Rooibos

Scientific Names

rooibos plant

Aspalathus linearis
Aspalathus contaminatus
Borbonia pinifolia
Psoralea linearis

Common Names

Rooibos

Red Bush Tea

Red Tea

Bush Tea

Redbush Tea

African Red Tea

Green Rooibos

Green Red Bush

Kaffree Tea

Rooibos Rouge

Té Rojo

Té Rojo Rooibos

Thé Rooibos

Thé Rouge

Description of Plant(s) and Culture

rooibos flowers

Rooibos is a broom-like member of the plant family Fabaceae that grows in South Africa’s Fynbos biome. It is a shrub with fine needle-like leaves and a linear growing structure. The plant produces flowers in a raceme inflorescence and develops an indehiscent fruit. Traditional rooibos is created by fermenting the leaves, which turns them a red-brown color, while unfermented green rooibos is also available but more expensive to produce.
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Where Found

Rooibos is native to South Africa and is usually grown in the Cederberg, a small mountainous area in the West Coast District of the Western Cape province. The plant has a small endemic range in the wild and grows in a symbiotic relationship with local micro-organisms. It is considered part of the Fynbos ecoregion in the Cape Floristic Region.
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Medicinal Properties

rooibos tea

Rooibos has been shown to contain anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, and potential anti-cancer properties. Studies suggest it may help protect the heart and prevent age-related changes in the brain.

Research indicates that rooibos consumption may improve lipid profiles, boost antioxidant status, and lower blood glucose levels in both healthy individuals and those at risk for chronic conditions. The tea has been shown to enhance high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good”) cholesterol levels while reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides.

Rooibos may help prevent the growth of angiotensin converting enzymes (ACEs), which can help reduce blood pressure. Some laboratory studies suggest it may inhibit tumor growth, though human studies are needed to confirm anti-cancer effects.
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Biochemical Information

Rooibos contains numerous bioactive compounds including flavonoids such as aspalathin, nothofagin, quercetin, orientin, isoorientin, isovitexin, vitexin, hyperoside, luteolin, and chrysoeriol. The processed leaves and stems contain benzoic and cinnamic acids. As a fresh leaf, rooibos contains high levels of ascorbic acid (vitamin C).

Aspalathin and nothofagin are unique polyphenols found in rooibos, making up more than 90% of the metabolites. Green (unfermented) rooibos contains approximately three times higher levels of total phenolic compounds than fermented red rooibos.
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Uses

green rooibos tea

Rooibos is primarily consumed as a caffeine-free herbal tea, prepared by steeping in hot water. It can be consumed plain or with additions like milk, lemon, sugar, or honey. It is also served as lattes, cappuccinos, or iced tea.

People use rooibos for various health conditions including:

Diabetes management and blood sugar control
Heart disease prevention
Weight management
Hay fever and allergies
Skin conditions such as acne and eczema
Digestive problems
Anxiety and insomnia
Age-related decline in memory and thinking skills

Rooibos is also used topically in cosmetic products and may help reduce wrinkles when applied to the skin.
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Formulas or Dosages

Human studies have used doses ranging from 200 ml to 1,200 ml of rooibos tea daily. Higher dosages (six cups or 1,200 ml daily) have shown more consistent positive effects in improving various health parameters during chronic supplementation.

For tea preparation, approximately 2 grams of loose leaf rooibos per 8 ounces of water is recommended. The tea should be steeped in boiling water for at least 5 minutes, with some experts recommending up to 10 minutes to increase antioxidant effectiveness.
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Nutrient Content

An 8-ounce serving of plain rooibos tea contains:

0 calories
0 grams protein
0 grams fat
0 grams carbohydrates
0 grams fiber
0 grams sugar

Rooibos also contains trace amounts of minerals including:

Copper
Fluoride
Potassium
Iron
Calcium
Magnesium

How Sold

Rooibos is available in various forms including tea bags, loose leaf tea, extracts, capsules, and as an ingredient in cosmetic products. Both fermented (red) and unfermented (green) varieties are commercially available, with red rooibos being more common due to its distinctive taste and aroma.
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07/24/2025 02:26 pm GMT

Warning

Rooibos is generally considered very safe with no serious side effects for most people when consumed in moderation. However, there have been rare case reports of liver toxicity associated with consuming large amounts of rooibos tea over extended periods.

People with liver conditions such as hepatitis should consider avoiding this beverage and consult with a healthcare professional. Rooibos may also interact with certain medications, particularly those processed by the liver and ACE inhibitors used for high blood pressure.

Some compounds isolated from rooibos leaves have shown estrogenic activity, so patients with hormone-sensitive cancers should use caution. There isn’t enough reliable information about the safety of rooibos during pregnancy and breast-feeding, so it’s recommended to avoid use during these times.

Rooibos may affect iron absorption, particularly among children, potentially leading to iron deficiency with regular consumption.
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