Rooibos: Properties, Benefits, Contraindications, and How to Prepare It as an Infusion
Aspalathus linearis
Table of contents
What is Rooibos and what is it used for?
Rooibos is a plant native to South Africa, specifically Aspalathus linearis, a small shrub that grows wild in the Cederberg mountains. Its name in Afrikaans means “red bush,” referring to the reddish hue its leaves take on after sun oxidation, when they develop their characteristic sweet, fruity flavour.
Although it is often called “rooibos tea”, it does not come from the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) and contains no theine or caffeine, making it a natural, relaxing infusion.
Traditionally, South African people have used rooibos for medicinal purposes since the 17th century, and today its consumption has spread to more than 140 countries. Its success lies both in its pleasant flavour and in its multiple health benefits, thanks to its richness in antioxidants, minerals and vitamins.
Among its main properties, rooibos is known for its antioxidant, digestive, anti-allergy and remineralising action. It is also credited with anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects, helping to strengthen the immune system and protect the body against cellular ageing.
How many types of Rooibos are there?
Although we usually talk about “rooibos” as if it were a single variety, there are actually two main types depending on their processing: red rooibos and green rooibos. Both come from the same plant —Aspalathus linearis— but differ in how the leaves are treated after harvest, resulting in different flavours, aromas and properties.
Red rooibos
This is the most traditional and popular version (fermented Red Rooibos). The leaves are oxidised in the sun, acquiring their characteristic reddish tone and a sweet, smooth and slightly woody flavour. This process also enhances its antioxidant action and mineral richness. It is the ideal infusion for those seeking a relaxing, comforting, caffeine-free drink, perfect for any time of day.
Green rooibos
In this variety (unfermented Green Rooibos), the leaves are dried quickly to prevent oxidation, similar to green tea. This preserves more of the natural antioxidants, especially aspalathin, a flavonoid with a potent anti-ageing effect. Its flavour is more herbal and fresh, and it’s excellent for those looking for a lighter, more vegetal profile.
Properties of Rooibos
Rooibos is one of the most nutritionally complete infusions. Its natural composition, free of theine and rich in minerals and antioxidants, makes it a healthy drink ideal for any time of day.
Natural antioxidant: contains flavonoids, vitamin C and quercetin, which combat free radicals responsible for cellular ageing.
Anti-inflammatory and antiviral: its phenolic compounds help reduce inflammation and strengthen the body’s defences against viruses and bacteria.
Rich in essential minerals: provides iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium, zinc and fluoride, essential to maintain the body’s balance.
Digestive and antispasmodic: relieves stomach discomfort, cramps and heavy digestion, thanks to the calming action of its flavonoids.
Natural antihistamine: contains quercetin and aspalathin, which regulate histamine production and help prevent or relieve respiratory and skin allergies.
Isotonic and remineralising: ideal after sport, as it helps rehydrate and replenish lost electrolytes.
Ally for skin and bones: its fluoride, calcium and manganese content supports bones, teeth and joints, and helps improve skin hydration and elasticity.
Free of theine and caffeine: can be enjoyed at any time and is suitable for children.
Benefits of Rooibos
Having a cup of rooibos is much more than enjoying a caffeine-free infusion. Thanks to its natural balance of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, rooibos provides multiple benefits for overall health and wellbeing.
Delays cellular ageing: its high concentration of antioxidants combats free radicals, helping to keep skin younger and the body better protected against oxidative stress.
Strengthens the immune system: rooibos polyphenols, vitamin C and flavonoids reinforce the body’s natural defences, helping to prevent infections and colds.
Supports digestive health: an excellent ally to relieve acidity, gas or heavy digestion, acting as a natural antispasmodic and calming the digestive system.
Prevents anaemia and improves iron levels: its iron content, combined with vitamin C, favours absorption of this mineral, helping to prevent fatigue and low energy.
Acts as a natural antihistamine: thanks to quercetin and aspalathin, it helps reduce symptoms of seasonal, skin or respiratory allergies without causing drowsiness.
Contributes to mental wellbeing and rest: magnesium and antioxidants in rooibos help reduce stress, relax the nervous system and promote more restorative sleep.
Supports cardiovascular health: rooibos has been observed to help improve circulation and maintain balanced cholesterol levels, protecting arteries and the heart.
Rehydrates and remineralises the body: a natural isotonic drink, perfect for restoring minerals after exercise or during hot weather.
How to prepare Rooibos as an infusion
Preparing a delicious cup of rooibos is very easy, and its versatility lets you enjoy it hot or cold, on its own or combined with milk, plant-based drinks or a touch of honey. Its naturally sweet, fruity flavour means it doesn’t need added sugar. Follow these steps for the perfect rooibos:
Heat the water to around 95 °C, without boiling.
Add 2 grams of rooibos (one teaspoon) per 200 ml of water.
Infuse for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on your preferred intensity.
Strain the infusion and enjoy immediately, or let it cool if you want to drink it iced.
Contraindications of Rooibos
Rooibos is one of the safest and best-tolerated infusions. As it contains no caffeine or theine, it can be enjoyed at any time of day and is suitable for children, pregnant women, older adults or people with hypertension. Nevertheless, like any plant with active compounds, it’s advisable to be aware of some precautions before excessive or prolonged consumption. Below are the main contraindications of rooibos:
- Moderate consumption in people with liver problems: some studies suggest that very high rooibos intake (several concentrated cups per day over long periods) could affect liver function in people with pre-existing liver conditions.
Caution with pharmacological treatments: if you are on continuous medical treatments, especially anticoagulant or hormonal drugs, consult your doctor before regular rooibos consumption.
Possible interaction with iron supplements: although rooibos contains iron, it also has small amounts of tannins that could slightly reduce absorption of this mineral if consumed with meals or supplements. Ideally, drink it between meals.
Does not replace medical treatments: despite its recognised antioxidant, digestive and relaxing properties, rooibos should be considered a natural complement, never a substitute treatment.
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.