The South African tea, Redbush is fast becoming sought-after as a great caffeine-free alternative to black teas. Birchall’s classic red Redbush tea is made from the soft needle-like leaves of the wild South African plant, Aspalathus linearis. Our pure origin Redbush produces a gently hydrating infusion that is rich in antioxidants and naturally caffeine-free, giving you a light and healthy lift. It has a distinctive, natural nutty and full-bodied flavour, providing you with notes of honey and vanilla.
Our Redbush is available as a loose leaf tea or in eco-friendly tea bags, which are made from a biodegradable, plant-based material so you can sip guilt-free!
Although referred to as a tea, Redbush does not come from the tea plant and is not related to green or black tea. It originates from a herb that grows as a small bush in just one place – the Cederberg region of South Africa. This is the perfect environment for the rooibos plant. In our pursuit of quality we have expertly sourced the best grade rooibos of all from the majestic Cederberg Mountains in the Western Cape Province.
Is Rooibos tea and Redbush the same tea?
Yes, Rooibos is also known as Redbush. It seems different people have their own name for this tea: “rooibos (especially in Southern Africa), bush tea, red tea, or redbush tea (predominantly in Great Britain)” (Wikipedia)
At Birchall we call it Redbush.
How is Redbush made?
The red colour of this tea is created from the fermentation process – the Rooibos bush is actually green, just like the tea bush. In the Clanwilliam region Redbush was discovered and has been prepared as a tea by the indigenous Khoisan people for about 300 years. They would chop the leaves into smaller pieces using axes, hit and bruise the leaves with hammers, before drying them. The drying out of the Rooibos under the African sun changes the colour of the leaves to a deep red colour and enhances the flavour.
6 health benefits of Redbush tea
Redbush is full of brilliant compounds that provide a plethora of health benefits, making it one of the best drinks available for giving the body a boost. According to the wellness website Bulletproof, “for centuries, South Africans have turned to rooibos as a medicinal aid. It is used as a natural remedy to settle stomach upset, relieve eczema, reduce skin allergies, promote better sleep and soothe infant colic.”
Below are just some of the health benefits of drinking Redbush Tea:
- It Can Improve Your Skin
Redbush tea is rich in zinc, which is an important nutrient in assisting cell repair, healing wounds, protection against UV rays and reducing inflammation.
- A Rich Source in Antioxidants
An even richer source of antioxidants than Green Tea! Rich in Aspalathin and Nothofagin, which help protect the body by fighting free-radicals that attack healthy cells.
- It Can Improve Blood circulation and Lower Blood Pressure
Containing the Chrysoeriol compound, which aids blood circulation and has been linked to reducing cholesterol. This also has the added effect of reducing blood pressure.
- It Promotes Healthy Hair
Rich in Calcium, Zine, Copper and Potassium, which are all important minerals that support hair growth.
- It Aids Digestion
Redbush tea is also rich in Antispasmodic agents which help ease stomach cramps, abdominal pain and aid digestion.
- It’s Good for Bones and teeth
With a high Manganese, Calcium and Fluoride content which help promote healthy bones and teeth.
Can you add milk to Redbush tea? Yes, Redbush tea is strong enough to be drunk with a splash of milk. To make Redbush tea, simply brew it for 3 minutes in 100’ degrees, boiling water. Thanks to being naturally caffeine-free, it can be drunk any time of day, and is perfect before bed. If you’re after something really decadent, try it with a squeeze of honey.
Interested in more information about Redush tea?
- Shop our Redbush tea here
- Read our full article on the health benefits of Redbush here
- Read about all of our teas and master tea tasters here
- Birchall’s Redbush tea is made from biodegradable, plant-based tea bags. Read about our plant based tea-bags and sustainabili-TEA here
SOURCES
- Wikipedia, Rooibos, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rooibos>
- E.Mahler, Bulletproof website, Rooibos tea benefits,March 2020 <https://www.bulletproof.com/diet/superfoods/rooibos-tea-benefits-weight-loss/>
