefits than Black and Green Tea - Being caffeine free means rooibos tea can be enjoyed by those who want to avoid the stimulating effects of caffeine. In addition the tea's low tannin content means that it does not have the astringent taste associated with regular tea, a good alternative for those who prefer a milder taste of less astringent herbal infusion.

Rooibos tea is truly holistic wonder. Nicknamed the "nectar of nature"; it has no additives, preservatives or colorants. As such rooibos tea can be consumed in large quantities as a fluid replacement with no side effects. In fact, those who consumed in large quantities can benefit from added antioxidant and daily mineral intake. With fewer calories, rooibos tea is also perfect for those on a slimming regime.

Rooibos tea is naturally sweet and most drink it wihout adding sugar. Those who prefer may also complement its taste with sugar, milk, some lemon, a touch of honey, or a spring of mint. Rooibos tea can be enjoyed hot of cold.