Rooibos

Rooibos, also known as Aspalathus linearis, is a plant in the legume family (Fabaceae). Its original distribution area is in the western mountain regions of South Africa. Rooibos is used as a caffeine-free drink, often as a tea, see also Asphalathi linearis herba. No recognized medicinal effect.

Aspalathus linearis is a shrub that reaches growth heights between one and two meters. It has upright branches with thin twigs on them. The bark is mostly reddish. The densely packed leaves are green and 1.5 to 6 cm long. and a shape that resembles pine needles.
The flowering time is in spring until the beginning of summer. The flowers stand singly or in inflorescences at the ends of the branches. The five petals of the plant are yellow.

Aspalathus linearis is the parent plant of Asphalathi linearis herba, the fermented young shoots and leaves of the plant.

Flavonoids, especially aspalathin, nothofagin, C-glycosyl flavones such as orientin and isoorientin, flavonol glycosides such as isoquercitrin and quercitrin.

Essential oil: guaiacol, damascenone, geranyl acetone, phenyl-ethyl alcohols, β-ionone

Tannins, acidic polysaccharides, little ascorbic acid, minerals such as iron, aluminum, calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, copper, as well as phosphate, sulfate and fluoride.

1. https://www.awl.ch/heilpflanzen/aspalanthus-linearis/rooibos.htm
2. https://heilkraeuter.de/lexikon/rooibos.htm