Review of Red Bush Tea
by Katy (Katykin)
For anyone trying to cut out caffeine while pregnant, lactating or trying to conceive, red bush tea (also known as rooibos, red tea, African tea) from South Africa is an excellent alternative. It can be drunk with or without milk and sugar, and tastes similar to normal black tea. I’ve actually grown to prefer the taste. It is good hot or iced!
Red bush tea is naturally caffeine free (unlike green tea), is low in tannins and full of antioxidants, vitamin C and minerals making it an ideal, safe drink for pregnancy, breastfeeding and pre-conception.
Women in Africa have been drinking this tea during pregnancy and breastfeeding for generations. In the UK red bush tea is becoming more widely available in supermarkets, health food stores and online. Click here to see examples available from ConceptionFAQ.com!
Why go caffeine free? It is recommended that caffeine intake is reduced or eliminated during pregnancy to reduce the risk of miscarriage. It is also thought that too much caffeine during pregnancy can lead to a reduced birth weight. During IVF many clinics suggest that caffeine intake is reduced to increase chances of success.
Tannins in tea may reduce the absorption of iron and calcium which is vital during early pregnancy, so the low tannin content of red bush makes it a perfect choice for mothers to be.
It is also said that red bush tea helps with nervous tension, insomnia, allergies and digestive problems.
A word of warning, make sure that you do not drink red bush tea which has been blended with any other herbs such as rosemary, as these may not be suitable for pregnancy.
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