Rooibos, Just the Facts

Rooibos (pronounced "Roy-boss"), botanical name Aspalathus linearis, is clearly gaining popularity in the US due in part to all the hype surrounding the South African herb. I personally get many questions about Rooibos and the various properties and benefits it delivers. Like everyone else I can get drawn up in the "hype" so I decided to do an in-depth look at exactly what we do and do not know about Rooibos and here is what I found;

History and Trends

- Rooibos has a 300-year history with the first botanical reference recorded in 1772.
- It is indigenous to only the southwest coast of Africa in the Cedarburg Mountain region of the Western Cape.
- Unlike other herbs Rooibos is available in non - oxidize and oxidized forms (think green tea, non - oxidized vs. black tea, oxidized).
- The most commonly consumed type of Rooibos is the dark or oxidized version.
- Rooibos is naturally free of caffeine and makes a terrific beverage for anyone avoiding caffeine late in the day or all together.
- Rooibos is delicious hot or cold, is very refreshing and never bitter.
- It