Rooibos Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses
Scientific Name: Aspalathus linearis
Common Names: Aspalathin, Aspalathus acuminatus, Aspalathus contaminata, Borbornia pinfolia, isovitexin, Kaffree tea, long life tea, quercetin, red bush tea, Redbush tea, red tea, rutin
Properties: Anti-viral, Anti-inflammatory, Antiglycemic (Antidiabetic), Anti-hypertensive, Skin-care
What is Rooibos?
Rooibos is the Aspalathus linearis plant, a shrub native to South Africa. A tea made from rooibos, also known as red bush tea, is a popular drink similar to other teas but is caffeine-free. Roobois plant parts have been used traditionally in South Africa but the tea is becoming increasingly popular in Western culture.1,2
Rooibos Health Uses and Health Benefits
Rooibos health benefits include being an antioxidant tea due to its content of polyphenols. Antioxidants like polyphenols in rooibos help to reduce the effects of oxidative stress on the body, preventing chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes. Roobois tea is also taken to help reduce the effects of allergic reactions such as asthma, hay fever and skin irritations like eczema.1,2,3
References
- https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Aspalathus+linearis
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0254629911001086
- https://www.hindawi.com/journals/omcl/2014/716832/