The good news first: Rooibus tea and pregnancy go very well together!
Pregnant women don’t have it easy when it comes to nutrition because they have to pay attention to many things.
Caution is not only required with animal products, but also with some herbs, spices and teas.
Many expectant mothers are surprised to learn that non-alcoholic drinks such as sparkling wine are not necessarily completely free of alcohol.
Others are unsure whether they can eat Camembert made from pasteurized milk or not.
Lovers of turmeric and cinnamon are often just as unsettled during pregnancy as women who like to drink ginger ale .
There are also myths and false assumptions surrounding food.
No wonder, then, that the conscientious mother wants to know exactly what is going on and asks about the origin, ingredients and effects of food.
This article is about rooibos tea. Here you’ll find answers to questions about how healthy it is, how it works, and how much is beneficial during pregnancy.
Finally, there is also a brief overview of teas that are particularly recommended for pregnant women.
How healthy is Rooibos tea?
Rooibos tea is very healthy. Not only does it contain valuable nutrients, but it is also free of caffeine and tannins.
Pregnant women appreciate this because they’re supposed to limit their caffeine consumption. So feel free to have more than one cup of rooibos tea.
In addition to calcium and magnesium, rooibos teas also contain sodium, potassium, copper, zinc and manganese, as well as essential oils.
Rooibus tea is also rich in iron, which can help meet the increased iron requirements of pregnancy.
If you are struggling with nausea and vomiting during pregnancy , rooibos tea can help with its soothing effect on the stomach.
It is also said to help prevent and relax varicose veins.
It is also believed that rooibos tea has a positive effect on the stress hormone cortisol.
How is Rooibus tea made?
This tea is grown in South Africa. In German, the bush, which is cultivated about 200 km north of Cape Town, is also called redbush.
It needs dry and sandy soil in summer and plenty of rain in winter.
Rooibos tea is harvested between January and March. It is then cut and fermented.
This usually happens outdoors, as the leaves can dry well in the sun.
Green Rooibos tea is not fermented, which is why it reaches the end consumer in a green color.
Other types of rooibos tea have the characteristic rust-brown color.
These teas have to travel a long way before they reach us. That’s why the environmental footprint of this food is so poor.
About half of the harvest is marketed directly in South Africa, as tea has become a kind of national drink there.
Like so many other foods, rooibos tea can be contaminated with pesticides.
In the case of conventional products on the market, it can even happen that the legal limits are exceeded.
If you want to be sure that you are buying good, healthy rooibos tea, you should find out more about the manufacturer and distributor.
It is best to buy organic tea if possible to save yourself the hassle of researching.
A few years ago, Öko-Test examined several varieties of rooibos tea. Liver-damaging and carcinogenic substances were found in about two-thirds of the tested products.
These do not come from tea, but from a very similar weed plant that grows near rooibus and is accidentally harvested.
Only three organic teas passed the test because only traces of PA were found in them.
Rooibos tea effect on blood pressure
Rooibos tea helps lower blood pressure if consumed regularly.
The tea contains so-called chysoeriols, which inhibit enzymes that damage blood vessels, thus also reducing cholesterol levels.
As a preventative measure against arteriosclerosis, rooibos tea protects against diseases that can affect the heart and blood vessels.
A study conducted at a university in South Africa confirmed this. The subjects were individuals at increased risk for the aforementioned diseases.
Six cups of rooibos tea were drunk daily for a period of six weeks.
As a result, the subjects actually showed improved cholesterol levels. This is due to the antioxidants contained in rooibos tea, which protect the blood vessels.
The positive effect of rooibos tea on the heart and blood vessels is the only one scientifically proven.
There are no studies on the alleged antispasmodic, digestive and anti-inflammatory effects of this tea.
Rooibos tea – effects on sleep
You can drink rooibos tea in the evening like herbal tea or chamomile tea, as it contains no caffeine, no theine and no oxalic acid.
Unlike green and black tea, rooibos tea is also suitable for consumption before bedtime. However, it doesn’t have a particularly sleep-inducing effect.
Rooisbus tea – weight loss effect
Although rooibos tea is not a miracle cure for weight loss, it can still be helpful in losing weight.
Rooibos tea has a sweet taste, which can curb your appetite for sweets.
The tea itself does not contain any sugar, but rather the plant substances falvanoids, which taste sweet.
This sends a message to your brain that you’ve already consumed the desired carbohydrates, thus outsmarting it. The more often you drink rooibos tea, the stronger this effect becomes.
It’s best to drink a glass of water after tea to help you feel full. But please don’t expect sudden weight loss.
As mentioned, the delicious tea alone can’t work miracles. Losing weight requires a complete change in diet and plenty of exercise.
How much rooibos tea during pregnancy?
As an expectant mother, you can also meet your increased fluid needs with rooibos tea if you like.
There is nothing against it and there are no restrictions on the amount.
Please make sure you buy certified organic tea. If you notice that you don’t tolerate it well in large quantities, stop consuming it as a precaution.
In this case, talk to your doctor before drinking rooibos tea again.
Which tea during pregnancy?
You can’t go wrong with rooibos and pure rosehip, even if you drink these teas regularly and in larger quantities.
You’ve probably heard that you should be careful when consuming certain teas.
In principle, you can drink any tea, but it’s better to drink it in smaller quantities. It’s best to alternate the variety regularly. When choosing tea blends, pay attention to the ingredients list.
In addition to rooibos tea and rosehip tea, the following types of tea are safe during pregnancy:
1. Fruit tea
As long as the fruit teas don’t contain blackberry leaves, hibiscus, or lemongrass, you can drink as much as you like.
Fruit teas are usually rich in vitamin C and are good for you and your baby.
Instead of using ready-made blends, you can also prepare your own fruit tea, preferably using the following types of tea that are recommended for pregnant women.
2. Chamomile tea
Chamomile is much better than rooibos if you have trouble falling asleep.
This classic tea calms the body and mind, helps with gastrointestinal disorders and heartburn.
You can enjoy chamomile tea without restrictions during pregnancy. However, if you’ve rarely drunk it before, you should approach it slowly. Your stomach may react sensitively until it gets used to it.
3. Fennel tea
When consumed in moderation, fennel is a popular remedy for stomach pain, cramps and morning sickness.
Some pregnancy teas therefore contain fennel, cumin and anise.
Medicinal herbs should be taken in moderation, as larger amounts can have an adverse effect, especially if you have a sensitive stomach.
Fennel tea is also recommended during breastfeeding as it supports milk production and can relieve stomach pain and flatulence in the baby .
4. Lady’s mantle tea
Midwives recommend lady’s mantle in the first twelve weeks of pregnancy, in the amount of one to two cups daily.
However, pregnant women should discontinue consumption during the second trimester. Lady’s mantle tea could trigger premature labor due to its circulation-stimulating effects.
5. Raspberry leaf tea
Be careful, you should not drink raspberry leaf tea before the 35th week of pregnancy because it can stimulate labor.
This tea is popular among midwives because it loosens the pelvic area and strengthens the uterus.
Raspberry leaf tea is a great way to prepare for labor. Three to five cups are usually consumed, but it’s best to ask your midwife if this is a good idea for you.
6. Ginger tea
It is certainly confusing to read conflicting recommendations regarding ginger during pregnancy.
Some people remove ginger tea from the list of recommended teas for pregnant women.
Unjustifiably, I think, because if drunk in moderation, this tea helps against morning sickness and gets the circulation going.
It has fallen into disrepute because of its supposed labor-inducing effect.
7. Peppermint tea
Similar to ginger, peppermint tea should not be consumed in large quantities during pregnancy.
As a popular warm thirst quencher in winter and iced tea in summer, some people even drink it by the liter.
However, neither pregnant nor breastfeeding mothers should do this. Peppermint can trigger premature labor and inhibit milk production.
Even though peppermint tea helps against nausea and heartburn, please only consume it in small amounts and every day as a precaution.
8. Sage tea
In principle, there’s nothing wrong with regularly consuming sage tea. It aids digestion and makes sore throats more bearable.
But be careful: if consumed in large quantities, it can cause dizziness and cramps. Just be careful and see how you tolerate it.
By the way, it’s not recommended during breastfeeding, as sage has a weaning effect . So please don’t drink it before or after giving birth!
Which tea should you avoid during pregnancy?
Don’t panic if you (accidentally) drank tea containing hibiscus, lemongrass, blackberry leaves, verbena, and caffeine or theine: Although these types of tea are not recommended for pregnant women, small amounts are usually no cause for concern.
If you experience complications or severe discomfort during your pregnancy , tell your gynecologist or midwife which tea you drank and how much. This way, you can be sure everything is okay.
But why are the teas mentioned not good for the expectant mother and the baby?
1. Teas with licorice root
Licorice root is often included in herbal tea blends. Naturally, it’s concerning to learn that a specific ingredient in licorice root is suspected of increasing the risk of premature birth.
However, you would have to consume large amounts to achieve this effect. Two to three cups of licorice root tea are safe.
However, many expectant mothers cannot enjoy it because of the terrible idea.
2. Teas and blends with caffeine
Caffeine also affects the baby in the womb and should be avoided or limited.
If you already drink two or three cups of coffee a day during pregnancy, it is best to avoid black, green, white, matcha and chai tea.
By the way, black tea inhibits iron absorption and can lead to constipation.
Even if you have chosen black tea as a coffee substitute, you should not drink more than three cups a day.
Green tea does promote digestion by stimulating bile production.
However, the rule here is that no more than three cups should be consumed daily. This also applies to white tea.
Matcha tea contains even more caffeine than black and green tea, so you should not drink more than two cups per day.
Chai tea is usually made from black tea, cinnamon and ginger, cardamom and cloves, as well as other spices.
Ready-made chai mixes also contain licorice. So there are several reasons why you should avoid chai tea during pregnancy.
Drinking a cup occasionally is fine, but not more than that and not every day.
3. Hibiscus tea
Hibiscus is the reason you should be wary of herbal and fruit tea blends. It’s a popular ingredient in blends.
The small amounts you don’t consume every day are nothing to worry about. However, you can also make your own blends and then you don’t have to worry about consuming them.
Hibiscus can affect your estrogen levels and stimulate the uterus during pregnancy, so you should never drink it neat.
4. Lemongrass
Lemongrass is thought to trigger uterine cramps and lead to bleeding during pregnancy. Nevertheless, it is added not only to herbal teas but even to pregnancy teas.
Even very small amounts impart a fresh aroma to the blends and can be consumed occasionally without causing any unwanted side effects. Don’t drink it neat, of course!
5. Nettle tea
This tea adversely affects your water balance during pregnancy.
By removing water from the blood and increasing the number of red blood cells, the risk of thrombosis and edema increases.
It is best to avoid this tea completely throughout your pregnancy.
You can drink it during the postpartum period. Nettle tea will even help meet your iron needs.
6. St. John’s wort tea
You should urgently discuss taking St. John’s wort as a herbal remedy for depression with your family doctor and gynecologist.
Although there are no studies (yet), it is assumed that a certain ingredient has a negative effect on the skin.
Sunburn-like skin reactions have been observed in pregnant and breastfeeding women.
In smaller amounts, St. John’s wort also passes into breast milk and causes drowsiness in the infant.
Final thoughts
The South African national drink has also gained popularity in the West. Rooibos tea is available in various varieties and flavors.
Unfortunately, this is not very ecological due to the long delivery routes.
Pregnant women can safely enjoy rooibos tea in larger quantities.
This tea contains neither caffeine nor theine and no unwanted side effects are known.
In this article I talked about where the tea is grown and how it is produced.
I also reported on its positive effects on cholesterol levels and on the heart and blood vessels.
But be careful! Since Öko-Test found harmful substances in rooibos teas from various manufacturers during a study a few years ago, it’s best to only buy it in proven organic quality.
Here you will also find a brief overview of teas that are recommended and not recommended during pregnancy.
Please remember, it all depends on the amount. Whether a tea is effective as a remedy or has unwanted side effects depends, in most cases, on the amount consumed.
