The Benefits of Rooibos Tea

Rooibus is what Africans call ‘Red Bush’. The plant is grown in the Western Cape Provence of South Africa and is used to make this herbal tea.

Pronounced ‘roy-boss’, it is a common beverage in Africa and is becoming more popular in many other parts of the world.

The red tea is harvested in the summer months, between January and March. It is then cut into pieces and fermented then sun dried. It is the fermentation process which turns it into an orange red colour.

Without the fermentation process, the tea is a milder taste known as green rooibos.

Otherwise known as Bush Tea or African Red, the tea has become more popular in western countries as an alternative to black tea.

There are different ways to drink this tea. It can be pleasant enough made with boiling water (either by using tea leaves or tea bags) without milk or sugar.

It can however be drank with milk or a milk alternative and sugar or honey to sweeten.

Some coffee shops sell a concentrated version of the red bush tea, known as ‘red espresso’. This can then be served with frothy milk and syrup or as an iced tea.

It can be bought in tea bags or loose tea leaves, unflavoured or flavoured. Some of the flavours include vanilla, cranberry, tropical or orange eucalyptus, amongst others.

Rooibos tea contains no caffeine at all so one of the benefits is being able to drink it at any time of the day. Some people find caffeine interferes with their sleep pattern, but rooibos doesn't have this side effect.

Rooibos tea has properties which are known to relax you and relieve stress. Because of this calming effect it will help with sleep, stress and hypertension (high blood pressure).

The calming effects of the tea can also reduce headaches and nervous tension.

Rooibos tea can be put directly onto the skin to help with various skin complaints. These include acne, sunburn and premature aging. It contains alpha-hydroxy acid which is wonderful for healthy skin.

There is thought that drinking red bush tea can also help against bronchitis, eczema and asthma. People from some parts of Africa use it for this reason.

Rooibos tea contains fluoride and copper and has a high level of antioxidants and flavonoids.

It is also tannin free, which is something found in black teas with caffeine. Tannin has a bitter taste and can be harsh in the digestive system. It can also limit the amount of iron absorption in the body.

Because red bush settles the stomach it can be given to babies with colic. It has an antispasmodic effect which calms stomach cramps in both infants and adults.

There are other benefits of drinking rooibos tea, although not all have been scientifically proven.

Some of the claims include a help against certain types of cancer. There is an idea that enzymes in the body are activated by the tea which can fight against liver and colon cancers. The antioxidants also boost the immune system which helps the body to fight illnesses.

One antioxidant contained in the drink is called Super-oxide Dismutase which prevents damage to cells. This in turn is linked to the belief of a possible fight against cancer.

Another claim includes an increase in circulation as it contains rare nutrients called Quercetin and Bioflavonoid. This also helps against hemorrhaging.

It is also said that the tea contains many minerals such as calcium, zinc, magnesium and potassium.

Compared to many other teas, such as green tea or chamomile, there are many more health properties in rooibos. It is also free from additives and is low in fat and calories and makes for a great refreshing beverage any time of the day.

There are also products you can buy which contain rooibos tea.

These include soaps and skin care products which have the rooibos leaf.

Try moisturiser, serums, rooibos oil for hair, makeup, and baby cream for eczema and chicken pox!