Honeybush (Cyclopia spp.) is the common name for several species of Cyclopia that are found in South Africa and commonly used to make herbal teas.
Honeybush tea has a lot of similarities (and was introduced to the markets) with Rooibos, but its flavor is sweeter; thus, the common name. Honeybush began making its debut on western markets over 20 years ago, mostly in teas and other beverages, for its antioxidant properties and traditional use as a tea.
However, many people disregarded it after being turned off by its mild, grassy flavor.
Honeybush needs fermentation in order for the aroma and flavor to fully develop, which was the problem often with its early introduction to the international markets.
Since that time, production techniques improved and scientific research on the herb has also been increasing, and found to have skin protective effects, as well as immune-modulation and promoting cellular protection.
In the colonial history of South Africa, Honeybush was used as a tea since at least the 1880’s and officially noted in the King’s American Dispensatory of 1898 as a tea substitute.
Besides enjoying Honeybush as a tea, consider making an herbal steam for the face, or placing in moisturizers for skin benefits, as Honeybush extracts have found to protect against UV radiation and improving skin health.
The Khoisan people used Honeybush for respiratory system support, as well as treating infections.
The principle polyphenols in honeybush are mangiferin (xanthone) and hersperitin and isokuranetin (flavones). Preclinical investigation on Honeybush extracts have found immunomodulating, antioxidant, chemopreventive, and anti-inflammatory activities. Numerous other benefits ranging from metabolic syndrome to menopausal symptoms have also been inferred due to research on some of its bioactive components.
In an exciting study on the effects of Honeybush extracts on mitochondria, the water extracts of C. subternata and C. genistoides were found to rescue mitochondrial function and bioenergetics against oxidative injury.
Today Honeybush is a growing industry for South Africa and with improved flavor profiles, the market is expected to develop further.
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*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.