Red bush tea comes from a South African plant called Rooibus, (Aspalathus linearis is the botanical name.)
(The drink made from steeping the rooibus leaves is not a real tea, since tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia family of plants, which give us green tea, white tea, black tea, oolong tea, etc.; but using the term "tea" to describe infusions of other plants is generally understood, so I will use it here.)
The leaves of the Rooibus plant are green, but they turn red when they have been bruised and allowed to dry in the sun. This natural fermentation is the traditional way rooibus leaves are processed. After fermentation, the tea brewed from the leaves becomes very red.
Some of the benefits of drinking green or black tea lie with their high content of antioxidants which can bind to free radicals in the body to help prevent oxidative damage to body cells. Some of these antioxidants are polyphenols including catechins. But tea has a drawback, if you are sensitive to caffeine.
Rooibos is also a good source of antioxidants and polyphenols, but has no caffeine.
Rooibos also has a very low tannin content, so it brews a very smooth tea, and has a sweet, mild flavor.
Rooibos has been used as an herbal remedy for a long time, it is safe enough to use in infants, and has been used to settle colicky infants, and as a wash to treat diaper rash. In Japan, it is also used as a natural remedy for acne, both as a topical application, and taken as tea.
Researchers have found that rooibos decreases histamine production, and is also rich in quercetin, a natural anti-inflammatory. Regular consumption may help allergy and hayfever problems.
Rooibos tea soothes the digestive system, helps digestion, and improves the appetite, and is often recommended for digestive discomfort.
Drinking rooibos calms the nervous system, and helps relieve insomnia, and soothes nervous tension and irritability.
Rooibos contains natural fluoride, and many other trace minerals.
Rooibos can be brewed the sams as regular tea, but can be steeped longer without becoming bitter because of the low tannin content. Since it is naturally caffeine free, it can be enjoyed all day, even by those who are sensitive to caffeine.
Rooibos is widely available, most grocery stores carry several varieties, generally in the same aisle as regular and herbal teas.
