Red Tea
Supplement Forms/Alternate Names:
• Rooibos, red rooibos, red bush tea
Introduction
Red tea is made from the leaves of the rooibos plant. It has been used as an antioxidant to help slow damage to cells. Red tea has also been used to help improve heart and liver health. The leaves are steeped and made into a tea.
DosagesThere are no advised doses for red tea.
What Research Shows
Not Enough Data to Assess
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Safety Notes
It is likely safe to take red tea in small doses for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to take for a long period. It is also not known whether it is safe to take by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Interactions
Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.
References [ + ]
1. Marnewick JL, Rautenbach F, et al. Effects of rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) on oxidative stress and biochemical parameters in adults at risk for cardiovascular disease. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011 Jan 7;133(1):46-52.
2. Persson IA, Josefsson M, Persson K et al. Tea flavanols inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme activity and increase nitric oxide production in human endothelial cells. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2006;58:1139-44.
3. Ulicna O, Vancova O, Bozek P et al. Rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis) partially prevents oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Physiol Res. 2006;55:157-64.
Last reviewed July 2019 by EBSCO NAT Review Board
Eric Hurwitz, DC
Last Updated: 3/30/2020