Herb library

Rooibos

Aspalathus linearis

Rooibos, a South African shrub, makes a naturally caffeine free, gently sweet tea. It is a soothing everyday brew used in households for comfort, digestive ease, and as a mild, hydrating warm drink for children (over one year) and adults.

Traditionally used for.

• •Traditionally served as a caffeine free, warming tea for children and adults, often given at mealtimes or before bed for gentle calm and hydration.
• •Traditionally used as a soothing warm drink for mild digestive upset, such as bloating or an unsettled stomach after eating.
• •A long-standing household remedy for a mild, comforting cup when someone has a cough or sore throat, often given with honey for adults and children over one year.
• •Traditionally used as a caffeine free beverage base for flavored blends and cooling iced teas, useful when avoiding stimulants.

Simple preparations.

• •Simple Rooibos Tea: Use 1 heaping teaspoon (about 2.5 g) loose rooibos or 1 teabag per 8 fl oz (240 ml) water. Pour freshly boiled water over leaves, steep 5 to 7 minutes, then strain. Serve warm or cool. Add honey for adults or lemon to taste.
• •Cold Brew Iced Rooibos: Place 2 teaspoons loose rooibos per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cold water in a jar, cover, and refrigerate 6 to 8 hours or overnight. Strain and serve over ice, keeps 2 to 3 days refrigerated.
• •Soothing Compress or Gargle for Sore Throat: Make a strong infusion using 1 tablespoon rooibos per 8 fl oz (240 ml) boiling water, steep 10 minutes, strain. Use cooled infusion as a gargle or soak a clean cloth in it and apply as a warm compress to the throat for 10 to 15 minutes. Discard after single use.

Cautions.

• !Rooibos is generally mild and caffeine free, but very large amounts could affect liver enzymes in sensitive individuals; use usual culinary amounts and check with your doctor if concerned.
• !Use caution adding honey: do not give honey to infants under one year of age.
• !Those with severe iron deficiency should be aware that tannin-containing beverages can slightly reduce iron absorption when taken with meals; drink between meals if this is a concern.
• !If you are pregnant, nursing, taking prescription medications, or have a chronic health condition, check with your doctor before making large changes to herbal beverage use.

Often kept beside.