Asphalathi linearis herba

Asphalathi linearis herba, also known as rooibos tea, massai tea or rooibos tea, is a frequently used tea variety, which is also used medicinally and therefore belongs to the herbal drugs.

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.