Rooibos does not qualify as tea.  The true definition of Tea is a beverage made from the Camellia Sinensis leaf.  Rooibos (Aspalathus Linearis ) is an Afrikaans word for red bush, and it is pronounced ROY-boss. Rooibos only grows in its natural habitat the Cedarburg mountain area of South Africa, as a unique shrub-like plant. This area takes us back to a world without polluted air or soils; Rooibos is  extravagantly rich in naturally-occurring nutrients.   It was the locals of the area who first discovered that the fine, needle-like leaves of the ROOIBOS plant made a tasty, aromatic drink.   Rooibos has more anti-oxidant properties than Green tea without the caffeine and oxalic acid which can contribute to kidney disease. South Africans were the first to harvest the wild-growing plants. They would chop them with axes and then bruise the leaves and steams right after they were picked with hammers, leaving them to naturally ferment in heaps before drying them in the sun. At a particular point in the plant's ripening process, the leaves develop a deep reddish brown color with a naturally sweet smooth and nutty taste, thus the name "red bush". Rooibos is the only tisane tea that readily accepts cream or milk and is delicious either hot or cold, with sugar or without.  Rooibos comes in two varieties - red (fermented) and green (unfermented). Naturally green, the plant turns red while fermenting.  Some studies suggest green rooibos has a higher concentration of many of the nutrients found in the red variety--more flavonoids, anti-oxidants, and minerals. Most people know of the wonderful antioxidant properties of green tea. As great as green tea is, Rooibos leaves its Asian cousin in the dust where nutritional value is concerned. For the record, black tea can't match it for nutritional value either.

Rooibos is widely used for its refreshing taste, and many people believe that it has beneficial effects on health. It first gained popularity as a health drink in South Africa when it was discovered that Rooibos had a soothing effect on babies suffering from colic and restlessness. More and more evidence is now coming to light that Rooibos has favorable medicinal effects.

Health / Ingredient Facts

• Beneficial in the treatment of diabetes, high blood pressure, irritability, headaches, stomach cramps, disturbed sleeping patterns, insomnia, nervous tension, mild depression or hypertension, liver diseases, allergies, cataracts, skin irritations and other conditions (especially when applied directly to the affect area), mellitus, atherosclerosis, and colic and feeding problems in infants. The list continues: nausea and vomiting, constipation, stomach ulcers, heartburn.
• Low tannin content.
• Acts as a powerful antioxidant.
• Replenishes iron levels, which is especially helpful to breast-feeding or pregnant women.
• No negative side effects ever reported.
• Fresh from nature, meaning it is 100% organic, with no additives, preservatives, or colorants.
• Completely caffeine-free!
• Free from any harmful stimulants.
• Boosts the immune system.
• Can be mixed with milk, unlike other teas.
• Has a natural hint of sweetness, but also tastes great with honey, lemon, and many others!
• Contains no oxalic acid, allowing those suffering from kidney stones to drink it freely.
• Aids your body's natural schedule, relaxing you at night and stimulating you in the day.
• Delicious flavor!
• It's also Kosher!
• Contains the following nutrients: