Products
Rooibos tea is available, for example, in pharmacies, drugstores and grocery stores. The name rooibos comes from Afrikaans and means “red bush”. The tea is therefore also called red bush tea.
Stem plant
The plant belongs to the legume family (Fabaceae). It is native to South Africa, where the tea is cultivated and very popular.
Medicinal drug
The needle-like leaves and thin twigs of the plant are used as medicinal roe. After harvesting, they are usually subjected to fermentation and drying, and due to the oxidation of polyphenols, they acquire their reddish-brown color and typical smell and taste. Unfermented (green) rooibos tea also enters the market, but it is less common.
Ingredients
Ingredients include:
- Flavonoids, dihydrochalcones, e.g. aspalathin and aspalalinin.
- Comparatively few tannins
- Minerals
- Essential oils
Effects
Rooibos tea has shown antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antidiabetic properties, among others, in in vitro and in vivo studies (selection). The antioxidant activity of green rooibos tea is stronger than that of red rooibos tea.
Indications for use
Rooibos is commonly drunk as a stimulant in Europe. Medical applications are discussed, for example, diabetes mellitus. Traditional folk medicine also knows various uses.
Dosage
Rooibos tea is usually prepared as an infusion and allowed to steep for a maximum of 10 minutes. It can also be drunk with a little milk, sugar or honey.
Contraindications
Complete precautions are not available.
Adverse effects
Rooibos tea generally appears to be well tolerated.
