Rooibos е храстовидно растение (Aspalathus Linearis), което вирее в западните планински склонове на Южна Африка. По традиция местните жители са се катерили високо в планините, за да отрежат фините му игловидни листенца, от които се прави чаят rooibos. Събирани грижливо в торби, те пренасяли товара на гръб или с помощта на магарета. Торбите с листата и стеблата се изсипвали равномерно върху плоски камъни, където са ги налагали с колове и тояги, за да се подпомогне процеса на  окисляване.

Modern processing of rooibos proceeds in a different way. The seeds are planted in winter (which in South Africa is between January and March). Germination takes several months, and it takes more than a year to harvest. After cutting and precise processing of the leaves, they are left to dry naturally - in the sun. Leaf processing can be done in two ways:

• through a fermentation process, resulting in the characteristic of rooibos dark blackish- Brown color. Therefore, the tea prepared by this rooibos is better known as "red tea ” or “red bush” tea. It is the widespread, signature rooibos whose flavor profile is characterized by sweetness and a fruity aftertaste.
• without fermentation, resulting in rooibos acquires a green color, fresh, slightly grassy ' taste and malty aftertaste. It is not as popular as rooibos red tea and found relatively less often on the market.

Rooibos does not contain caffeine, which ranks it among the drinks of choice, and its content of valuable trace elements such as iron and copper makes it a suitable drink before bed. A number of scientific studies have been done that prove the potential healing properties of rooibos tea, including :

• Immune system support – paradoxically to its above qualities, rooibos tea, due to its rich mineral content, is also recommended for people with a busy daily life such as athletes and businessmen. Its refreshing effect ranks it among the invigorating and thirst-quenching drinks at the same time. Its regular intake helps to strengthen the body and for its active recovery after intense exercise.
• Ниско съдържание на танини – едва 4,4%. Това го прави отличен избор за предпочитащите чай с по-мек вкус, като и за хората, които имат храносмилателни проблеми или мигренозни пристъпи.
• The antioxidant properties of rooibos help slow down the aging process and strengthen the immune system. Regular drinking of rooibos has a beneficial effect on blood pressure, cholesterol, supports the cardiovascular system and people with cancer and diabetes.
• Suitable for diets – as a natural beverage promoting healthy digestion, rooibos can regulate intestinal peristalsis and create a sense of comfort in the digestive process. Regular but controlled intake of tea has a beneficial effect during diets and detoxification of the body.
• Antidepressant – rooibos tea has a calming effect on the central nervous system system. It is a valuable helper in the fight against depression, insomnia and headaches.
• Anti-inflammatory action – rooibos supports the treatment of eczema, asthma, allergies and bronchitis. There are a number of studies that testify to the beneficial effects of the herb in colic and allergies in newborns.

Since 2005 rooibos has become a trendy drink worldwide since a coffee company created a variant of a drink that gained popularity as a "red cappuccino" - an alternative to coffee, but without caffeine. The drink is prepared in a professional coffee machine, but it is actually a strong, rich-tasting tea. At home rooibos tea goes well with milk as well.

Regardless of drinking preference, rooibos tea remains an indispensable choice for people of all ages, as well as for those who are sensitive to caffeine.