Overview

Rooibos is a fragrant, caffeine-free tea made from the leaves and stems of a shrub called Aspalathus linearis. It's the national drink of South Africa.

Rooibos contains chemicals that might protect the heart and might also prevent age-related changes in the brain.

People use rooibos for hay fever, age-related decline in memory and thinking skills, anxiety, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Rooibos overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Rooibos is commonly consumed in food and beverages. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if using rooibos in larger amounts as medicine is safe.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Rooibos is commonly consumed in food and beverages. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if using rooibos in larger amounts as medicine is safe.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if rooibos is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Atorvastatin (Lipitor) interacts with Rooibos

    Rooibos might increase levels of atorvastatin in the blood. This may increase the effects and side effects of atorvastatin. Before taking rooibos, talk to your healthcare provider if you take atorvastatin.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with Rooibos

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Rooibos might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications for high blood pressure (ACE inhibitors) interacts with Rooibos

    Rooibos might have a similar effect to ACE inhibitors. Taking rooibos with ACE inhibitors might cause increased effects and side effects.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with Rooibos

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Rooibos might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates) interacts with Rooibos

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Rooibos might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with Rooibos

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Rooibos might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates) interacts with Rooibos

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Rooibos might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Dosing

Traditionally, rooibos has been prepared as tea. But as medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of rooibos might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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