Rooibos tea, also called red tea, red bush tea or Bushman tea, is prepared from the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis plant, a shrub native to southern Africa. The plant's green leaves turn red during the fermentation and drying process. Rooibos does not contain caffeine, and the tea has a long history of use in traditional medicine and as a pleasant-tasting beverage.
Caffeine
Rooibos tea is not made from a tea plant. Unlike black and green teas, rooibos tea is naturally caffeine-free. It does not cause unwanted side effects of caffeinated teas, such as insomnia, sleep disturbances or upset stomach. Rooibos is also free of tannins, chemicals in black and green tea that cause upset stomach and gastrointestinal pain in some individuals.
Other Components
Red tea is rich in flavonoids, antioxidant substances that are also found in fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants protect cells and tissues from oxidative damage. The flavonoids in rooibos tea include aspalathin, catechin, isoquercitrin, luteolin, quercetin, rutin, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and vanillic acid. Rooibos tea also contains polysaccharides and minerals.
Traditional Uses
In traditional medicine, rooibos tea has been touted as a digestive aid, purported to relieve stomach cramps, colic, indigestion, heartburn and upset stomach. However, there have not been any clinical studies that support these health claims. You should not drink rooibos for medicinal purposes.
Safety
With its long history of use, rooibos is considered safe for human consumption. However, there have not been any rigorous studies to examine safe maximum amounts for children, pregnant or lactating women or individuals with kidney or liver failure. There have not been any reported side effects or drug interactions with rooibos tea.
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