Rooibos tea Herbal Information

NAME
Rooibos,
Red Bush, South African red tea.


LATIN NAME
Aspalathus linearis

ORIGIN
South Africa

PARTS USED
Leaf and twigs


TRADITIONAL HERBAL USES AND MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Rooibos is rich in anti-oxidants namely aspalathin and nothofagin. It has much lower tannin levels compared to black tea, and it has no caffeine so it is supportive to the central nervous system. It is a calming relaxing drink that does not disturb sleeping patterns. Traditionally Rooibos is drank medicinally in South Africa to alleviate infantile colic and settle digestive complaints. It is safe for breast feeding mothers to drink.

It also is known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. It can be of benefit in the management of allergies such as asthma, eczema, and hay fever. It is also good for the skin and can be used in wound healing, eczema, nappy rash, acne and as part of a skin care beauty regime. It contains no oxalic acid, which is present in black tea, and so therefore it can be drank by people suffering from kidney stones.


FOLKLORE AND HISTORY
The tea is picked and fermented then left to dry in the sun., which was costly and in short supply. In 1904 Benjamin Ginsberg saw the potential of this mountain tea and began to develop its production and market it to the global market.


CONSTITUENTS
Rooibos contains phenolic compounds, flavanols, flavones, flavanones, and dihydrochalcones. It also contains Aspalathin, Nothofagin, Caffeic acid, Rutin and polyphenols.


TYPICAL PREPARATIONS AND DOSAGE
Prepare a cup or pot of tea by putting 1 teaspoon of Leaf per person into a teapot or mug, or tea strainer. Pour on boiling water and drink with milk the English way or with lemon and honey the South African way.

PRECAUTIONS
None known