Chapter 6 – Rooibos Tea (Varieties, Health Benefits, Steeping)

Rooibos teas are made from Red Bush trees which are commonly found in South Africa. The teas are generally sweet and the processing involves harvesting the leaves from the red bushes before they are grinded and bruised. Once the grinding and bruising processes are complete, the tea is left to ferment and then is dried to generate a reddish brown needle-like tea.  Green rooibos tea on the other hand is not fermented and therefore it has a lighter flavor when compared to the red rooibos. Neither green or red rooibos have any caffeine. Rooibos teas are often mixed with Herbal Teas for improved flavor.

Rooibos Tea Steeping Recommendations

Preparation of rooibos tea doesn’t differ much with that of herbal teas. You should bring the water to boil, add your tea into the water, and allow to steep for 5-6 minutes before separating the tea from the leaves.  Drink when the temperature is comfortable for you .

Health Benefits of Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea has high levels of antioxidants including nothofagin and aspalathin. It is also caffeine-free plus it is low in tannin compared to un-oxidized green teas and oxidized black teas. It has numerous phenolic compounds such as flavones, flavanols, dihydrochalcones and flavanones. Also:

• It aids in dealing with digestive problems and helps with nervous tension thus boosting relaxation levels.

• It also helps in fighting different types of cancers

• It is good in alleviating colic, infantile, asthma and dermatological issues.

• It is ideal for people with insomnia as it helps to relax the mind for peaceful sleep.