Genus: Cyclopia
Species: Cyclopia Intermedia
Family: Lamiaceae
Common names: Honeybush tea, Bushtea

Description:
Cyclopia Intermedia is an indigenous herbal tea to South Africa. When dried and oxidized, it exudes a sweet aroma and when infused as a tea, the taste are very pleasant. The use of Honeybush dates back to the early 1700's. Locals discovered it's medicinal value in their search for natural herbs and medicine. The leaves of the the plant is trifoliolate and when bruised, exudes a sweetly cent. The flowers are bright yellow with prominent grooves.

Both leaves and flowers are used to produce herbal infusions.

Medicinal Use:
Honeybush tea has many health properties when taken regularly. It is advantageous for:
- Used as an anti-oxidant.
- Reducing the risk of Oesteoporosis.
- Anti-microbial
- Anti-hepatoxic
Used as a diuretic and non-feeding sweetener
- Used to treat diarrhea
- Regulation of menstruation cycles
- Prevention of breast, prostate and Uterus cancer
- It has anti-fungal and antiv-virus properties
- Anticholesterolemic-lowers cholesterol levels
- Hypolipemic-lowers fat levels
- Used as an anti-depressant
- Spasmolytic

General Information:
The name Cyclopia is derived from the Greek words cyclos, a circle and pous. The shrub belongs to the Cape fynbos biome and grows in the coastal districts. The tea are harvested during the flowering period. The plant has woody stems and a low percentage of leaves. Leaves are thin and needle-like. The color of the flowers makes Cyclopia very easy to recognize.