Common name: honeybushtea, kustee, heuningtee

For a while I struggled to find information on this one that was relevant to a Friday. I wanted to do something more than a plant description for you. I found something I think you are really going to like.

First off, let’s go through the description: Rounded shrub, leafy at the ends of the branches. Leaves divided into three narrow leaflets at the base. Flowers clustered at the end of the branchlets, pea-like, golden-yellow, honey scented. Along drainage lines in sandy soil, from Darling to Uniondale.

Now the gem, as suggested, this plant makes a fantastic tea.

Tea made from this plant has no caffeine and contains minimal traces of tannin. It has been discovered by a team of researchers at the University of the Free State that honeybush contains anti-oxidants that destroy the reactive oxygen particles released when oxygen is metabolised. The longer the tea brews, the more anti-oxidants are released. The destruction of free radicals by anti-oxidants has a life-prolonging or anti-ageing effect. The green tea is the most effective and involves using leaves, twigs and flowers. Dried in its natural form without sweating.

Anti-oxidants are essential to a stressful lifestyle. They are, by the way, also fantastically found in red wine, so a glass (or two) of Gentle Giant every night actually makes you younger.

The presence of anti-oxidants also explains the wide variety of medicinal qualities that local users ascribe to honeybush, namely that it clears many forms of dermatitis such as eczema; that it is successful in the treatment of skin cancer and all intestinal disorders; that it has a positive effect on hypertension and on hormone imbalances; it is recommended for all convalescents. The scientific research is in its infancy, but what has definitely been established is that honeybush contains no toxins and that it has a positive effect on one’s physiology.

There are about 24 types of honeybush, of which C. genistoides has the highest levels of anti-oxidants.

Not content to stop there, I found a recipe for you to make Honeybush tea jelly! Fantastic for ailments, hypertension and just general vitality, make some and have a shot each day!

Recipe: Honeybush tea jelly (Serves 6.) 3 tablespoons gelatine, 1 litre honeybush tea (boil half an hour then strain), 1 litre fresh orange juice or 1 litre fresh peach juice and pulp, honey to sweeten. (Can also be made with grapes and grape juice, or grated apple and apple juice.) Soften the gelatine in a little hot water and mix it into the warm tea. Add the fruitjuice and pulp. Stir in enough honey to sweeten (about 4 tablespoons). Pour into a glass bowl or jelly mould. Place in the fridge overnight to set. Serve with cream or custard. Add the left-over tea to your bath.

Have a great weekend.