Honeybush tea, referred to as Heuningbos, bergtee, or mountain tea, is an herbal infusion originating from South Africa.
The preparation involves steeping dried honeybush leaves in boiling water, and it has become increasingly popular around the world due to its various medicinal and therapeutic properties.
This article explores the potential benefits and drawbacks of consuming honeybush tea.
What is honeybush tea?
Honeybush, scientifically known as Cyclopia spp., is a shrub indigenous to the Eastern and Western Cape regions of South Africa. It shares a close botanical relationship with rooibos, as both belong to the Fabaceae family.
There are approximately 23 recognized species within the Cyclopia genus, with Cyclopia intermedia being the primary source for honeybush tea.
This woody shrub can reach heights of up to 10 feet (3 meters) and is characterized by its pale yellow flowers, which emit a distinct sweet aroma reminiscent of honey, thus inspiring the name of the tea.
Beyond its pleasant flavor, honeybush tea is notable for being caffeine-free and rich in nutrients, containing trace amounts of essential minerals such as calcium, iron, and zinc, along with beneficial plant compounds that exhibit antioxidant properties.
You can enjoy this tea warm as part of a relaxing evening routine or serve it chilled over ice for a refreshing iced tea experience.
Potential benefits
People have utilized honeybush tea for the treatment of various health issues since the early 19th century. Its numerous potential health benefits are primarily associated with its high antioxidant content.
Rich in antioxidants
Antioxidants are advantageous plant substances that aid in preventing or mitigating cellular damage resulting from oxidative stress.
Honeybush tea is particularly rich in a category of antioxidants known as polyphenols, which include xanthones and flavanones.
The honeybush extract predominantly contains the xanthone mangiferin, while the main flavanones are hesperidin and isokuranetin.
Researchers recognize both mangiferin and hesperidin for their significant anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. It is likely that these compounds contribute to the majority of the tea’s anticipated health benefits.
Improve bone health
Honeybush tea may positively influence bone metabolism by interacting with specific bone cells known as osteoclasts and osteoblasts.
Osteoclasts are responsible for bone resorption, a process that involves the breakdown of bone tissue to release essential minerals into the bloodstream.
Conversely, osteoblasts are involved in the formation of new bone through the process of bone synthesis. An imbalance where bone resorption surpasses bone formation can elevate the risk of developing bone-related conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis.
Encouragedly, laboratory studies indicate that compounds such as mangiferin and hesperidin, both present in honeybush tea, may enhance bone metabolism.
Research has shown that mangiferin inhibits the formation of osteoclasts, thereby decreasing the degradation of bone tissue. Additionally, hesperidin aids in bone recovery by safeguarding osteoblasts from oxidative stress.
Antidiabetic properties
Diabetes ranks among the most prevalent diseases globally, impacting over 400 million individuals across the world.
Doctors primarily divide diabetes into two categories: type 1 and type 2, both marked by elevated blood glucose levels resulting from compromised pancreatic function. This impairment may arise from diminished insulin production, insufficient insulin secretion, or insulin resistance.
Research indicates that the polyphenols found in honeybush tea may play a role in the prevention, management, and treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Researchers conducted investigations in test tubes and on animals regarding the antidiabetic properties of mangiferin, suggesting that it may aid in lowering blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin secretion and facilitating the regeneration of damaged pancreatic cells.
Regarding hesperidin, research suggests that it helps lower blood sugar levels by modulating essential enzymes involved in sugar metabolism and by protecting the pancreas from oxidative damage.
Additionally, it is important to highlight that both mangiferin and hesperidin may assist in preventing the advancement of diabetes-related complications, including kidney and nerve damage.
Cancer-fighting properties
Certain compounds found in honeybush tea may possess properties that combat cancer.
Researchers conducted studies in test tubes and on animals, indicating that the antioxidants present in this tea could aid in destroying cancerous cells, protect against cancer-inducing toxins, and hinder the progression of specific cancer types.
Among these antioxidants, mangiferin appears to exhibit the most significant anticancer potential, as it may prevent the initiation, promotion, and dissemination of cancer cells.
It is important to consider that the fermentation process, which producers commonly employ in tea production, may diminish the antioxidant levels in the tea (though this can vary based on the type of tea and the fermentation method), thereby lessening its protective benefits.
For instance, a study involving rats demonstrated that unfermented honeybush tea led to a 94% reduction in total esophageal cancer size, in contrast to a 74% reduction observed with the fermented variant.
While the findings regarding the cancer-fighting properties of this tea are encouraging, further research involving human subjects is necessary.
Improve skin health
Consuming honeybush tea and applying honeybush tea extract topically may enhance skin health.
Studies indicate that the extract may have antiaging effects. According to researchers, it serves to protect skin cells from oxidative injury due to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, thereby leading to a reduction in wrinkles and an improvement in skin elasticity and moisture levels.
A 12-week study involving 120 participants with Crow’s feet wrinkles demonstrated that daily supplementation with the extract led to a significant improvement in overall skin wrinkle grade when compared to a control group.
Furthermore, researchers conducting studies on animals suggest that the extract may aid in reducing skin thickening and alleviating symptoms of sunburn, including skin redness and peeling.
Side effects and precautions
At present, there are no documented adverse effects associated with the consumption of honeybush tea.
However, reports indicate potential microbial contamination during the fermentation stage.
To mitigate any potential risks, steep the tea in water heated to a minimum of 140°F (60°C).
Furthermore, it is prudent to seek guidance from a healthcare professional prior to consuming this tea, as it may interact with enzymes responsible for drug metabolism, potentially influencing the therapeutic efficacy of certain medications. Additionally, it could impact the bioavailability of various dietary antioxidants.
Finally, due to the insufficient research regarding its side effects, experts recommend that pregnant and breastfeeding women refrain from consuming honeybush tea.
How to Prepare Honeybush Tea
Honeybush tea is available in both loose-leaf and pre-packaged tea bag formats at various grocery and health food stores, as well as specialized tea shops.
The producers make the majority of honeybush tea from dried fermented leaves, flowers, and stems; however, they also offer an unfermented green variant.
Due to its caffeine-free nature, honeybush tea is suitable for consumption in the evening. To prepare this beverage, one should add 1 teaspoon of tea leaves to approximately 250 ml (around 8 oz) of freshly boiled water.
Experts recommend steeping the tea for about 5 to 7 minutes, although some suggest steeping it for a longer time of up to 10 minutes to enhance the release of antioxidants. Given its low tannin content, the tea will not develop an astringent taste. You can enjoy it with or without the addition of milk and sweeteners.
Here are several culinary applications for honeybush tea:
- Infuse milk with the tea leaves to create honeybush tea ice cream.
- Prepare a honeybush iced tea infused with lemon zest.
- Combine milk with spices such as cinnamon, ginger, clove, and cardamom to craft honeybush chai.
The bottom line
Honeybush tea is an herbal infusion devoid of caffeine, akin to rooibos tea. It has a long history of use for its therapeutic benefits.
The presence of antioxidants, particularly mangiferin and hesperidin, provides a range of health advantages, including properties that may combat diabetes and cancer, as well as enhancements to bone and skin health.
Currently, there are no known adverse effects associated with this tea; however, it may affect the metabolism of certain medications. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional prior to its consumption.
You can savor this honey-flavored tea as a warm beverage on chilly days or enjoy it as a refreshing iced drink during the summer months.
