Asphalathi linearis herba

Dried leaves and stems of rooibos. Asphalathi linearis herba is a frequently used type of tea which is also used medicinally and is therefore classified as a herbal drug.

Commission E: - no processing

ESCOP: - no processing

HMPC: - no processing

Empirical medicine: (South Africa) Stomach and intestinal cramps, externally for skin problems. For relaxation, also for allergies and to prevent tooth decay due to its fluorine content.

Asphalathi linearis herba contains the minerals copper and fluoride, 4 to 5% hydrolyzable tannins (gallotannins) and the following flavonoids: luteolin, quercitin, quercetin, rutoside, isoquercitin, vextin, asphalathin (unfermented 3 to 12 %) and nothofagin (unfermented up to 1.2 %), due to the polyphenols it contains it has a corresponding antioxidant effect.

Rooibos tea has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-allergenic, antimutagenic and anti-carcinogenic properties. In addition, it lowers LDL and triglyceride levels and thus has a preventive effect against arteriosclerosis.

Asphalathi linearis herba is used for external application in cosmetic products or for diaper dermatitis. For internal use in gastrointestinal tract complaints, to increase general well-being, for the prophylaxis of arteriosclerosis and as a drink during sports.

It is advisable to take a cup of tea several times a day at about 2.5 g per cup.

There are no known adverse effects.

There are no known contraindications.

There are no known interactions with other drugs.

1. Schilcher H (2016) In: Leitfaden Phytotherapie, Urban & Fischer Verlag Munich, p. 271 f.
2. Smit-Van Schalkwyk M et al. (2020) Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) protects against nicotineinduced vascular injury and oxidative stress in Wistar rats. Cardiovasc J Afr. 31:81-90. doi: 10.5830/CVJA-2019-052. Epub 2020 Feb 7. PMID: 32031565.
3. https://www.awl.ch/heilpflanzen/aspalanthus-linearis/rooibos.htm
4. https://heilkraeuter.de/lexikon/rooibos.htm