Kinkeliba tea: benefits, uses & how to prepare it
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What is kinkeliba?
Kinkeliba, also called long life herbal tea or quinqueliba, is a leafy shrub that grows across the Sahelian region, including Senegal, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Guinea. In Senegal and Mali, people drink kinkeliba leaves at breakfast and during Ramadan instead of coffee or tea. It has a pleasant, woody flavor. Our kinkeliba is handcrafted in Senegal from dried leaves.
Key benefits
Kinkeliba supports your body in several ways:
- Liver and digestive support. Traditional West African medicine uses kinkeliba to stimulate biliary function and support the body's natural cleansing processes. People traditionally drink it to ease occasional constipation and support digestion, especially of fats.
- Antioxidant support. Kinkeliba is rich in catechins and epigallocatechins, the same antioxidant compounds found in green tea. Antioxidants help the body manage free radicals from everyday exposures like pollution.
- Anti-inflammatory properties. Traditional use points to kinkeliba's role in supporting the body's inflammatory response.
- Appetite and digestion. Kinkeliba has a long history of use as a mild digestive tonic in West African households.
- Hair shine. A kinkeliba decoction is traditionally used as a hair rinse to add shine and silkiness.
How it works
Kinkeliba leaves contain tannins, polyphenols, flavonoids, and other plant compounds that researchers continue to study. Traditional medicine has used the plant for generations, though modern research on many of its specific effects is still developing.
This isn't a drug and it isn't a cure. It's a traditional herbal tea, and we present it that way.
How to prepare kinkeliba tea
As a decoction: Add 20g of dried leaves to 1 liter of water. Bring to a boil, then boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let steep for about 20 minutes. Strain and enjoy throughout the day.
As tea: Steep leaves, tea bags, or powdered leaves in hot water for 10 minutes, then let cool for 5 to 10 minutes. The tea takes on a reddish color from its natural polyphenols.
For a extended cure, drink 2 to 3 cups per day for 3 weeks. Otherwise, enjoy it like any tea, whenever you like.
Kinkeliba pairs well with mint and lemon, ginger, orange zest, clove, or lemongrass and basil.
Precautions
Kinkeliba is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or for children under 2, without a doctor's advice. Talk to your doctor before adding kinkeliba to your routine if you're managing a medical condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is kinkeliba?
Kinkeliba, also called long life herbal tea or quinqueliba, is a leafy shrub that grows across the Sahelian region, including Senegal, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Guinea. In Senegal and Mali, people drink it at breakfast and during Ramadan instead of coffee or tea.
What does kinkeliba taste like?
Kinkeliba has a pleasant, woody flavor. Siyah Organics' kinkeliba is handcrafted in Senegal from dried leaves.
What are the benefits of kinkeliba?
Traditional West African medicine uses kinkeliba to support liver and digestive function, provide antioxidant support through catechins and epigallocatechins, and support the body's inflammatory response. It's also used as a mild digestive tonic and, as a hair rinse, to add shine and silkiness.*
Is kinkeliba backed by scientific research?
Kinkeliba leaves contain tannins, polyphenols, and flavonoids that researchers continue to study. Traditional medicine has used the plant for generations, though modern research on many of its specific effects is still developing. Kinkeliba is a traditional herbal tea, not a drug or a cure.*
How do I prepare kinkeliba as a decoction?
Add 20g of dried leaves to 1 liter of water. Bring to a boil, then
