Rooibos is a plant that comes from the mountains of South Africa, but is currently also found in other parts of the world and cultivated for its flavor and use in teas, according to Herbs2000.com, a source of traditional and nutritional health care information. The red bush tea contains vitamin C, antioxidants, minerals and alpha-hydroxy acid to provide various health benefits. While it is an effective anti-viral, anti-allergy and anti-anxiety agent, it is also being studied for its side effects. It is best to consult your nutritionist or health care provider before drinking the tea or using supplements that contain rooibos.
Anti-histamine Effects
Research shows that rooibos hinders the release of histamine, helping to fight allergies and associated symptoms, according to Herbs2000.com. This effect relieves nasal congestion and stomach disorders that stem from allergic effects and anxiety. Rooibos is highly effective when made into a tea, as it is a mild and safe remedy for people who suffer from food allergies and respiratory allergies.
Anti-aging Effects
Rooibos is rich in flavonoids, polyphenols, phenolic acids, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, and a variety of minerals that give rooibos antimutagenic and antioxidant properties, according to Blue Shield of California. These properties make the herb an effective protective agent against radiation damage and cancer, contributing to its use to slow the aging process. The effects on antibody production are being studied to find possible anti-HIV benefits, which could be useful in aiding deficient immune responses in allergies, AIDS, and infections. These effects are still unknown, however, since no clinical trials on rooibos have been published.
Effects on DNA Damage
The various antioxidants in rooibos bind to free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause damage to DNA in the body's cells. Free radicals are also capable of oxidizing cholesterol, which results in clogged blood vessels, heart attacks and strokes, according to an independent research article on Montegotea.com. Jeanine Marnewick, senior research scientist at the Medical Research Council of South Africa, found that rooibos was effective in protecting against DNA damage when tested in an animal system, and that unfermented rooibos was more protective against DNA damage than fermented rooibos, while fermented rooibos had a stronger effect against other mutagens.
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