Rooibos tea is indigenous to South Africa and is also known as African red tea or red bush tea due to its colour. It is not a true tea, but rather a herb which makes it a herbal and medicinal tea. Until recently it was only used within South Africa but it is now known worldwide and is a popular exported product due to its subtle sweet taste and wonderful health benefits.

Rooibos tea is naturally caffeine free which makes it the ideal drink for people with insomnia, adrenal fatigue, migraines and high stress lifestyles. A cup before bed can actually promote better sleep.

Since rooibos tea is a gentle herbal tea, free from caffeine, tannins and oxalates, it is commonly given to babies and children as a healthy drink. It has a nice flavour so children love it and you can also add some honey to improve the flavour. It is known to soothe colicky babies because of its calming effect on the digestive system.

The health benefits attributed to rooibos tea are believed to come from its high content of polyphenols which have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects on the body. These polyphenols are some of the most potent anti-oxidant compounds and they act to mop up free radicals in the body, thus preventing or slowing down oxidative damage. This makes it a wonderful beverage to improve immunity and guard against an array of chronic health conditions.

Rooibos is a common remedy for stomach cramps, nausea and diarrhoea because it is an antispasmodic agent which reduces hyperactivity in the gastrointestinal tract. 

Rooibos tea is commonly added to body care and hair care products because it has a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. It can soothe insect bites and heal eczema and rashes. Its anti-inflammatory effect is due to its antioxidants which make it effective for treating allergies and inflammatory conditions like asthma, arthritis and inflammatory bowel conditions.

Using face products that contains rooibos tea extract can help to relieve pimples, acne, wrinkles and dull skin. In addition to this, its high content of antioxidants will revitalize your skin and give it a healthy glow.  Putting rooibos tea bags in a bath can help to soothe skin conditions and is also helpful if your baby has nappy rash.

Rooibos tea is a dense source of minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper and others. They are easy to absorb because they come in a natural state in the correct ratio.

Rooibos tea has no known side effects which makes it a great preventive health tool. It is safe for babies and pregnant women. Although rooibos tea is a natural herb it is a medicinal plant and as with anything medicinal you should consult your doctor before you use it if you have any chronic health problems.

Find companies that provide organic and natural teas here.

Sources
http://www.sarooibos.org.za/research-summaries-mainmenu-115/146-the-science-of-why-rooibos-is-good-for-you
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/beverage/health-benefits-of-red-rooibos-tea.html