Always on the lookout for a new cup of tea to enjoy, I have recently taken to drinking a cup of rooibos, pronounced Roy-boss, after dinner. Also known as red tea or bush tea, rooibos hails from South Africa and is not really a "tea," but an herbal tisane. High in antioxidants this tisane is a great dessert substitute. It is caffeine free so it won't keep you up past your bedtime, and it is naturally sweet so you don't have to add extra calories in the form of some sweetener like sugar or honey.

The number of health claims is a little overwhelming. It is said to:

  • Ease irritability, headaches, nervous tension and insomnia.
  • Act as an anti-spasmodic agent, to relieve stomach cramps and colic in infants.
  • Can be used to treat hay fever, asthma and eczema.
  • Slow the aging process when placed directly on the skin.
  • Boost the immune system.

Unfortunately, the scientific studies of rooibos are limited and the few studies completed do not support the myriad of health claims. Rooibos is, however, high in many essential minerals, like: copper, iron, potassium, calcium, fluoride, zinc, and magnesium. It is also high in alpha-hydroxy, which is why it works on the skin topically.

I drink it for the taste and if it boosts my immune system that would be a great bonus. Numi Mellow Red Rooibos is my favorite because it is organic and fair trade. Do you like rooibos? Tell me in the comments section below.

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