Rooibos

Aspalathus linearis

COMMON NAMES

• Red Bush Tea
  Rooibos

Red bush or rooibos is a plant that has little therapeutic value. Rooibos tea is not only appreciated by people for its excellent flavor, but also because the beverage does not have any unwanted effect on the body or mind. Normally, the dehydrated leaves and the fine stems are used as tea. Despite the popularity of the tea, earlier, there was some confusion over its name. However, this has been settled now and it has been agreed that henceforth the plant would be generally known as Aspalathus linearis. Occasionally, the rooibos plant is also called Borbonia pinifolia Marloth or Aspalathus contaminate.

Aspalathus linearis or Borbonia pinifolia Marloth or Aspalathus contaminate is a shrub that belongs to the Fabaceae family and is said to have its home in the South African mountainous terrains. Currently, the shrub is found in other parts of the world too where it is cultivated for its flavor. In fact, the plant Aspalathus linearis is now widely cultivated, especially in the Cedarberg Mountains close to the Clanwilliam district of South Africa. Normally, the plant grows to a height of approximately six feet and has spiny leaves that transforms to brick red color when they are damaged or crushed.

The Aspalathus linearis plant is harvested in late summer or during autumn. After harvesting, the long stalks of the plant are chopped into smaller parts. The cut stems along with the leaves are then moisturized, crushed and then left to ferment for some time. After the fermentation, the substance is left out in the sun to be dehydrated. The end product is the red bush tea that is prepared like the common or ordinary tea. In fact, today the red bush tea or rooibos is the most well-liked hot brew in South Africa. The red bush tea may be drunk straightforwardly by adding sugar and milk as according to the aficionado’s personal liking. However, the taste for the red bush tea essentially needs to be acquired or developed by the consumer.

The red bush tea or rooibos is liked all across South Africa as well as in some other parts of the world owing to its superb flavor and also because of the fact that it has insignificant tannin content. The beverage is also highly refreshing. The tannin content in the red bush tea is approximately five per cent and, unlike the common tea and coffee, it is complete free from the presence of caffeine. In addition to these advantages, the red bush tea also encloses significant amount of vitamin C. The content of vitamin C has been found to be approximately 0.0016 per cent. The red bush tea or rooibos is most acceptable to people who wish to have a refreshing hot drink that is free from tannin as well as caffeine.

It is interesting to note that the rooibos tea encloses more than 37 natural or common antioxidants, several minerals, vitamin C and alpha-hydroxy acid (a natural acid in which a hydroxyl acid is connected to a carbon atom). Unlike other beverages like tea and coffee, rooibos tea does not possess caffeine and contains very less proportion of tannin.

USES

Rooibos is valued for its multi-purpose remedial effects. It is an anti-viral, anti-allergy and anti-anxiety mediator. The plant is widely recommended as a supplementary medication while treating syphilis as it inhibits common inflammation (swelling and irritation) and reduces pain. However, the herb does not cure the disease. Rooibos is also effectual in treating mental disorders related to old age. In addition, preparations from the rooibos are frequently used as a alternate for milk for children who are inclined to suffer from stomach aches or colic. The herb is also said to have an anti-spasmodic action as it relieves cramps. Researches have shown that rooibos is also beneficial in reducing the hazards of heart disease and other conditions related to aging. Proof regarding the last two functions of the herb is increasing with each research or study on the herb.

As mentioned above, rooibos has several remedial benefits. The therapeutic benefits of the herb for precise health conditions are listed below.

Researches have shown that it is possible that rooibos impedes the release of histamine, an organic derivative of ammonia discharged by immune cells producing allergic reactions. In fact, the release of histamine is said to be liable for nasal congestion as well as stomach disorders during allergic effects and anxiety. Hence, this property of rooibos makes the herb immensely beneficial for everyone suffering from food allergies and respiratory allergies. The herb is also useful for smaller children, as the tea prepared with rooibos is known to be safe, mild and uncontaminated.

A couple of studies conducted by Japanese scientists have found that rooibos is active against or combats the human immunodeficiency virus. The polysaccharide (a complex carbohydrate) amalgams present in rooibos thwarts the HIV from sticking to its intended or target cells in the body. In addition, the polysaccharides are more active and useful in dilutions that are totally uncontaminated or free from all toxicity to the vigorous human tissues.

Interestingly, the tea prepared from rooibos is well-liked and accepted by all, including herbalist, common consumers as well as medical practitioners, in South Africa during bed time. This is possibly owing to the fact that the beverage prepared with the herb helps in stimulating sleep. Researches have shown that rooibos induces sleep straightforwardly by influencing the metabolism (the process by which ingested food is transformed into energy) of acetylcholine (a substance known to be a transmitter of nerve impulses) in the brain and thwarting the disproportionate discharge of neurons responsible for wakefulness. In some other way, rooibos provokes sleepiness by obstructing the reactions of the hormones that lead to pain and irritation or inflammation. It has been observed that rooibos is useful in curing insomnia, which is caused by drugs for Alzheimer’s disease. However, here is a word of caution. The tea prepared with rooibos should be used for this purpose only after consultation and consent of the physician.

SIDE EFFECTS AND CAUTIONS

Rooibos is available in the market in tea form and has similarities with the black tea. Akin to black tea, rooibos too slows down the absorption of iron from the consumed food. However, rooibos is less effective than the black tea in soaking up iron from the ingested food. Hence, people suffering from deficiency of iron and related diseases should try to avoid drinking the rooibos as well as black tea. Drinking any of the two beverages may be detrimental for their health as they are likely to further bring down the iron content in their system.

COMMENTS

From Ephraim

Rooibos is just excellent: no caffeine, very little tannin (I am told) but with lots of antioxidants and vitamins. Very soothing and good flavor; I don't use any other tea ever since 1996 I found it in South Africa. Even here in England, I have to hunt for it in supermarkets because most of the teas here are awful to my taste (except herbal teas)!

From Kistian St. Clare

Rooibos definitely makes me sleepy sometimes, but not always. I have completely given up tea and coffee and replaced them with rooibos and sometimes Caro (a German coffee substitute). Feel 100% better! No signs of high blood pressure that I can see from rooibos. I also notice rooibos doesn't seem to stain cups like tea does so I'm guessing it won't discolor teeth in the same way.

From David Goodwin

I am very suspicious that rooibos has been the cause of my raised blood pressure. I have been carefully monitoring my blood pressure over a long period and believe that I can see a direct relationship between the level of consumption of rooibos and my blood pressure.

From Tammy Wilson

I bought rooibos amanzi tea at the mall. I chose limoncello and I have to tell you....the stuff made me fall asleep. It worked so well I googled it and ended up here... so to all who can’t get a good nights rest...sip on limoncello before bed. When it said calming it was not joking!

From Violetta T.

I bought rooibos tea in the organic department of Fred Meyers. Numi carries this tea in the organic version in tea bags. I use it to help my 8 month old sleep through the night. I mix his formula before bedtime with 4 ounces of water and 2 ounces of the tea. He drinks it all and sleeps through the night. I will recommend this tea to all my friends that have fussy babies!

From Doug H

Rooibos tea is an excellent iced tea with a little lemon-aid mixed in. Try it, you'll love it!