A Natural History Rooibos began its more modern day history in 1968 when Annatjie Theron accidentally used some left over rooibos to mix her baby's bottle. It appeared to cure the 14-month old girl of her chronic restlessness, vomiting and stomach cramps. When no one would listen to her, Annatjie advertised through a local paper and found enough mothers with similar problems that they provided the first testing ground for her claims. Soon a national South African newspaper published the results on the front page. Many years later rooibos has been subjected to scientific research, academically supporting her findings. Rooibos is naturally infused with health; it contains no additives, colourings, artificial preservatives or calories. Rooibos is also naturally caffeine free, i.e. it does not undergo any chemical process to remove the caffeine, it is also extremely low in tannin, on average less than half that of regular black teas (Camellia sinensis). Tannin is a substance which can affect your ability to absorb and store essential iron, which may be of particular importance to growing children or if you are suffering with anaemia, are pregnant or on a calorie controlled diet. It also means that it lacks that bitter aftertaste present in many black teas, so you do not need to add a sweetener. Our own Redbush Tea is, and will continue to remain GMO free. « back   next »