WHEN Hamilton Hill local Oren Barak was looking for a business opportunity he wanted something ethical, and something that would help people.
“[Something] new to the market, to do with health,” he says.
With his sister Adi Barak and her husband Jacob Matan as business partners, it was decided a healthy tea, using native Australian plants, fitted the bill.
But there was no rushing in blindly and Mr Barak took his time researching what was to become Roogenic tea.
Yale
“I went on-line for three years. Then moved to looking at lecturers from Yale and Princeton [universities]… all the top lectures are available on line.”
From lemon myrtle to native strawberry, quandongs and more, the great-tasting teas are based on traditional Aboriginal medicine – backed up by scientific research.
They can be used to help a range of ailments including muscular aches and pains, period cramps, reduce stress. and weight loss: “I lost three kilos in four weeks,” Mr Barak says.
The teas are also an aid for the digestive system and can help cleanse the liver and kidney.
One jar makes 60 litres of tea, and served cold it’s a delicious way to ensure a healthy dose of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, calcium, magnesium and iron, while keeping well hydrated.
Interested in the connection between the gut and the brain, Mr Barak experimented on himself to discover what promotes good gut bacteria and what doesn’t.
“Farming my gut to try to see what kind of bacteria is an ally, which thrives and which to eliminate.”
Serotonin and dopamine are important for mental health and good neural pathways are needed to conduct them, Mr Barak says.
“Nintey-five percent or so of serotonin is produced in the gut, not the brain, and 80 per cent of dopamine is produce in the gut, not the brain,” he told the Herald.
A five year study by Griffiths University’s Dr Darren Grice found native lemon grass, cymbopogon ambiguus (not the Asian variety) is as good as aspirin for headaches and migraines.
Blood platelets
“[Which] cause abnormal activities in our bodies, such as altering our serotonin levels and interfering with the normal function of our blood platelets,” he said in an on-line interview.
Roogenic’s ingredients come from organic farms and Aboriginal communities where they are sourced from the wild. The communities have an income stream, at the same time promoting indigenous culture to a broader market, and engaging indigenous youth with their traditional healing of their elders.
“We are working with the minister for employment (Michaelia Cash) to create more programs so young remote communities can join the elders in harvesting.”
For more information go to roogenic.com.au or drop into the Fremantle markets (the fruit and veg end off Parry Street) for a refreshing cup of good health.
by JENNY D’ANGER
