Honeybush tea — referred to as Heuningbos, bergtee, or mountain tea — is an herbal infusion originating from South Africa. This delightful tea is crafted by steeping dried honeybush leaves in hot water, leading to its rising acclaim globally due to its myriad of medicinal and therapeutic benefits.

In this article, we will explore the potential advantages and disadvantages associated with consuming honeybush tea.

What is honeybush tea?

Honeybush, known scientifically as Cyclopia spp., is a delightful shrub that thrives in the picturesque Eastern and Western Cape regions of South Africa. This aromatic plant, which is a close relative of rooibos, belongs to the Fabaceae family, highlighting its botanical significance. With around 23 distinct species of Cyclopia, honeybush tea is predominantly derived from Cyclopia intermedia. This woody shrub can reach impressive heights of up to 10 feet (approximately 3 meters), adorned with pale yellow flowers that emit a charming sweet, honey-like scent and flavor—hence the tea's name.

However, honeybush tea is more than just a sweet beverage; it is also caffeine-free and brimming with nutrition. The tea contains trace amounts of various minerals such as calcium, iron, and zinc, along with beneficial plant compounds that possess antioxidant properties. Enjoying a warm cup of this tea can be a soothing part of your nighttime ritual, or you can pour it over ice to create a refreshing iced tea experience.

Potential Benefits

Since the early 19th century, honeybush tea has been utilized for addressing various health issues, with much of its potential health benefits attributed to its rich antioxidant content.

Abundant in Antioxidants

Antioxidants are vital plant compounds that aid in preventing or mitigating cellular damage induced by oxidative stress. Honeybush tea is particularly abundant in a category of antioxidants known as polyphenols, which include xanthones and flavanones.

The predominant xanthone found in honeybush extract is mangiferin, while its key flavanones are hesperidin and isokuranetin. Both mangiferin and hesperidin are recognized for their strong anti-inflammatory properties and potential cancer-fighting effects, likely contributing significantly to the tea's reputed health advantages.

Possible Antidiabetic Effects

Diabetes ranks among the most prevalent health concerns globally, impacting over 400 million individuals across the world. It is generally divided into type 1 and type 2 diabetes, both characterized by elevated blood sugar levels due to dysfunctional pancreatic activity, which may stem from either decreased insulin production or insulin resistance.

Research indicates that the polyphenols in honeybush tea may assist in preventing, managing, and treating type 2 diabetes. In vitro and animal studies examining the antidiabetic properties of mangiferin suggest that it may contribute to lowering blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion and facilitating the regeneration of damaged pancreatic cells.

Regarding hesperidin, animal studies indicate that it may help regulate blood sugar levels by modulating key enzymes involved in sugar metabolism and offering protection to the pancreas against oxidative damage. Furthermore, both mangiferin and hesperidin may play a role in preventing complications associated with diabetes, such as kidney and nerve damage.

Potential to Enhance Bone Health

Honeybush tea may positively influence bone metabolism by acting on bone cells known as osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Osteoclasts are responsible for breaking down bone tissue to release minerals into the bloodstream, while osteoblasts create new bone through synthesis. An imbalance where bone resorption exceeds formation can increase the risk of bone-related conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis.

Fortunately, laboratory studies suggest that mangiferin and hesperidin, both present in honeybush tea, may favorably affect bone metabolism. Specifically, mangiferin has been shown to inhibit osteoclast formation, thereby decreasing bone tissue breakdown, while hesperidin supports bone recovery by safeguarding osteoblasts from oxidative damage. As a result, honeybush tea may have the potential to protect bone health.

May Exhibit Cancer-Fighting Properties

Certain constituents of honeybush tea might also provide anti-cancer benefits. Laboratory studies suggest that the antioxidants found in this tea may aid in destroying cancer cells, offer protection against cancer-promoting toxins, and inhibit the development of some cancer types. Among these antioxidants, mangiferin appears to possess significant anticancer potential, as it may impede the initiation, promotion, and metastasis of cancer cells.

However, it is essential to recognize that fermentation—a common process in tea production—can reduce the tea's antioxidant levels (though this may vary depending on the tea type and fermentation method), thus potentially diminishing its protective capabilities. For instance, research conducted on rats demonstrated that unfermented honeybush tea decreased the size of total esophageal cancer by 94%, compared to a 74% reduction observed with a fermented version. Although the current findings regarding the tea's cancer-fighting characteristics are encouraging, further human studies are necessary.

May Enhance Skin Health

Consuming honeybush tea, along with topical application of its extract, may yield improvements in skin health. Studies indicate that the extract could possess anti-aging attributes by protecting skin cells from oxidative damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, consequently diminishing wrinkles and enhancing skin elasticity and hydration.

In a 12-week study involving 120 participants with crow’s feet, daily supplementation with the extract resulted in a significant improvement in overall skin wrinkle grade compared to a control group. Additionally, animal studies have shown that the extract may assist in reducing skin thickening and alleviating signs of sunburn, such as redness and peeling.

Other Potential Benefits

Beyond the aforementioned advantages, honeybush tea may offer additional health benefits, including:

• Anti-obesity properties. The antioxidants present in honeybush tea may inhibit the accumulation of fat in young adipocytes and reduce fat content in mature fat cells by promoting fat mobilization.
• Relief from menopausal symptoms. The isoflavones in the tea, some of which function as phytoestrogens—compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body—may help reduce menopausal symptoms.
• Support for the immune system. Laboratory studies have suggested that mangiferin may enhance the activity of macrophages, a type of white blood cell that engulfs and digests foreign substances.
• Alleviation of respiratory symptoms. Traditionally, honeybush tea has been employed as a tonic for colds, influenza, mucus congestion, and pulmonary tuberculosis due to its expectorant qualities.

While these potential benefits are promising, it is important to note that most research focuses on the antioxidants and concentrated extracts rather than the tea itself. It remains uncertain how much of these beneficial compounds a single cup of tea may contain and whether drinking it provides equivalent benefits. Nevertheless, the antioxidants in honeybush tea contribute to its wide-ranging health advantages, including enhanced bone and skin health, along with significant antidiabetic and anticancer properties.

Side Effects and Precautions

At present, there are no documented side effects associated with consuming honeybush tea. However, it is important to note that instances of microbial contamination have been reported during its fermentation process. To mitigate any risks, steeping the tea in water heated to at least 140°F (60°C) is recommended, as this temperature helps ensure its safety for consumption.

Moreover, it is wise to consult with your health care provider before incorporating this tea into your routine. Honeybush tea may interact with drug-metabolizing enzymes, potentially impacting the therapeutic efficacy of certain medications. Additionally, it might influence the bioavailability of other dietary antioxidants, which could further complicate its effects on health. Lastly, considering the limited research on its side effects, it is advisable for pregnant and breastfeeding women to refrain from drinking honeybush tea, prioritizing their health and the health of their children.

The Conclusive Summary

Honeybush tea, a delightful caffeine-free herbal infusion akin to rooibos tea, has been cherished for its medicinal qualities for many centuries. This unique beverage is enriched with antioxidants such as mangiferin and hesperidin, which bestow a range of health advantages, including potential antidiabetic effects, cancer-fighting properties, and enhancements to both bone and skin health.

Currently, there are no known adverse effects associated with this tea; however, it may interact with the metabolism of certain medications. Therefore, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider prior to incorporating it into your routine. Whether you prefer a steaming cup of this naturally sweet tea to warm you on chilly days or an invigorating iced version to refresh you during hot summer months, honeybush tea offers a delightful experience.