1 ounce $ 1.17

General Description: Aspalathus linearis is a hardy drought resistant herbal shrub native to the mountainous regions of the north western cape of South Africa. Considered an indigenous medicinal plant, Rooibos grows up to six feet in height with a central, smooth-barked main stem that subdivides into a number of strong offshoots followed by delicate side branches bearing soft, long needle like leaves up to 10cm long. Blossoms are small, yellow flowers that produce a legume containing a single seed. RedBush has an extraordinarily long taproot that can grow up to 2m for a full grown bush. The leaves turn a beautiful amber red brick color when bruised, allowed to ferment and then dried in the sun.

Chemical Composition: Rooibos is particularly rich in antioxidants including aspalathin, an anti oxidant not identified in any other source, Flavonoids including quercetin, luteolin, orientin, iso-orientin, vitexin and iso-vitexin; Polyphenols; complex polysaccharides; vitamins; minerals including iron, potassium, calcium, manganese, fluoride, copper, zinc; and alpha hydroxy acids. It does not contain caffeine, and it has a very low tannin content.

Pharmacology or Biological Activities:
Rooibos has considerable anti aging and detoxification benefits. It is reported to suppress cancer producing cells as well as protecting your body from free radical damage. Other beneficial properties include: lowered blood pressure (hypotensive), contribution to the reduction of heart disease, anti inflammatory, anti spasmodic, antiviral (Japanese studies show activity against HIV virus), anti allergy (interferes with histamines) and anti anxiety properties useful for restless leg syndrome and insomnia.

Traditional/Historical Medicine: Rooibos is a safe drink for both pregnant women and those suffering from kidney stones. Traditionally Rooibos is used internally to treat digestive problems such as nausea, heartburn, vomiting and colic in babies as well as allergy attacks, restlessness, insomnia and pain resulting from inflammation. Externally the tea made from Rooibos is used for soothing and healing skin irritations such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and diaper rash.

Click on our fine products containing Rooibos:

	Apple Cinnamon Purify Tea Blend
	Longevity Herbal Tea Blend
	Immune Boost Herbal Tea Blend
	Vitamin C Herbal Tea Blend

References:
Joubert & Ferreira - Antioxidants and Redbush Tea - a possible explanation for its health giving properties - The South African Journal of Food Science & Nutrition, 1996: 8: 79-83.

Yoshikawa, Naito, Oyamada - Scavenging effects of Roobios Tea - IN. Antioxidants in Therapy & Preventative Medicine. Plenum Press, New York, 1990: 171 - 4.

Shindo & Kato - Effect of Rooibos on some dermatological diseases. Division of Dermatology, Shinonoi General Hospital, Nagano, Japan, 1991

Marais - Struktur en sintese van metaboliete uit rooibostee - University of Orange Free State, South Africa, 1996.

Snyckers & Salemi - Studies of South African medicinal plants. Part 1. Quercetin as the major in vitro active component of rooibos tea. Journal of South African Chemical Institute, 1974: 27: 5-7.

C. Rabe, J.A Steenkamp, E Joubert, J.F.W Burger and D. Ferreira. Phenolic metabolites from rooibos tea (redbush tea/ aspalathus linearis)

C. Marais, J.A. Steenkamp and D. Ferreira The occurrence of phenylpyruvic acid in woody plants: biosynthetic significance.