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What are the Benefits of Rooibos Tea?

Laura M. Sands
Laura M. Sands

Among the many benefits of rooibos tea are that it is known to have a calming affect on the nervous system, it may also ease the symptoms of insomnia and it is commonly used to relieve minor skin irritations. Also known as red tea or red bush tea, rooibos is an herbal tea and, therefore, completely free of caffeine. The benefits of rooibos tea cause it to be appreciated by many at the end of a day just before bedtime.

The benefits of rooibos tea can be obtained by drinking the tea hot or cold. When used to soothe skin irritations, it may also be applied topically. In addition to its calming affect on the nerves and skin, some also use rooibos tea to soothe colic in infants, upset stomachs, eczema and headaches.

It is said that Rooibos tea has a calming effect on the nervous system.
It is said that Rooibos tea has a calming effect on the nervous system.

Red tea grows naturally in South Africa, but is also cultivated in other parts of the world for personal use, as well as commercial distribution. While other tea varieties are high in antioxidants, particularly green tea, rooibos has as much as 50 times the amount of the superoxide dismutase enzyme, which protects against oxidation. Such strong antioxidant properties are frequently counted among the main benefits of rooibos tea.

Rooibos tea has been used to soothe colic in infants.
Rooibos tea has been used to soothe colic in infants.

Other teas that contain caffeine cause sleeplessness if consumed late in the day or just before bedtime. Red tea, on the other hand, produces the opposite effect and helps calm anxiety. One of the main benefits of rooibos tea cited by regular drinkers is that it does not contain caffeine and can, therefore, be enjoyed at any time of the day.

Red bush tea is also believed to be effective in helping individuals who struggle with depression and irritability. Another of the many benefits of rooibos tea is that it does not contain high amounts of tannin as other teas do and, therefore, does not reduce the body’s ability to absorb protein and iron. In addition to its health properties, rooibos tea is also used to tenderize meat, as well as to dye hair.

Rooibos tea may help treat insomnia.
Rooibos tea may help treat insomnia.

When used topically, another of the benefits of rooibos tea is that it helps relieve itching. Applied to skin irritations caused by an allergic skin rash, eczema or acne, red tea soothes skin. Rooibos tea is also known to contain important nutrients the body needs for optimal functioning, such as magnesium and zinc, which contribute to a calm nervous system, as well as manganese and calcium.

Discussion Comments

ysmina

I had no idea that rooibos has so many different benefits. I drink the tea for the antioxidants, but now I know of all its benefits, I might drink it for other reasons as well.

The best parts about rooibos are that it tastes good and it's caffeine free. So aside from getting my daily dose of antioxidants to keep my body strong and healthy, I can also enjoy this tea in the evening or before bed without side effects. I think it helps soothe the stomach as well because it did relieve a stomach ache for me once.

turquoise

@fBoyle-- Yes, I drink rooibos tea partly for this reason. The tea is believed to be anti-diabetic. It can help prevent type 2 diabetes and it can help lower blood sugar levels in diabetics.

I'm at risk for type 2 diabetes and it runs in my family. So I am drinking rooibos tea regularly, hoping that it will help. Of course, diet and exercise are most important for diabetics. So a diabetic can't eat harmful foods and then drink rooibos hoping that it will counter the negative effects. But drinking rooibos tea regularly can help balance blood sugar levels in the long term. You might want to try the tea for this.

fBoyle

Does rooibos tea have any benefits for diabetics? I mean, does it help lower or balance blood sugar? Does anyone know?

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    • It is said that Rooibos tea has a calming effect on the nervous system.
      By: NataliTerr
      It is said that Rooibos tea has a calming effect on the nervous system.
    • Rooibos tea has been used to soothe colic in infants.
      By: Dmytro Panchenko
      Rooibos tea has been used to soothe colic in infants.
    • Rooibos tea may help treat insomnia.
      By: bramgino
      Rooibos tea may help treat insomnia.
    • Rooibos tea is also known as red bush tea.
      By: strixcode
      Rooibos tea is also known as red bush tea.
    • Red bush tea is rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C.
      By: spotmatikphoto
      Red bush tea is rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C.