Rooibos - Aspalathus linearis

Common Names: Rooibos, Red Bush, Aspalathus linearis, African Red Tea, Rooibos Tea, Bush Tea, Herbal Red Tea, Rooitee, South African Red Tea

Latin Name: Aspalanthus linearis

Origin: Africa

Short Introduction

The Rooibos plant thrives in a very limited area within the Cederberg region of South Africa's Western Cape province. Although the species is not considered ecologically endangered, its presence is reduced in some locations due to various pressures, leading to declining plant populations. The worldwide demand for Rooibos is constantly increasing, prompting the expansion of plantations internationally. However, the presence of livestock and wildlife, invasive plants, climate change, and uncontrolled wild Rooibos harvesting are all challenges to the healthy growth and sustainability of cultivated Rooibos. Planting begins from late February to early March, with harvest occurring under six months later. The leaves are handpicked and collected in sacks, where they are gently bruised and allowed to oxidize to develop the distinct reddish-brown color known for classic Rooibos, though green (unoxidized) Rooibos is also produced.

Rooibos occurs naturally in a stretch from Vanrhynsdorp in the north to the Cape Peninsula and Betty's Bay in the south. This region is characterized by cool, wet winters, warm dry summers, and annual rainfall of about 300–350 mm. Rooibos is made exclusively from a single, well-defined species found in the Cederberg mountains, thriving in sandy soils near rivers. For optimal growth, Rooibos requires plenty of sun, occasional shade, consistently moist soil, and high humidity—it is considered quite demanding regarding its environment. Traditionally, collectors would climb mountainsides to carefully cut the delicate, needle-like wild Rooibos leaves, roll them into bundles, and carry them down the steep slopes, often on the backs of donkeys. The leaves would then be chopped with axes or hammered blades before being left to dry in the sun.

Detailed Description

A naturally caffeine-free, health-promoting tea loved by those who seek a wholesome lifestyle.

Botanical Information

Rooibos is a perennial, evergreen upright shrub or bush that can reach up to 2 meters in height. Young plants may display delicate, often reddish twigs. The leaves are fine, needle-like, pinnate, measuring 15–60 mm in length and about 1 mm in thickness, forming clusters without petioles. Rooibos blooms between May and July, featuring slightly yellowish flowers. Its fruit is a small, harpoon-shaped pod containing one or two seeds. Therapeutically, the stem may also be used.

Origin and Distribution

During the 16th and 17th centuries, explorers and botanists traveling around South Africa's Cederberg region marveled at a curious 'good plant' that locals cultivated for its healing properties. In 1772, the Swedish botanist Carl Thunberg noted that the local population brewed tea from a Rooibos-like or 'red bush' plant. Rooibos became a practical alternative to black tea for Dutch settlers, as imported black tea was expensive and supply to European colonialists was unreliable.

In 1904, Benjamin Ginsberg was captivated by this wild species and, over subsequent years, led experiments that resulted in today's perfected Rooibos cultivar. He borrowed the Chinese method of processing fine Keemun tea by fermenting Rooibos in barrels under humid conditions, mimicking bamboo basket processing techniques. Together with Dr. Le Fras Notier, he mastered the targeted cultivation of this plant in the local environment. Their success led Ginsberg to encourage local farmers to cultivate Rooibos, knowing it would become a lucrative venture.

This gave rise to the Klein Kliphuis farm, where, over ten years, the price of Rooibos seeds—and the plant itself—multiplied, turning it into one of the world’s most valuable traded botanical commodities. Since then, Rooibos’ popularity has soared locally and globally. Today, traditional brands continue to pride themselves on their heritage processing methods and offer an ever-increasing variety of flavor blends.

Usage / Dosage

In South Africa, drinking Rooibos tea with milk and sugar is common, while elsewhere in the world, it’s often enjoyed plain or sometimes with lemon for added flavor. Rooibos tea produces a reddish-brown infusion, earning it the nickname 'red tea,' with a naturally sweet, nutty aroma. In today's wellness-focused world, Rooibos is especially sought after for its remarkable antioxidant content and total absence of caffeine, appealing to those leading a healthy lifestyle.

Modern herbalists specializing in exotic plants recommend Rooibos extracts as an effective aid for managing nervous tension and stress, allergies, or digestive issues. In South African traditional medicine, Rooibos is used to soothe infant colic and allergies, especially those affecting the respiratory system (including asthma).

In vitro studies indicate that Rooibos constituents inhibit xanthine oxidase, an enzyme that converts purines to uric acid. This property suggests potential therapeutic effects for managing gout. Studies show that high concentrations of Rooibos infusions taken orally exhibit about half the efficacy of low-dose allopurinol, a medication commonly prescribed for gout due to xanthine oxidase inhibition.

Among Rooibos's flavonoids are quercetin and luteolin, which have shown promise in laboratory tests for destroying cancer cells and supporting the flexibility and quality of blood vessel walls. These compounds have also found use in reducing the severity of venous thrombotic events, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids. Notably, Rooibos does not contain epigallocatechin, a flavonoid present in green tea and other plants.

A unique polysaccharide isolated from Rooibos has demonstrated significant in vitro ability to inhibit HIV virus activity by binding to T-lymphocyte cells and blocking virus-cell interactions. Thanks to its high fluoride content, Rooibos can help address frequent dental caries. The astringent effects of tannins also make Rooibos useful as an astringent or remedy for diarrhea. In cosmetics, regular use of Rooibos is recommended as a natural anti-aging supplement. Herbal reference guides also recommend Rooibos for digestive distress, cramps, vomiting, ulcers, constipation, and heartburn.

Rooibos compounds have also shown excellent results at high concentrations for reducing high cholesterol in conjunction with medication, and the combination of fluoride with other minerals helps promote strong bones. Externally, Rooibos is recommended for repeated washes or applied soaked in gauze to treat skin problems such as eczema and dermatitis.

Active Compounds

Rooibos contains vitamin C, flavonoids, tannins (a type of polyphenol), polysaccharides, alpha hydroxy acids, and minerals including calcium, copper, iron, potassium, zinc, manganese, and fluoride. It is naturally free of sugars and caffeine, making it an ideal beverage alternative for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children.

Traditional Dosage

Rooibos can be consumed as needed throughout the day. Herbal practitioners note that drinking Rooibos regularly three times daily may help alleviate minor ailments and support overall wellness. Prepare the tea by steeping up to 10g of dried Rooibos in 500ml of water at 90°C to 100°C.