Rooibos: The Caffeine-Free All-Rounder
A ruby-red bush tea from South Africa's Cederberg that pairs with anything—including sleep.
Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) grows nowhere else on Earth but a small band of South African mountains. It is naturally caffeine-free, low in tannins, and rich in aspalathin—an antioxidant unique to the plant.
How It Works
Aspalathin appears to modulate glucose uptake and reduce oxidative stress markers in small human trials. Without caffeine or tannins, rooibos will not disturb sleep or block iron absorption.
All-Day Brewing
Steep one tablespoon in 12oz of boiling water for 7 minutes—longer will not turn it bitter. Serve hot, iced, or with a splash of oat milk as a late-night latte.
From the Steep Shelf
A few tools, teas, and staples we use (or would use) to support the ideas in this article.
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