Rooibos (pronounced “roy-boss”) is a red tea grown the mountainous Cedarberg area north of Cape Town in South Africa.
During the summer months the Rooibos plants are harvested, fermented and dried in the sun. The sun induces the change from verdant green to the mahogany red of Rooibos tea.
The slightly sweet tea is free of caffeine and is low in tannin which inhibits absorption of minerals, and is often used during breastfeeding to supplement iron levels.
Lately, Rooibos has been the subject of many scientific studies in Japan and South Africa. Researchers in Japan are studying the effects of the oligosaccharides in Rooibos, and have discovered that these compounds may aid the immune system in fighting viral infections. Other studies have shown that the tea relieves insomnia, nervous tension, mild depression, stomach cramps (including colic), constipation, and allergic symptoms (even those caused by hay fever and asthma).
Rooibos is available from gourmet supermarkets and health food stores.
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