Stash Honeybush Herbal Tea
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Stash Honeybush Herbal Tea

Honeybush herbal tea, a cousin of Rooibos, is native to the Cape of South Africa. Since the early 1700s, this flavorful, nutrient - rich drink has been consumed in larger amounts than its well - known cousin, but very little is exported.

The Honeybush shrub is a unique plant with 23 species growing in the wild, of which only two are harvested --- Cyclopia intermedia & Cyclopia subternata. In the spring, the Honeybush has a bright yellow flower and is heavily honey scented. It reaches a height of about 1.5 meters, and prefers cooler, mountainous slopes.

Almost all Honeybush is currently harvested from the wild, and great care is taken to preserve its habitat. The entire harvesting process is very tedious and labor intensive. The Honeybush is handcut by groups of harvesters who use sickles (a curved metal blade on a short handle). The stems are then made into bundles of 15 to 20 pounds and transported to a lower collection point using wire and a pulley system. The Honeybush is then moved to the processing plant where it is placed in a large stainless steel tank. The tanks, or fermentation ovens, produce about 350 pounds of dry tea every 80 hours. Once the tea is air dried it is cut, sifted, and ready for use.

Honeybush is completely natural. It contains no additives, preservatives or artificial colors. Also, it contains no caffeine and is a soothing drink that helps with relaxation and insomnia. Like green tea, Honeybush is high in vitamins, minerals, (potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron and calcium) and antioxidants which help reduce the risk of many chronic health problems. These antioxidants are reported to suppress cancer producing cells, slow the aging process, increase our natural detoxification defenses, and lower blood pressure. Honeybush also contains an anti - spasmodic so it helps to relieve digestive distress such as stomach aches, constipation, cramps and colic in infants.

This unique and healthy drink is tasty and aromatic. It brews up a warm reddish - brown color, is full bodied and slightly spicy with a sweet aftertaste. It's a great drink hot or iced, with or without milk and sweetener.