Rooibos, also called “red tea”, unlike black, blue, green and white tea, does not come from the tea plant, but from another species native to South Africa, Aspalatus linearis. Aspalatus is a legume, but the process of preparing the leaves for infusion resembles that used for tea: this is why many people get confused.
Unlike real tea, Rooibos is free of theine, so it has no energizing properties, and it is also free of tannins, which are responsible for the bitter taste of pure tea. Like tea, however, Rooibos is rich in polyphenols, as well as flavonoids and vitamin C.
Rooibos has a delicately sweet taste, so it is useful for those on a diet who do not want to overdo it with sugar: this drink can also be enjoyed natural! The absence of theine means that it can be drunk even late at night; the magnesium present in the plant also increases the relaxing effect. Furthermore, flavonoids are powerful antioxidants, friends of well-being.
Another positive effect of Rooibos, perhaps the most well-known, is its action in contrasting cholesterol. When you drink the infusion of this plant, the body begins to secrete more bile. To cope with this increased production, the body removes cholesterol from the blood and uses it to produce the substance. Therefore, the amount of cholesterol in circulation is naturally reduced.
Rooibos is suitable for almost everyone: for pregnant women, because it combats the capillary fragility typical of the last months of pregnancy; for children, because it is free of theine; for those with high cholesterol and for those on a diet, for the reasons we have mentioned. Rooibos is also excellent for diabetics because it helps increase the secretion of insulin by the pancreas.
There are some people who may experience some mild discomfort from consuming Rooibos: these are those who suffer from gastritis or reflux. In fact, Rooibos stimulates the production of gastric juices, which can worsen the pain. Even those who suffer from kidney and liver diseases should consult their doctor if they want to take Rooibos herbal teas.
Given the antioxidant properties of Rooibos, it is used not only for infusions, but also in the form of skin and hair products. In addition to purchasing industrial products made with Rooibos, it is also possible to use the filtered infusion to make mouthwashes.
How do you prepare a Rooibos infusion? First you need to buy the leaves, which can be dried or fermented. The product should be infused in boiling water for about ten minutes and then filtered. For those who don't want to drink the herbal tea but still want to experience the benefits, there are also Rooibos capsules available in herbalist's shops.
In our shop we have a Rooibos blend available, called “Capetown” with reference to its place of origin, which uses organic leaves mixed with organic Honeybush.