Rooibos is native to South Africa’s Western Cape region, where it is still primarily grown today. Dutch for “red bush,” rooibos is sometimes also called red tea or red bush tea. Although rooibos is an herbal tea, it has a similar taste and body to that of a black tea, with a bit of additional natural sweetness.
Beloved for its antioxidant properties as well as for its lack of caffeine, rooibos is a great alternative for those looking to move away from caffeinated tea or coffee. We’ll cover some of the benefits of rooibos tea, along with how to choose the right blend for you.
Benefits of rooibos tea
Some of the benefits of rooibos tea include high antioxidant levels, heart-healthy properties, anti-inflammatory properties, and more.
1. Caffeine-free
One of the main draws of rooibos is that it’s naturally caffeine free. This means that rooibos is a great alternative to black tea. Rooibos even comes in flavors similar to popular black tea blends, like Rooibos Chai and Earl Grey Rooibos. Many people who are trying to switch from coffee to tea or cut caffeine out of their diet find that rooibos is a delicious caffeine-free alternative.
2. Good for sleep
Since rooibos contains no caffeine, it’s also a good choice for winding down with in the evening. Blends like Vanilla Rooibos and Green Rooibos with Blossoms are warming, soothing, and relaxing. During warmer weather, rooibos blends also make excellent iced teas for cool off with at night.
3. High in antioxidants
Rooibos tea is high in antioxidants. Antioxidants are known for mitigating oxidative stress, and can help to protect the body against illness and disease. In some cases, antioxidants can even contribute to preventing certain cancers and neurodegenerative conditions.
4. Good for your heart
A cup of rooibos tea can also increase your heart health! Studies have shown that rooibos may have beneficial properties for people at risk of cardiovascular disease. While studies concerning rooibos and the cardiovascular system are still ongoing, drinking rooibos tea is still a simple way to give your heart a little boost.
5. Good for your bones
Rooibos tea may even help to improve your bone health. Studies suggest that drinking teas like rooibos tea, green tea, and black tea can also help to strengthen your bones.
6. Anti-inflammatory properties
Drinking rooibos tea can also help to reduce inflammation. Rooibos has anti-inflammatory properties that can assist in soothing pain from minor injuries and inflammatory conditions.
How to prepare rooibos tea
Like herbal teas, rooibos teas should be prepared using boiling water with a temperature of around 212 degrees. Use one teaspoon of tea leaves for every six ounces of water. Infuse the tea for five or more minutes, then remove the leaves and enjoy!
Our rooibos teas
At ArtfulTea, we have a variety of rooibos blends to choose from. These include fan-favorites like Earl Grey Rooibos and Rooibos Chai, as well as creative blends like Strawberry Mango Rooibos and Lemon Cream Rooibos. No matter what kind of tea you’re in the mood for, we’re sure to have one that strikes your fancy!
Chocolate Mint Rooibos
Rooibos blended with chocolate and peppermint is like dessert in a teacup! This sweet, minty blend is the perfect tea to relax and unwind with after dinner.
Earl Grey Rooibos
If you love the flavor of Earl Grey tea but want to avoid caffeine, this rooibos blend is for you! Quality oil of bergamot adds the essential ingredient to make this organic blend a completely caffeine-free version of Earl Grey. Add milk and sweetener if desired, or drink this tea "straight" - delicious either way.
Horchata Rooibos
Our Horchata Rooibos is an herbal tea blend inspired by horchata, a traditional Hispanic drink found at aguas frescas stands during summer festivals and fiestas. Many northern New Mexican restaurants also serve this classic rice milk drink. Flavored with cinnamon and other spices, it's creamy and refreshing on hot summer days.
Honeybush Hot Cider
Honeybush is a full-bodied cousin of rooibos with a slightly sweeter taste. The addition of apple, cinnamon, orange peel and licorice root give this blend its delicious hot cider flavor.
Lemon Cream Rooibos
Our lemon cream rooibos is an uplifting herbal delight. This organic rooibos has the enticing aroma of lemon chiffon cake, and the smooth satisfying taste of a lemon cream. Excellent hot or iced.
Peach Rooibos
Our Peach Rooibos blends green rooibos with red rooibos, and gets its fruity sweet character from the addition of peach bits, blackberry leaves and calendula petals.
Rooibos Chai
Rooibos Chai tea is a traditional blend of chai spices (including cinnamon, cardamom, ginger root, coriander, cloves and pepper) blended with organic South African rooibos for a caffeine-free version of chai. Add milk and honey for a more classic taste, or try this blend "straight" for a spicier cup.
Strawberry Mango Rooibos
Juicy organic mango combines with sweet organic strawberry to create a delicious, refreshing and flavor-filled tea with no calories and no caffeine, yet tons of antioxidants. Wonderful served hot, exceptional served iced.
Vanilla Rooibos
Vanilla Rooibos is rich and sweet, with a full body and a smooth finish. This delicious and decadent tea is great on its own or with a splash of milk and sweetener, and makes a perfect after-dinner cup.
Green Rooibos with Blossoms
Green rooibos is unoxidized (not roasted) and has all the benefits of regular rooibos with a somewhat lighter taste. This flavorful “fruit and flower” blend features rose petals, sunflower petals, blueberries, and cornflower petals.
Green Rooibos
Lighter and milder than traditional rooibos, green rooibos is a great choice when you’re looking for a more delicate cup of herbal tea.
Rooibos
Naturally sweet and caffeine-free, plain organic rooibos is a classic for a reason! If you’re looking for a simple, unflavored herbal tea, this rooibos is a great choice.
Our Rooibos Tea Collection >>>
FAQs
Does rooibos have caffeine?
Rooibos is naturally caffeine-free. This makes it a good alternative to black tea and other caffeinated beverages if you’re looking to steer clear of caffeine.
Can I put milk in rooibos tea?
Yes, you can add milk to rooibos teas! Some rooibos blends, like Vanilla Rooibos and Rooibos Chai, go especially well with milk.
What does rooibos taste like?
Rooibos tea has a pleasant natural sweetness, with nutty, earthy, and vanilla notes.
How long should you steep rooibos tea?
Infuse rooibos tea for five or more minutes. Unlike caffeinated teas, rooibos won’t become bitter if you steep it for a longer period of time.
Is green rooibos the same as green tea?
While they may sound similar, green rooibos and green tea are actually two different types of tea. Green rooibos refers to unroasted rooibos tea leaves, while green tea refers to unoxidized tea leaves from the camellia sinensis tea plant.
Does rooibos have oxalates?
Unlike tea made from the camellia sinensis tea plant, rooibos is very low in oxalates, which means that it’s a great choice if you’re looking to avoid oxalates in your diet. Be sure to avoid blends with oxalate-rich ingredients like ginger or citrus.
