At a glance. Rooibos: use 2.5 g of leaf per 200 ml of water at 95–100 °C and steep for 5–8 min. Caffeine: caffeine-free per 200 ml cup. Flavour: vanilla, sweet wood, honey.
A South African shrub, unrelated to tea. Naturally caffeine-free and low in tannins, so it never turns bitter even with long steeps, and it takes milk beautifully.
How to brew
- Heat the water to 95–100 °C.
- Use 2.5 g of leaf for every 200 ml.
- Steep for 5–8 min, then remove the leaves.
- You can simmer it with cinnamon and apple: it gains body without bitterness.
What it is commonly used for
- Sleep and winding down: Caffeine-free tisanes create an evening ritual. Chamomile, lemon balm and passionflower are the most studied for relaxation.
- Hydration with flavour: Tea counts as water. For anyone who struggles to drink plain water, unsweetened iced infusions are one of the simplest, most effective daily swaps.
Frequently asked questions
Does rooibos contain caffeine?
No. Rooibos comes from a South African shrub, not the tea plant, and is naturally caffeine-free. It has a sweet, woody taste, does not turn bitter with boiling water and works well at night, with milk or iced.