Rooibos Tea & Health

Tea is one of the world’s oldest beverages. It has been a dietary staple in a variety of cultures throughout the world for centuries and it offers both pleasure, and, in some cases, health-enhancing properties. Black, green and white teas, which all come from the Camellia sinensis plant, are rich in antioxidants. For this reason, they have become immensely popular in recent years. Similarly, rooibos tea, which comes from a completely different plant, has also seen a surge in popularity, partly because of its notable health benefits.

Health Benefits of Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea is rich in the antioxidants aspalathin and nothofagin. Antioxidants like those found in rooibos tea work to prevent the oxidation of cells in the body. Oxidation is what happens to a slice of apple that has been exposed to free radicals in the air and begun to turn brown.

According to the National Cancer Institute, oxidation, or exposure to free radicals, can lead to cancer. In addition to its antioxidant content, rooibos tea is reported to have antispasmodic properties, according to Vegetarian-Nutrition.info. Consequently, it is used to calm digestive upsets and stomach cramps.

While black, green and white tea all naturally contain caffeine, rooibos tea is naturally caffeine-free, making it an ideal beverage for those who wish to avoid caffeine, which may have adverse health effects and aggravate certain health conditions, such as anxiety and nervous tension.

Origin of Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea, also known as red rooibos tea, red tea, bush tea, or honeybush tea, comes from the honeybush plant. The honeybush plant is native to South Africa. The indigenous population of South Africa began preparing tea from the honeybush plant centuries ago. It was not until the early 20th century that rooibos tea became more widely available; a Russian immigrant to South Africa named Benjamin Ginsberg began trading and marketing the mild "mountain tea."

Forms of Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea comes in a convenient tea bag form, as well as a loose leaf form. Tea bags are typically sold in boxes. Each bag contains enough rooibos tea to brew one serving. Loose leaf tea is typically sold in bulk and priced by the ounce or pound.

You can use loose leaf rooibos tea to brew as much or as little as you wish, depending on the size of tea infuser you use and how much rooibos you put in it. Because rooibos does not come from the Camellia sinensis plant, it is technically not a tea at all; instead, it is an herbal infusion. Still, it is commonly referred to as a tea.

Flavor of Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea has a mellow, mild flavor. Though it is not especially sweet, it is slightly honey-like in taste, which explains why it comes from a plant called “honeybush.” Because it is so mild, rooibos tea combines well with other flavors and ingredients. Mint, rose, chamomile and various fruits all harmonize well with rooibos, and thus may be included in rooibos tea blends.

Drinking Rooibos Tea for Health

To reap the health benefits of rooibos tea, drink at least one cup daily; because it is caffeine-free, drinking several cups daily will not cause nervousness or anxiety. Brew rooibos tea in the same manner that you would other teas: pour boiling water over a rooibos-filled tea bag or tea infuser and allow the tea to steep for five to eight minutes, depending on the degree of strength you desire.

Look for a rooibos tea that is organic. This means it was grown and processed without pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, and other potentially harmful chemicals. Avoid rooibos teas that have artificial flavors or preservatives; the purer the rooibos tea, the more potent its health-enhancing properties will be.