Does Rooibos Tea Have Caffeine?

Rooibos Tea Caffeine

Rooibos (pronounced ROY-BUS) or redbush tea is a caffeine free herbal tea that is quickly gaining ground as a “cure all” for everything from acne to asthma. The tea is typically red in color, offering a sweet tobacco flavor and a rich earthy base. Rooibos is grown in a mountainous region of South Africa, where the leaves are harvested and dried to make everything from spice for cuisine to the finished tea that is found in American markets.

The Effects of Caffeine

Caffeine – friend or foe? While caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and can lead to a fatigue or drowsiness relief later in the day, it also acts as a diuretic, depleting the body of fluids at a faster rate than normal. This can lead to medical conditions such as dehydration, constipation and electrolyte imbalance. When consumed, caffeine affects the brain quickly and does not accumulate in the bloodstream. Physiologically, there is no need for caffeine and it is possible to avoid the substance completely with a decaf beverage – like rooibos tea.

Current research links caffeine to conditions such as osteoporosis and fibrocystic breasts, according to Medline Plus. People with acid reflux, anxiety, insomnia and stomach ulcers should limit or reduce caffeine intake. Rooibos tea and other caffeine free herbal teas offer a wide range of healthy decaffeinated flavors.

What Foods Contain Caffeine?

Caffeinated foods and beverages are commonplace in many Western diets. Caffeine is found in some obvious foods and beverages such as coffee but is also found in some surprising places. Some foods and beverages high in caffeine include:

  • Some types of nuts
  • Cocoa beans
  • Gum
  • Candy
  • Pain relievers
  • Diet pills
  • Cold medication

Rooibos Tea Caffeine

Common Side Effects of Caffeine

Caffeine, although flavorless and a common food additive, can lead to a multitude of side effects including:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • A fast heart rate
  • Restlessness or insomnia
  • Increased urination
  • Tremors
  • Anxiety and depression

When a person consistently consumes caffeine and the body develops a dependency, stopping suddenly causes withdrawal to occur. Caffeine withdrawal actually causes some of the same withdrawal symptoms as other types of addiction. For instance, nausea and vomiting can occur, along with irritability, headaches and feeling drowsy.