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Benefits of Rooibos Tea
  • Natural Remedies

Benefits of Rooibos Tea

Katie WellsDec 29, 2015Updated: May 19, 2020
Reading Time: 4 min

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Wellness Mama » Blog » Natural Remedies » Benefits of Rooibos Tea
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • What is Rooibos Tea?+−
    • Antioxidants & Polyphenols
    • Nutrient Content
    • Quercetin
    • Iron Absorption
    • No Caffeine
    • No Oxalic Acid
    • Chrysoeriol
    • Better Sleep
  • How to Brew Rooibos Tea
  • Where to Get Rooibos Tea+−
    • Bottom Line

Herbal teas have many benefits and there are endless ways to use herbs and teas as drinks, in natural remedies, and even in foods. One of my favorites is Rooibos Tea or Red Bush tea from the South African Rooibos plant (Aspalathus linearis).

What is Rooibos Tea?

A beautiful fragrant red herbal tea with a naturally sweet taste and floral aroma, Rooibos grows exclusively in the Cederberg Mountains of South Africa and on a bush that is very unlike traditional tea plants. The Red Bush (Rooibos) grows about 3 feet tall and has needle-like leaves similar to a pine tree.

Though almost all commercially available Rooibos tea is naturally fermented and dried to reach its deep red color, the Rooibos leaves are green when harvested and this un-fermented tea is available in some specialty places and is higher in antioxidants.

Rooibos tea hasn’t yet gained the popularity that green tea and mate tea have, but it turns out that Rooibos may have just as many benefits, if not more, than these well-known teas. It is important to note that Rooibos is technically an herbal tea and not a true tea.

It is naturally caffeine-free, mildly sweet and delicious with a taste reminiscent of honey and roses. Rooibos also boasts some other substantial benefits:

Antioxidants & Polyphenols

Polyphenols are compounds known for their antioxidant activity in the body. Rooibos tea has up to 50% more polyphenols and antioxidants than Green Tea (1) and can be a great alternative with recent concerns about radiation levels in green tea.

It is especially high in two unique polyphenols, including one that is only found in Rooibos called Aspalathin. It was also recently identified as a source of super oxide dismutase, a very powerful antioxidant. Research shows that these antioxidants may protect against the effects of free radicals. In fact, the South African Cancer Association has named Rooibos Tea as a leading source of anti-cancer compounds. (2)

Nutrient Content

Rooibos tea is considered a good source of minerals like Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Copper, Zinc, and Magnesium. In many parts of the world, Rooibos is consumed for skin, hair and bone health because of its high mineral and alpha hydroxy acid content and is even given to children who are intolerant to dairy as an alternate calcium source.

Rooibos tea contains many minerals and nutrients in synergistic balance so they work together for better absorption. For instance, it contains magnesium to balance and help the absorption of calcium, copper to balance and help absorption of zinc and others.

Despite many claims about its Vitamin C content, I was unable to find any source that showed that Rooibos tea is a good source of Vitamin C at all, but it is a great source of other nutrients and antioxidants. Interestingly, Rooibos tea is synergistic with Vitamin C and when taken together, they may both be better absorbed.

Quercetin

Rooibos has also been identified as a source of the flavonoids luteolin and Quercetin, containing about 1.5 mg per cup. In lab tests, these flavonoids seem to have a protective effect against certain types of cancer and cause cancer cell death in lab studies. (3)

Iron Absorption

Rooibos is often recommended during pregnancy and for those who are anemic because it may help with the absorption of iron and other nutrients.

No Caffeine

Rooibos tea is naturally caffeine free, making it an excellent drink choice and antioxidant source for those avoiding caffeine and who can’t drink coffee or other teas. It is also low in tannins, which although they are considered beneficial, some people can’t tolerate them. The lack of tannins is also why Rooibos does not have a slightly bitter taste like some other teas do.

No Oxalic Acid

Oxalic acid is a naturally occurring compound in teas, chocolate, and some fruits and vegetables like raw leafy greens. When the body is functioning optimally, oxalic acid is naturally eliminated through urine, but it can combine with minerals in the body to create oxalates, a type of salt crystal.

These oxalates can build up in the body and may contribute to kidney stones, bladder stones and other problems. Those who struggle with these problems are often told to avoid teas, and Rooibos is considered a safe alternative because of its lack of Oxalic acid.

Chrysoeriol

Rooibos contains a compound called chrysoeriol which has been found to improve circulation. There is some emerging evidence that it may be useful in supporting circulation related things like blood pressure and heart health. (4)

Better Sleep

Rooibos also has naturally soothing properties that work on the central nervous system to promote relaxation. This is one reason it is often given to children in South Africa, but many also turn to it as a natural sleep aid and to help relieve insomnia. Another reason it may promote quality sleep is that it is often used as a caffeine-free substitute for traditional coffee and tea, since removing caffeine also helps improve sleep quality.

How to Brew Rooibos Tea

Since Rooibos tea is never bitter and has a naturally sweet taste (but is zero calorie), it is great hot or cold. It should be brewed for a longer time than other teas since its lack of tannins prevents it from becoming bitter, even after long brew times.

To Brew Hot Rooibos Tea:

Place 1 teaspoon to 1 Tablespoon of loose leaf organic Rooibos tea in a tea infuser and place in a mug. Boil 8 ounces (1 cup) of water and pour over infuser in glass. Steep at least 5 minutes but up to 15 minutes to desired flavor and aroma. You can sweeten with honey or natural sweetener if desired.

To Brew Iced Rooibos Tea:

Double the amount of loose leaf rooibos (up to 2 Tablespoons) and place in an infuser. Pour 8 ounces of boiling water over the tea and let steep and cool for at least 10 minutes. Sweeten with honey or other natural sweetener if desired. Pour over ice and serve immediately.

To Brew by the Gallon:

Boil 1 gallon of water in a large stockpot. Add 1/2 cup loose leaf Rooibos and stir to combine. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain out tea leaves and store in a pitcher in the fridge until ready to use. Lasts 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

Where to Get Rooibos Tea

Thanks to its growing popularity, there are several good brands of Rooibos available. Look for an organic and fair trade certified variety.

Loose leaf Rooibos Tea (and all teas) are typically more cost effective. I order mine in bulk here and have recently started adding it to my Raspberry Leaf Pregnancy Tea for its sweet taste.

Amazon also carries organic loose leaf rooibos and pre-made organic rooibos tea bags.

Bottom Line

Rooibos tea may have many benefits related to its antioxidant concentration but it is also a delicious and naturally sweet calorie free alternative to other teas or coffee. Research is still in early stages about the potential health benefits of Rooibos, but for now it is considered safe to consume and I enjoy it as a refreshing and delicious drink.

Category: Natural Remedies

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About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a wife and mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

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Reader Interactions

Discussion (46 Comments)

  1. Jen

    December 31, 2015 at 12:22 PM

    Friends who lived in South Africa introduced is to this tea, and we loved it. Drinking a cup every night promoted better sleep! And our friends shared that South African mothers would use it for diaper rash. We tried it, and loved it! We use it in our solution for cloth/homemade baby wipes.

    Reply
  2. Rivkah

    December 31, 2015 at 1:00 AM

    I found this tea at our natural grocers store. They have a whole side of an ilse dedicated to organic bagged teas, oats, spices, dried fruits etc. I love hot teas and i was curious about this tea which had red leaves. So i googled it quickly and found it to be caffiene free and healthy for your liver. I drink it with honey yet i drink coffee with honey. This tea has a natural sweetness to it… It is delicious and healthy!!!! Just fixing to have a cup… No caffiene!

    Reply
  3. Brooke

    December 30, 2015 at 11:14 PM

    Ooh! I really enjoy the Yogi Soothing Caramel Bedtime Tea which includes rooibos and it really seems to help me relax and get sleepy when it’s time for bed but my mind is still on.

    Root beer tea sounds AMAZING!!!

    Reply
  4. Doné Hanekom

    December 30, 2015 at 8:28 PM

    As a South African I free up with Rooibos tea. I was in my 20’s when I realized there were other tea than Rooibos. ??

    Both my kids grew up with Rooibos from a very young age. They were both on baby formula from 2 weeks and instead of mixing it with water, I mixed it with Rooibos tea.

    Reply
  5. Mindy

    December 30, 2015 at 1:31 PM

    My local tea store sells some really yummy loose Rooibos. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the root beer one (yes, tastes JUST like root beer, just without the fizz). The Lemon Meringue is pretty good too. (Just a couple flavors that I like!) It does take a little to get used but as @Von says, it does grow on you!

    Reply
  6. Amanda

    December 30, 2015 at 1:21 PM

    Is this tea estrogenic? Is it safe to consume if you are slightly estrogen dominant?

    Reply
  7. Amma

    December 30, 2015 at 8:08 AM

    Is it true that Rooibos is estrogenic? Would it be safe to drink if you are slightly estrogen dominant?

    Reply
    • Samia

      November 11, 2016 at 11:20 AM

      As I understand things, estrogen dominance is associated with poor liver function. It’s the job of your liver to detoxify and remove any excess estrogen. There’s lots of liver formulas that might be able to help you. Good luck! – Samia.

      Reply
  8. Samia

    December 29, 2015 at 11:27 PM

    Thanks for this highly informative article. It’s just chock a block with info. Now, I think I’ll go have a cup of the stuff.

    Reply
  9. Eva Hollmann

    December 29, 2015 at 10:09 PM

    and it must be noted that Rooibos is endorsed by Mma. Ramotswe of the famed #1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. She will not entertain serious analytical thought without the aid of a pot of “red bush” tea

    Reply
    • Laura Devick

      January 5, 2016 at 7:54 PM

      yes! was going to mention that as well! 🙂

      Reply
    • Polly

      June 19, 2016 at 10:40 AM

      “That is well known.” (Quoted from “The # 1 Lady’s Detective Agency.” ?

      Reply
  10. Von

    December 29, 2015 at 9:59 PM

    i love this tea. got it from the south african section in the international market. took a minute to get used to it but then it grows on you

    Reply
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