What is Honeybush Tea?

Honeybush tea (also known as Heuningbos in Afrikaans

What is Honeybush Tea?
Honeybush tea (also known as Heuningbos in Afrikaans) is made from the leaves of the Cyclopia plant, a native of South Africa's Cape provinces. The plant is called honeybush due to its sweet-smelling yellow flowers, which produce a honey-like substance.

Honeybush is very similar to Rooibos, both having been enjoyed for centuries for their unique taste and suggested medicinal properties. It’s caffeine-free too, which is a great option for those avoiding caffeine or wanting a hot drink before bedtime. Here's everything you need to know about this lesser known, but delicious tea.

WHO DISCOVERED HONEYBUSH?
The indigenous San and Khoi people prized honeybush for its medicinal properties long before the region was settled by Europeans. The first use of Honeybush Tea was documented in 1705, and in 1772 a Swedish botanist recorded that he found “honigtee” during one of his field trips in the Cape region. The earliest record of Cape colonists using it as a medicinal plant date back to 1830.

HOW IS HONEYBUSH TEA MADE?
The process of making Honeybush tea is similar to that of Rooibos tea. Once the plant is harvested, it is cut and bruised to initiate oxidation, which gives the tea its distinctive reddish-brown colour and sweet, fruity flavour. Unlike Rooibos, which is fermented, Honeybush is simply dried and packed for use. Like Rooibos it is often called tea, but it is actually a herbal infusion. Just steep a teabag or tea leaves in boiling water for 4-5 minutes.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HONEYBUSH TEA?
Honeybush tea is caffeine-free and rich in antioxidants. It also contains a variety of minerals and nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, and potassium. & is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.

HOW DO YOU DRINK HONEYBUSH TEA?
Honeybush tea can be enjoyed hot or cold, with or without milk. Its flavour is naturally sweet and fruity, with notes of honey and apricot. Some people prefer to drink it plain, while others like to add a slice of lemon or a drizzle of honey to enhance its flavour. As it is caffeine-free it makes a great drink to have before bed.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND HONEYBUSH TEA?
Honeybush tea can be hard to find in Australia, Nerada is pleased to introduce a new Rooibos & Honeybush herbal infusion to its popular organic range. Already the leader in Rooibos, with many fans loving the Rooibos and Vanilla, this new product is available in Coles & is also available on our online store. It is Rainforest Alliance certified and organic. Its sweet, fruity flavour and caffeine-free nature make it a great alternative to traditional tea.

Discover Nerada Rooibos & Honeybush - 50 Tea Bags here
Discover Nerada Rooibos and Vanilla Tea here
Discover Nerada Rooibos - 50 Tea Bags here

Disclaimer – Please note that while any information given regarding the health benefits of Honeybush or Rooibos is backed by scientific study, we recommend consulting with a medical practitioner if you have any specific health questions.