The story of Rooibos starts around the turn of the century in South Africa’s beautiful Cedarberg region. It was the locals of the area who first discovered that the fine needle like leaves of the wild “Aspalathus Linearis” plant made a tasty aromatic tea. It was they who first harvested the plants, chopped them with axes and bruised them with hammers leaving them to ferment before drying in the sun. Rooibos is a herb that contains no caffeine. Those that consume Rooibos have claimed that it has a soothing effect on headaches, disturbed sleeping patterns and digestive problems.

What makes rooibos tea particularly good for your belly is a unique and powerful flavonoid called Aspalathin. According to South African researchers, polyphenols and flavonoids found in the plant inhibit adipogenesis–the formation of new fat cells–by as much as 22 percent. The chemicals also help aid fat metabolism. As an added bonus, Rooibos is naturally sweet, so you won't need to add sugar. 

Rooibos seeds are planted in February and March and tended for 18 months after which they are harvested. Cut Rooibos is bound and milled to a uniform length then bruised between rollers to trigger the fermentation process, which results in the characteristic flavor and sweet aroma.