Managing stress, anxiety, depression and sleep disorders with Makoni Tea
Whilst generally, interest in herbal teas is a relatively new phenomenon in most parts of the world, there is a herbal tea that the Makoni people of Southern Africa, have been taking since time immemorial. This tea comes from a shrub which is scientifically known as Fadogia Ancylantha and usually grows to around 0.85 metres in height. The bush grows wild in some parts of Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, where it is actually known as Makoni Tea, a name it got after King Makoni, who once ruled over the area and used to give the tea to his soldiers to develop their stamina and rapidly heal war wounds. The tea is made by grinding the sun dried leaves and stems of the shrub into some powder.
Recent research studies by a number of researchers have established that this tea contains more than 80 medicinal properties. Information about the nutritional and health benefits of Makoni Tea has been passed down from one generation to the next through folktales. Discussed below are the top seven reasons why you should be taking supplements with Makoni Tea leaves as part of your regular diet.
Boost your immune system
Makoni Tea Shrub
1. Makoni Tea is effective at preventing and fighting a variety of ailments
Like most herbal teas found in Southern Africa, Makoni Tea is laden with essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and polyphenols which are known to possess antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Traditionally, Makoni Tea has been used to treat a variety of ailments including coughs, flu, menstrual pain as well as abdominal pain. The tea has also been used as an immune booster. Contemporary research has also shown significant potential for Makoni Tea in the management of diabetes and other degenerative diseases caused by oxidative stress.
2. Makoni Tea is effective at managing anxiety and sleep disorders
Several research studies have shown that magnesium is very effective at stabilizing the mood of those suffering from moderate depression or anxiety. Anxiety is a sense of fear, apprehension, or agitation. It can be caused by stressful situations that affect people from time to time. If left unattended, anxiety can cause insomnia, leading to sleep deprivation. This may seriously affect your life, especially during day time since it may cause general fatigue and irritability. In the long run, it can also cause weight gain and high blood sugar. Since Makoni Tea is rich in magnesium, it is very effective at relieving depression, anxiety, insomnia and muscle cramps. The magnesium in Makoni Tea is a natural muscle relaxer which helps to relieve anxiety. It therefore, relieves nervousness and soothes the mood thereby promoting feelings of tranquillity and happiness.
3. Makoni Tea is important for the proper functioning of the Nervous System
Makoni Tea is laden potassium, which is a mineral that falls under the electrolyte class of minerals. Potassium is very reactive in water which makes it a very good conductor of the electricity needed by the body to ensure the proper functioning of the different organs of the body. Roughly 80% of potassium is found in your muscle cells, while the other 20% is shared between the red blood cells, bones and the liver. A diet rich in potassium is associated with numerous health benefits which include water retention, protection against stroke, reduced blood pressure, and prevention of kidney stones and bone diseases, especially among the elderly. Potassium helps to transmit nerve signals and regulate body fluids, muscle contractions and heartbeat, among many other body functions. A low or high amount of potassium in the body can affect many critical functions. Makoni Tea ensures that the body gets the optimal amount of potassium by regulating the nervous system.
4. Makoni Tea helps regulate Muscle Contractions and Heartbeat
Whilst the nervous system helps regulate muscle contractions and heartbeat, any alterations in blood potassium levels can negatively affect nerve signals in the nervous system thereby weakening muscle contractions. An optimal blood potassium level is required to ensure proper nerve impulses. Makoni Tea helps in maintaining the right levels of potassium in the blood. The movement of potassium through the heart is important for a healthy heart, as it helps to maintain a regular heartbeat. Makoni Tea is excellent for the proper functioning of muscles and the heart due to its high concentration of potassium.
5. Makoni Tea is excellent for the health of the skin and its healing process
Lack of adequate potassium causes many people to suffer from dry skin. Potassium helps to keep skin moisturized and hydrated internally. The potassium which is present in Makoni Tea helps to promote a healthy skin by ensuring that the skin is kept internally moisturized especially during sleep.
6. Makoni Tea is good for maintaining healthy teeth and bones
The combination of high levels of calcium, potassium and magnesium in Makoni Tea strengthens teeth enamel, nails and bones thereby reducing bone loss and preventing the development of bone diseases like arthritis, as you get older.
7. Makoni Tea is a super tea
Makoni Tea grows organically and is caffeine-free and has a soothing, refreshing and calming effect. The tea has nutraceutical properties since it contains both nutritious and medicinal properties. To enjoy Makoni Tea, put 1 teaspoonful of crushed sun dried leaves and stems powder into a cup. Pour fiercely boiling water into the cup and brew for 5 to 8 minutes. You can take the tea hot with honey and milk, 30 minutes to 1 hour before going to bed. Alternatively you can cool the tea and enjoy it as an ice tea.
Conclusion
Whilst traditionally, information about the nutritional and health benefits of Makoni Tea has been passed down successive generations through folktales, several research studies have now revealed what African forefathers have harboured since time immemorial. Makoni Tea is indeed, highly nutritious and healthy. It is laden with essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and polyphenols which are known to possess antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties that are effective at fending off a variety of ailments. Makoni Tea is effective at managing anxiety and sleep disorders, whilst maintaining the proper functioning of the Nervous System and regulating Muscle Contractions and Heartbeat. The tea is excellent for the health of the skin and good for maintaining healthy teeth and bones. Above all however, Makoni Tea is a super tea that is free of caffeine and has a relaxing, uplifting and comforting effect. The tea should however, not be used as an alternative to proper medical attention. You still need to consult your doctor when using the Makoni Tea to fend-off or manage any ailment.
Bibliography
M.Bhebhe, B.Chipurura, & M.Muchuweti. (2015). Determination and comparison of phenolic compound content and antioxidant activity of selected local Zimbabwean herbal teas with exotic Aspalathus linearis. South African Journal of Botany, 100, 213-218.
Nyirenda, K., J.D.K.Saka, D.Naidoo, & C.J.F.Muller. (2012). See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.reseAntidiabetic, anti-oxidant and antimicrobial activities of Fadogia ancylanthaextracts from Malawi. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 372-376.
Raman, R. (2017, 9 9). Healthline. What Does Potassium Do for Your Body? A Detailed Review: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-does-potassium-do
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