Rooibos

Traditionally used for

• Promote relaxation and support restful sleep
• Ease digestive discomfort and colic in infants
• Support skin health and reduce irritation

Quick facts

Pairs well with

Common questions

Does rooibos tea have caffeine?

No. Rooibos is naturally caffeine free right from the plant, so the decaf versions shoppers seek are simply standard rooibos with a different label; there is no caffeine to remove. It is also low in tannins. Together, those qualities make it a cup people tend to pour at nine at night instead of nine in the morning, matching how rooibos is traditionally used to help with relaxation and restful sleep.

Can you mix rooibos and cinnamon tea?

Digestion is where they overlap: rooibos is traditionally used to ease digestive discomfort, and cinnamon is traditionally used to do the same. That means a spiced cup serves more than one role. Rooibos chai follows this idea, combining warm spice with a caffeine free base. Begin with less cinnamon because it is the stronger flavor. Both plants carry a liver caution in high amounts. Cinnamon may also lower blood sugar or interact with blood thinners, and therapeutic doses are not for pregnancy.

Can you mix rooibos and chamomile tea?

Yes. The two plants have plenty in common. Both are traditionally used to support sleep and digestion, so combining them in one pot does not dilute either role. Their sweetness layers nicely as well, with chamomile's apple and honey notes over rooibos's nutty base. Equal parts is a sensible starting point. The cautions come from chamomile. Because it belongs to the daisy family, anyone who reacts to ragweed or chrysanthemums should avoid it. It may also interact with blood thinners and sedatives.

What herbs blend well with rooibos?

Chamomile, lavender and cinnamon are the three main pairings. Chamomile and lavender are traditionally used to support sleep, while cinnamon is traditionally used to support digestion, so choose according to the direction you want for the cup. Lavender shifts the character most, bringing floral, slightly herbaceous notes to a smooth base. Start with less, then taste before adding more. Lavender also has cautions involving sedative medications, surgery and pregnancy.

What does rooibos tea taste like?

It is naturally sweet, smooth and slightly nutty. The sweetness is strong enough that many people do not add honey, unusual for a tea that looks so deep red in the cup. Aspalathus linearis is also low in tannins, which keeps it soft rather than drying in the mouth. Its natural sweetness helps vanilla and chocolate versions work well, because rooibos rests beneath those flavors instead of competing with them.

Who should avoid rooibos?

Very few people need to avoid it. Rooibos is generally well tolerated and has minimal side effects. The main caution concerns the liver: high amounts may affect liver enzymes, and rooibos may interact with medications metabolized by the liver. Anyone taking a daily prescription should check with their provider before making it a regular habit instead of assuming herbal tea is automatically neutral. In moderate amounts, rooibos is considered safe for children and during pregnancy.

Can you grow rooibos in containers?

Rooibos does not suit a windowsill. This South African shrub gives red bush tea, but keeping one in a balcony pot will not produce a harvest. How disappointing that feels depends on how strongly you want to grow your own. The tea itself is easy to find and very simple to prepare, since rooibos is consumed as tea or as a plain infusion.

Safety

Generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects. May affect liver enzymes in high amounts. May interact with certain medications metabolized by the liver. Safe for children and during pregnancy in moderate amounts.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

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