Rooibos

    Grown exclusively in the Cedarburg Mountains of South Africa, rooibos has been gaining popularity. Often identified as “red tea”, the leaves of the rooibos bush are harvested, chopped, wetted, and left to ferment in heaps then dried in the sun, a process that changes the previously green leaves to the stunning red color that we witness in our teapots.

    Reputed to help in cases of hay fever, asthma, allergies, insomnia, infant colic, and stomach upsets, rooibos is caffeine-free. Try rooibos topically for the healing of acne, eczema, diaper rash, and even for stubborn case of infant cradle cap. Rooibos contain flavonoids, which are free-radical-fighting antioxidants that are also found in green tea. However, the flavonoids in rooibos are said to be far more effective than those in green tea, which, combined with its caffeine-free status, makes rooibos a healthy tea worth keeping in the cupboard.

Please click in the labels below for more fruits and vegetables with related medicinal benefits.

Papaya / Paw Paw

 

 

Papain

            Papain, an enzyme extracted from the papaya fruit, is available in pill and powder form for use as a digestive aid. Papain has the ability to break down protein and is used commercially as a meat tenderizer. In tropical countries, natives obtain the same tenderizing effect by wrapping meat in papaya leaves or surrounding it with fresh slices of papaya fruit.

Papaya, dried

            The mysterious and rich flavor of the papaya, which grows not on a tree but a large shrub, can be best appreciated when you are sitting on a sandy white beach in South or Central America. Should this be an impossibility, dried papaya is such a sweet and delicious treat that children just might accept a slice over a piece of candy. It is high in papain, a powerful digestive enzyme, as well as vitamin A and C.

Papaya Leaf Tea

            Papaya leaves contain papain, an enzyme that breaks down protein. The tea is therefore helpful in cases of indigestion and stomach disorder. It is often combined with peppermint, which strengthens its stomachic properties and gives it a delicious taste as well. Add 1 tablespoon dried papaya leaves to 2 cups boiling water and steep to desired strength.