Fabaceae
Bush Tea Herb
Cyclopia genistoides
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: South Africa (Western Cape — endemic Fynbos)
Also known as: Honeybush Tea, Wild Honeybush, Mountain Tea
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Aerial parts
Therapeutic Uses
Menopausal symptoms (phytoestrogenic coumestans), type 2 diabetes (mangiferin), immune support, liver protection. Traditional South African herbal tea.
Herbal Actions
Antioxidant (mangiferin), anti-inflammatory, phytoestrogenic, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial
Active Constituents
Mangiferin (primary xanthone C-glucoside — antioxidant, antidiabetic), hesperidin, luteolin, quercetin, isooroquin-5,7-diol, coumestans (phytoestrogenic)
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea💊 Capsule
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 2 tsp per 250ml, steep 5–10 min — naturally sweet honey-like flavour, 3–5 cups daily |
| Tincture | Standardized mangiferin: 200mg 2x daily |
| Notes | Naturally sweet — no caffeine. Traditional daily South African tea. Endemic to Fynbos — source sustainably. Fermented (roasted) vs unfermented: different flavour, similar therapeutic value. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Hormone-sensitive conditions (phytoestrogenic). Caution with antidiabetics. Caution in pregnancy.
Side Effects: GI upset (excess). Estrogenic effects. Very well tolerated generally.