Last spring, upon entering my local health food store, I was offered a sample of a "new" tea they were stocking - Rooibos. Its soft, sweet, slightly nutty roasted flavor conjured that of green tea, but that wasn't all: it's completely caffeine free, and it's medicinal profile was enviable. I was intrigued enough to buy it. And now it's my favorite.

Since then, I've noticed this tea everywhere. I'm not certain if this is one of those universal "you learn about it and then suddenly it's everywhere" phenomenons, or if it truly hit the US market around this time. Nevertheless, I ventured to learn a bit more:
- Rooibos is from South Africa, where it literally means "red bush" in Afrikaans - yet the bush naturally grows green - the red color occurs during fermentation.
- Naturally caffeine, additive, preservative, and colorant free
- As a healing, soothing and digestive aid Rooibos tea releases natural anti-oxidants that actively combat and help neutralize harmful free-radicals affecting your body.
- Rooibos helps to give you strong bones and teeth because of its calcium, manganese and fluoride content.
- Rooibos helps pacify infants with colic, stomach cramps and sleeping problems.
- Rooibos contains alpha hydroxy acid and zinc for healthy, smooth skin. This wonder tea is especially useful when applied to skin irritations like itchy skin, eczema, sunburns, diaper rash and acne.
- Put used rooibos tea bags in the refrigerator or freezer. After a hard day's work, put on tired or red eyes to soothe and relax.
- Rooibos contains magnesium which is necessary for a healthy nervous system.
- Rooibos increases the absorption of iron in the body.
- Rooibos contains potassium and copper minerals that are necessary for several metabolic functions.
- Rooibos has been prescribed for nervous tension and mild depression as it makes a relaxing sedative.

Here's a bit more helpful information I found in an online article by Jan Zeiger: The Health Benefits of Rooibos Tea

I encourage you to give it a shot. You should be able to find it at any Whole Foods, health food store, or specialty tea lounge. Enjoy and share your experience....