Why it works: The benefits of Rooibos tea for anxiety are attributed to the tea’s rich source of potent antioxidants and calming compounds. These elements help reduce cortisol levels, support relaxation, and stabilize mood, resulting in anxiety and stress relief benefits from rooibos tea.
What it is? Rooibos tea is made from the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis plant, which is native to South Africa. The herbal tea is traditionally valued for its medicinal properties, including its ability to relieve mental tension.
Rooibos tea’s anxiety benefits makes it one of the best natural remedies for stress and anxiety relief. In this article we will highlight five science-based reasons for rooibos anxiety and stress lowering benefits.
Rooibos Tea For Anxiety Benefits
Aspalathian, a powerful bioactive compound in rooibos, works along with other plant compounds to contribute to rooibos anti-anxiety benefits.
1. Cortisol Regulation
Aspalathin in Rooibos tea is reported to help reduce the production of cortisol. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone1. So rooibos tea cortisol reduction effects can help to lessen feelings of anxiety.
2. Nervous System Support
Minerals, such as magnesium and zinc in rooibus tea work to promote relaxation and stabilize mood by supporting the nervous system. It’s nervous system support contributes to the benefit rooibos (bush) tea for anxiety and relief stress benefits.
3. Antioxidant Support
Antioxidants like quercetin and luteolin in rooibos tea help protect brain cells from oxidative damage which is often associated with mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Luteolin in particular, is linked to improved memory and reduction of stress and anxiety.
4. Anti-inflammatory Effects
The teas brain health benefits significantly contribute to rooibos teaanxiety relief effects. By reducing inflammation, rooibos tea protects brain health. This, in turn, helps reduce the physical symptoms of stress and anxiety.
5. Caffeine-Free Relaxation
Because it is naturally caffeine-free, rooibos tea calming effects helps induce relaxation. Without the jittery effects associated with caffeinated herbal teas, rooibos (bush) tea helps significantly reduce anxiety and stress levels.
Additional Rooibos Benefits
In addition toits anxiety and stess relieving benefits, rooibos the tea offers more health benfits including supporting heart health, improving skin appearnce, and enhancing sleep quality.
- Relieve Tension Headaches: This anti-inflammatory action can help reduce the occurrence of stress-induced headaches.
- Enhance Sleep Quality: This tea promotes relaxation without disrupting sleep patterns. This is Unlike caffeinated beverages that can overstimulate the nervous system and lead to anxiety or insomnia.
- Improve Mood: Bioactive compounds such as Magnesium in the herbal tea, play a vital role in neurotransmitter regulation. This regulation has a direct impact on mood and stress levels which contributes to rooibos tea benefits for stress ad anxiety.
- Youthful Glow: Rooibos rich blend of antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E work together to combat skin damaging free radicals providing protection and rejuvenation of skin cells. This reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while helping maintain a radiant and youthful complexion.
Rooibos Tea Traditional Uses
Rooibos has played a significant South African traditional medicine for generations. These are five common uses of rooibos tea. Notice that the uses are closely linked to what modern research says about the tea.
1. Digestive Aid: Traditionally, rooibos tea has been used to relieve digestive issues such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, and indigestion. Studies suggest that its antispasmodic properties, attributed to compounds like quercetin, can help relax the digestive tract.
2. Allergy Relief: In South African traditional medicine, rooibos-aka bush tea has been used as a remedy for allergies, including asthma and hay fever. This is supported by research showing that rooibos contains bioactive flavonoids like quercetin and rutin, which can inhibit the release of histamine, a compound involved in allergic responses .
3. Skin Health: Rooibos has been traditionally applied topically to soothe skin irritations, such as eczema, acne, and sunburns. Scientific research supports its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which skin protective benefits.
4. Infant Colic: Rooibos tea has been given to infants in South African cultures to help with colic and irritability. Research suggests that the tea’s antispasmodic effects can soothe the intestinal muscles, which may explain its use in calming colicky babies .
5. Calming Effect: Yet another rooibos proven benefit is its traditional use as a calming beverage to help promote sleep.
Important Note: These uses are associated with traditional practices. However, although present research is limited2, there is increasing scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness. So keep up to date with current information.
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Where to Buy Rooibos Tea
Premium quality Rooibos tea is commercially available at local health food and speciality stores.
You can find rooibos in various formulations. Here are three options along with their pros and cons to help you choose what’s best for you.
| Form | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Loose Leaf Rooibos | Fresh, customizable strength. | Requires a tea infuser. |
| Rooibos Tea Bags | Convenient, easy to use. | May contain lower quality tea. |
| Rooibos Tea Capsules | Easy to take on-the-go. | Lack the brewing experience and taste of brewed tea. |
Rooibos Tea Recipe
According to one source3 the most benefits come from steeping rooibos tea for 10 minutes or longer. So follow these steps to rooibos tea for anxiety relief:
- Add one teaspoon of loose leaf tea (or one tea bag) to boiling water.
- Steep for 10 to 15 minutes, strain (if loose leaf), and enjoy. You can add honey or lemon for extra flavor if desired.
Recommended Consumption: For anxiety relief, it’s best to drink 1-3 cups of this tea daily. Consuming it in the evening offers relaxation and better sleep benefits.
Side Effects of Rooibos Tea
While Rooibos tea is generally safe for most people, some may experience mild digestive issues or allergic reactions. However, these are rare.
Who Should Avoid Rooibos
Individuals with specific allergies to the tea or those on certain medications, should avoid Rooibos tea. Always consult a healthcare provider before introducing new herbal remedies into your routine.
Conslusion
Rooibos tea offers a natural, scientifically supported way to ease stress and anxiety. By incorporating this African herbal tea into your daily life, you can enjoy its range of benefits including potentially reducing mental tension.
Remember to consume it in moderation and seek professional advice if you have any health concerns.
References
- Fiksdal, Alexander et al. “Associations between symptoms of depression and anxiety and cortisol responses to and recovery from acute stress.” Psychoneuroendocrinology vol. 102 (2019): 44-52. doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.11.035 ↩︎
- Afrifa, Daniel et al. “The health benefits of rooibos tea in humans (aspalathus linearis)-a scoping review.” Journal of public health in Africa vol. 14,12 2784. 1 Dec. 2023, doi:10.4081/jphia.2023.2784 ↩︎
- Piek, Hannelise et al. “Rooibos herbal tea: An optimal cup and its consumers.” Health SA = SA Gesondheid vol. 24 1090. 21 Feb. 2019, doi:10.4102/hsag.v24i0.1090 ↩︎
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