Rooibos – a tea like no other. What is it and what makes it special?

This intriguing alternative to classic tea is gaining more popularity worldwide every year. Rooibos, or an infusion made from the leaves of the South African red bush, captivates not only with its beautiful colour and gentle flavour but also with a rich profile of health-promoting compounds backed by scientific research. But… is rooibos tea healthy? Can it be drunk during pregnancy? What are its properties and is it suitable for children and infants? You’ll find all the answers in our comprehensive guide to the world of Rooibos!

Summary:

1. What is rooibos tea? Discover the red bush from the ground up
2. Rooibos tea – impressive health benefits!
3. Rooibos tea for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women – is it healthy and safe?
4. Rooibos for everyday use – why is it worth drinking?

What is rooibos tea? Discover the red bush from the ground up

Although often called tea, rooibos is not a tea in the botanical sense. It is an infusion made from the leaves of the South African red bush (Aspalathus linearis) – a legume family plant that grows exclusively in one region of the world: the Cederberg mountains of South Africa. All global rooibos production originates from this area, and its cultivation and harvests are an important part of both the local culture and economy.

Aspalathus linearis features small, needle-like leaves with a greenish hue. After being harvested, the leaves are chopped, oxidised (fermented), and dried, which gives them their rich, reddish-amber colour and distinctive naturally sweet, slightly honeyed flavour. Depending on the processing method, there are two main types of rooibos:

• red rooibos (traditional) – fermented, with a vivid colour and a mellow, sweet-honey flavour,
• green rooibos – unfermented, with higher antioxidant content, a more “green”, plant-like aroma, and a mildly grassy taste.

Although the red bush has been used for centuries by indigenous African peoples, it wasn’t scientifically described or introduced to wider use until the late 19th century. Today, it stands among the leading alternatives to traditional teas and caffeine-free drinks worldwide – whether enjoyed on its own or blended with fruit, spices, or herbs.

So, how does rooibos differ from traditional tea, and why is it so popular?

• ✔ Caffeine-free – ideal for individuals sensitive to stimulants, children, pregnant women and the elderly.
• ✔ Free from tannins, which – in excess – may interfere with iron absorption from food.
• ✔ Contains unique antioxidants – such as aspalathin and nothofagin, both known for anti-inflammatory and cell-protective properties.
• ✔ Features a very mild flavour profile that often requires no sweetening – great for those reducing sugar intake.

How to brew rooibos tea? It’s truly simple!

Just pour about 200 ml of hot water (90-95°C) over 1-2 teaspoons of dried rooibos and steep for 5 to even 10 minutes. Rooibos doesn’t contain tannins, so it doesn’t become bitter even after long brewing. You can easily make a larger batch to store in a thermos or drink later as a cold beverage – with lemon, honey, or fresh fruit, it tastes just as delicious!

Thanks to its versatility, rooibos is also perfect as a base for iced drinks, infusions with spices (e.g., vanilla, cinnamon), or milk-and-honey-style “teas” – ideal for cosy evenings.

Rooibos tea – impressive health benefits!

Rooibos’ worldwide popularity is no coincidence – this South African infusion isn’t just a delicious treat, but also a treasure trove of valuable compounds that support human health on many levels. Unlike traditional teas, rooibos is not stimulating – quite the opposite – its effects are soothing, calming, and restorative. It’s caffeine-free, doesn’t cause restlessness or jitters, and can positively affect the digestive, immune and cardiovascular systems.

What’s in Rooibos tea and what are its properties?

The health-promoting effects of rooibos stem primarily from its unique chemical composition. Key players include:

• Aspalathin – an antioxidant unique to rooibos (not found in other teas) that helps regulate blood sugar levels.
• Nothofagin – a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, supports the nervous system and helps reduce oxidative stress.
• Rutin, luteolin and quercetin – well-known flavonoids that strengthen blood vessels and offer strong antioxidant properties.

💓 Rooibos and the cardiovascular system

Some research suggests that regular consumption of rooibos tea may support heart health. The antioxidants it contains help prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which contributes to atherosclerosis. What’s more, rooibos doesn’t contain caffeine and doesn’t raise blood pressure – so to the question does rooibos tea raise blood pressure, the answer is: no, on the contrary – it may lower it.

🛡️ Rooibos as immune support

Thanks to natural flavonoids and polyphenols that help reduce oxidative stress, rooibos can be a complementary part of a diet that promotes healthy immune system function. It may also help ease inflammation, making it a recommended drink during colds and respiratory infections.

🧬 Antioxidants – the body’s protective shield

Antioxidants neutralise free radicals, which are responsible for premature cell ageing and the development of many lifestyle diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and type 2 diabetes. Rooibos shows high antioxidant activity – especially in its green (unfermented) form.

🌿 Rooibos and digestive health

Rooibos tea is known for its soothing effects on the digestive tract, including the liver – it’s often used during bloating, intestinal cramps, and digestive issues. It contains no irritating tannins, doesn’t acidify the stomach, and may aid the body’s natural detoxification processes.

⚖️ Rooibos and metabolism – support in weight management

While it won’t replace exercise or a balanced diet, rooibos tea may be a helpful addition when trying to lose weight. It boosts metabolism, contains no sugar or calories, and its naturally sweet taste may reduce cravings for sweets.

All these qualities make the answer to the question is rooibos tea healthy? quite clear – yes! It’s a drink that can be a valuable addition to your daily diet – especially if you’re looking for a caffeine-free alternative to traditional tea. Before introducing it regularly, consult your doctor – particularly if you are on medication.

Rooibos tea for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women – is it healthy and safe?

One of the biggest advantages of rooibos is its versatility and gentle action. The absence of caffeine and tannins means that rooibos can be a safe alternative to traditional teas not only for adults but also for children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. In this part of the article, we’ll have a closer look at how rooibos can be used in these situations and what to consider when consuming it regularly during these particularly sensitive life stages.

Rooibos tea for babies and children – a gentle brew for the youngest ones

Thanks to its natural sweetness and delicate flavour, rooibos is an excellent beverage for children – especially when we want to reduce sugars in their diet. Importantly, rooibos does not contain caffeine, does not stimulate, and does not cause hyperactivity, making it a great choice during the day and in the evening.

Rooibos for children is best prepared from pure, unsweetened, natural blends without additives such as essential oils or intense spices – like Mary Rose Rooibos Superior available in our shop. It’s best to choose rooibos from trusted sources and prepare a slightly more diluted brew for little ones.

Rooibos tea during pregnancy – a gentle substitute for coffee and tea

During pregnancy, it’s important not only what we eat, but also what we drink. Many women limit their caffeine intake during this period – and rightly so. Rooibos can be an excellent alternative because it:

• ✔ contains no caffeine and does not affect blood pressure,
• ✔ is gentle on the stomach – it doesn’t acidify or irritate,
• ✔ contains antioxidants that support general immunity and wellbeing,
• ✔ helps maintain hydration, which is especially important during pregnancy.

Some women also notice that rooibos can ease symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn, which are common in pregnancy. However, everyone reacts differently – so it’s best to observe your own response after drinking the infusion.

Rooibos tea and breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a period when new mothers often seek warm, relaxing drinks that are caffeine-free and safe for their baby. Rooibos meets these criteria and can also:

• ✔ support hydration – important for milk production,
• ✔ replace tea or coffee – without the risk of overstimulation,
• ✔ provide a moment of relaxation with a cup of warm tea.

In South African culture, rooibos has been used for generations by breastfeeding women as a drink considered safe and neutral for infants. However, there are no European studies clearly confirming rooibos’ effect on lactation – so it's best considered a nutritious dietary addition, not a milk-producing aid.

And does rooibos tea have any contraindications? While it is regarded as exceptionally gentle and safe, like any plant-based product, it’s not entirely free of limitations. Rooibos does not contain caffeine or tannins and is stomach-friendly, but in very sensitive individuals, rare allergic reactions may occur. Caution is also advised for those on specific medications (e.g., hormones or antibiotics), as rooibos might affect the metabolism of certain active substances. So if you have any health conditions or take long-term medication – it's best to consult your doctor before incorporating rooibos into your daily routine. For healthy individuals, rooibos is generally well tolerated and can be a delicious and natural part of a balanced lifestyle.

As with any herbal beverage, it’s best to introduce rooibos to your diet gradually and after consulting your GP. Due to its delicacy and natural composition, rooibos can be a valuable part of the diet during times when safety and mildness matter most.

Rooibos for everyday use – why is it worth drinking?

Now that you know what rooibos is, what its health benefits are and who it’s suitable for, it’s time to ask yourself: why should you drink it regularly? While it may seem modest, this African infusion has so much to offer – both for your health and everyday comfort. For many people, rooibos is not just a substitute for black tea but also a step towards a more mindful lifestyle and a daily moment of calm.

As you can see, rooibos is far more than just “another tea”. It’s a daily dose of natural pleasure that can subtly enhance your wellbeing and lifestyle. And best of all – it’s simply delicious!

Have we convinced you to give rooibos tea a try and wondering where to buy it? Visit our shop and browse through our range of rooibos varieties – both classic and flavoured. Start your rooibos journey today and discover just how tasty a healthy choice can be!

Sources of information:

1. Wikipedia: Rooibos.
2. E. Joubert, Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) beyond the farm gate: From herbal tea to potential phytopharmaceutical, South African Journal of Botany, 2011.
3. M. Sasaki, N. Nishida, M. Shimada, A Beneficial Role of Rooibos in Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, Molecules, 2018.