Rooibos tea or red tea is produced from Aspalathus Linearis leaves. The leaves are a plant that grows in the Cederberg Mountains of South Africa. While in fermentation and oxidation methods, the leaves take on bright red coloring, thus the name “red tea”. It provides a nutty and sweet flavor and a fragile aroma. As it is not from the same plant as white, black, oolong, or green teas, this beverage is recognized as more of an herbal drink than tea.

Nowadays, several tea lovers in Japan, Germany, Holland, and England are enjoying it. Even scientists now have interest in testing the health promoting aspects of rooibos. Most are now testing its attributes for aiding stomach cramps, headaches, common aches and pains, allergies, and asthma. This tea is full of tons of healthy minerals and also antioxidants. For these particular compounds, it may also aid in depression, stress, and even cancer. Additionally, it has awesome good things about your skin.
However, there’s also concerns on the risk and unwanted effects of drinking rooibos. Here are some of them:

Possible risk for Hepatotoxicity
Hepatotoxicity implies chemical-driven liver injury. In a case report done in 2010, the European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology claimed the potential development of hepatotoxicity because of drinking rooibos tea. It’s because surge in liver enzymes that can damage the internal structure of the liver organ.

Estrogenic Activity
Some compounds in rooibos have been found to exhibit estrogenic activity. This means they have the potential of increasing the production of estrogen or female hormone. Overproduction of estrogen could cause side effects and could would medical condition including breast cancer. This is because breast cancer is responsive to estrogen and drinking it excessively could improve cancer’s rate of development.

Antioxidant Activity May Not Always Be Beneficial
Rooibos tea is full of antioxidants, and this factor has often been regarded as a health advantage or benefit. However they can also pause some health problems. It is because antioxidants may cause harmful effects when coupled with chemotherapeutic drugs. People who are dealing with chemotherapy may choose to pause and require their doctor’s advise before drinking this tea.

Freshly picked rooibos can be toxic
Rooibos tea that is fresh or raw may be contaminated with bacteria and salmonella so be sure that you’re only drinking the best types in the market.

Harder to absorb iron in vegetables
Much like black tea, rooibos is low in tannin, making it difficult for those ingesting it to absorb iron in vegetables. This means that it is advisable for patients with iron deficiency to drink it after meals. You may want to want to check with your doctor prior to including it in your daily diet.

Can cause breathing problems
This tea can also cause breathing or skin complications to people who have allergies. The side effects of ingesting it can show the signs of rashes, breathing difficulty, skin itchiness, shortness of breath, swollen skin, and chest tightness. Instantly consult your doctor in case any of these symptoms seem.

Possible side effects on babies
While ingesting rooibos is fine for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, it may have several unwanted effects on the child. This is particularly when taken as the mom is also taking other dietary supplements. For you and also your child’s safety, ask your doctor first before ingesting rooibos tea.

 

Source: http://epicurean-delights.net/2017/05/18/what-are-the-risks-and-side-effects-of-rooibos-tea/