Fabaceae
Rooibos
Aspalathus linearis
✓ Generally Safe
Safe in Pregnancy
Native to: Cederberg Mountains, South Africa (endemic)
Also known as: Red Bush Tea, South African Rooibos, Mountain Tea
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
LeafStem
Therapeutic Uses
Type 2 diabetes (aspalathin — unique antidiabetic compound), cardiovascular protection, allergic conditions, colic (infant use — safe), HIV adjunct, liver protection. Caffeine-free antioxidant tea.
Herbal Actions
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic (aspalathin — AMPK activation), anti-spasmodic, antiallergic, cardiovascular protective, hepatoprotective
Active Constituents
Aspalathin (primary unique dihydrochalcone, 5.8mg/g — antidiabetic), nothofagin, quercetin, luteolin, orientin, vitexin, isovitexin, rutin, phenolic acids, no caffeine
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea💊 Capsule
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 2 tsp per 250ml, steep 5 min, 3–6 cups daily — pleasant, sweet, caffeine-free |
| Tincture | Standardized aspalathin extract: 200mg 2x daily for metabolic conditions |
| Notes | Safe for all ages including infants (colic) and elderly. No caffeine — suitable evening beverage. Fermented (red) vs unfermented (green) rooibos: green has higher aspalathin. Traditional South African daily beverage with remarkable health profile. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Safe in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Caution with antidiabetics (additive). Anticoagulant effects possible. Otherwise extremely safe.
Side Effects: Very rare GI upset. Possible anticoagulant effects. Estrogenic effects (mild). Generally one of safest daily herbal beverages.