ROOIBOS, PRONOUNCED "royboss", makes a deep red brew with a flavour that is deliciously unique, assert drinkers of this herbal tea. The potential benefits of this mountain bush, endemic to South Africa, are equally unique. Studies show that rooibos, devoid of caffeine and low in tannins, is a healthy alternative to coffee or tea. It also comes loaded with anti-oxidants that can boost immunity, reduce risks of heart diseases, protect from viral infection and has anti-ageing properties. Little wonder, then, that multinational corporations have come up with ways to profit from the tea as well as products made using chemical derivatives of the shrub, called Aspalathus linearis in scientific lexicon. One such attempt was by Swiss company Nestlé that in 2010 claimed five patents on products prepared from rooibos such as medicines to treat inflammatory diseases and probiotic foods. But this time, the San and Khoi indigenous communities of South Africa opposed the move and Nestlé's patent applications were rejected. The South African government asked the company to share benefits arising from the use of this resource with the communities.
Esta historia es de la edición December 01, 2022 de Down To Earth.
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Look Beyond Dust
Reinvent National Clean Air Programme to focus on fine particulate matter and trans-boundary pollution
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Vision 2030
Economic growth must take into account needs of energy transition, climate mitigation, with action aligned as per India's 2030 climate goals
FIX OUR FOOD
Chemical-dependent farming, lax labelling laws, rising anti-microbial resistance must top the agenda
BATTLE THE CAR BULGE
Clean, affordable, integrated and accessible public transport the only solution
CONSERVE NOW
Disregard for biodiversity conservation over the past two decades needs immediate redressal
SCRAP THE DUMP
Disincentivise garbage dumping, invest in behavioural change
THINK LONG-TERM
India needs continued emphasis on flagship programmes, aligned to long-term planning that focusses on water security and circular economy in a climate-risked era
OVERHAUL OVERDUE
Hold polluting industries accountable for public health risks, environmental hazards, climate change; provide them support for green transition
IT'S NOW OR NEVER
Clean energy sectors need demand-driven markets and domestic industries that can cater to the entire value chain